In February, 2020, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba unveiled the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) new global esports partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) during a Washington Wizards Game. The agreement is particularly focused on promoting cultural diplomacy, growth and inclusivity in the global esports community
MSE is among the leading integrated sports and entertainment companies in the United States (US). Based in Washington, DC, the company owns the Wizards District Gaming, a professional NBA 2K League team, and Caps Gaming, a new esports subsidiary focused on growing the NHL competitive gaming scene.
During his special announcement, Ambassador Al Otaiba stated, “As a leader in the sports space, Monumental is a natural partner to help us connect the UAE’s dynamic esports community with likeminded gamers here in the States.”
Excited for what the future holds, Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer also commented, “With our ever-expanding esports profile at Monumental and the exponential growth of gaming in the UAE, this is an ideal fit.”
As part of the 2020 agreement, MSE will also promote the core mission of UAE USA United, a UAE Embassy campaign dedicated to highlighting bilateral relations between the two countries.
Over the years, UAE USA United and MSE have teamed up in several capacities including a virtual NBA 2K Coaching Clinic during the coronavirus pandemic. The campaign has also been the presenting partner of several Caps Gaming events, and will continue to support MSE Weekly esports shows and future esports tournaments.
As part of the 2020 agreement, MSE will also promote the core mission of UAE USA United, a UAE Embassy campaign dedicated to highlighting bilateral relations between the two countries.
Over the years, UAE USA United and MSE have teamed up in several capacities including a virtual NBA 2K Coaching Clinic during the coronavirus pandemic. The campaign has also been the presenting partner of several Caps Gaming events, and will continue to support MSE Weekly esports shows and future esports tournaments.
The Rapid Rise of Esports in the Emirates
With 65% of the Emirati population under the age of 30, the UAE has developed a passion for technology, gaming and entertainment. As a result, the region has grown into one of the biggest esports hubs in the Middle East and around the globe.
With gaming quickly becoming a part of the cultural mainstream, the UAE is now home to esports leaders like Power League Gaming and Nasr Esports. The region had the privilege of hosting the UK’s Insomnia gaming festival in the Middle East and the historic GIRLGAMER World Finals, which established the Middle East’s first female esports team.
In recent months, the UAE also held the inaugural Tolerance Esports Games and signed an agreement with the International Esports Federation (IESF) that established the first-ever Global Commision of Tolerance and Coexistence in history.
Other related initiatives include the Dubai X-Stadium and Abu Dhabi’s Twofour54 10-year partnership with Unity Technologies. This collaboration will establish a “Centre of Excellence” in the local community that gives start-ups, students and developers the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of success in the gaming industry.
In addition, Abu Dhabi is set to open Pixel, the UAE’s largest esports and virtual reality gaming complex in 2021. The facility will not only serve as an event space for tournaments, but host an arcade area for gamers, along with the region’s first-ever certified esports academy.
Read the latest on UAE-US Global esports Partnerships.