The inaugural Dubai Esports Festival (DEF 2022) was inaugurated today by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, at Expo City Dubai.
The 12-day event, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, is being hosted by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) in partnership with VSPN, a global leader in e-sports activities and solutions, and presenting partner du.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Director-General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA); Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME; Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE); Chenfan Wang, Vice President, General Manager of Global Business at VSPN; and Ibrahim Al Mayahi Al Nuaimi, Vice President of Brand and Marketing Communications at du.
Commenting on the launch, Al Olama said,
“The UAE had consolidated its status as a leading global destination for new concepts and a champion of innovation, as it continues to attract international talent to analyse technology trends and opportunities to accelerate change to design a better future.”
Al Olama noted that DEF 2022 would see the highest number of leading adult gamers convening in one place this year, underscoring the UAE and Dubai’s status as the most competitive gaming destination.
“The event will bring together the world’s greatest gamers, developers, creatives and artists, allowing Esports fans to meet and engage with global gaming celebrities and industry leaders, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a hub for innovation,”
he added.
The Festival kicked off with the oversubscribed “Initiate Summit”, a two-day groundbreaking B2B knowledge and networking platform for e-sports and gaming industry professionals, developers and creatives.
The Initiate Summit highlights Dubai’s role in championing the creative industry, including esports, through various incentives for international talent and organisations in the emirate. In addition, industry trends will be discussed, including emerging technologies, mobile gaming, investment opportunities, consumer behaviour, gamification and tournament organisation, among other current topics. Gaming developers and publishers, esports organisation founders, solution providers, as well as marketers and members of the gaming media, will make up the Initiate Summit’s impressive line-up of speakers.
The Festival will bring together international gaming celebrities, industry leaders, developers, creatives and artists and feature an exciting line-up of live events and activations, concerts and competitions, including the highly anticipated PUBG Global Championship 2022, GameExpo, PopConME, Initiate Summit, Wegz live in concert, regional tournaments and Minecraft Esports Schools Clash, as well as retail promotions taking place across the city showcasing the latest games and merchandise.
News Source: Emirates News Agency