News
Abu Dhabi To Develop $1 Billion eSports Island Facility
Positioned along the picturesque Al Raha beach, the venue is poised to become a focal point for gaming enthusiasts worldwide.
Despite the economic slowdown of global eSports, the Middle East has emerged as a beacon of innovation and investment, particularly in infrastructure aimed at attracting top talent. According to a report by BCG, the region’s population exhibits a remarkable fondness for gaming, with over 60% actively participating and some of the highest figures of mobile game downloads in the world.
The latest addition to the UAE’s burgeoning eSports landscape is Abu Dhabi’s ambitious eSports Island project. Positioned between the Al Bandar and Al Dana developments along the picturesque Al Raha beach, the island is poised to become a focal point for esports enthusiasts worldwide.
True Gamers — a key player in the gaming industry — has pledged a substantial investment of $280 million to develop Abu Dhabi’s eSports Island. Upon completion, the project is anticipated to cost a staggering $1 billion.
The island will boast state-of-the-art amenities geared towards training aspiring eSports professionals and hosting international tournaments. The GG Bootcamp, equipped with cutting-edge gaming infrastructure, will provide a comprehensive training facility, dedicated rest areas and even nutrition programs.
At the heart of the eSports Island lies the True Gamers (TG) Arena, envisioned as a premier venue for hosting high-profile competitions with thousands of spectators. Adaptable spaces are designed to cater to various gaming formats and genres, and the arena will also serve as a hub for digital exhibitions and conferences. Additionally, the Digital Tower will offer a collaborative workspace for developers, and the island will host tourists and event goers in 200 rooms with in-built gaming computers.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Video Games Set In The Middle East
Establishing an eSports hub in Abu Dhabi will reinforce the UAE’s position as a global market leader, capitalizing on the region’s growing appetite for gaming. As international tournament organizers increasingly focus on the Middle East, the unveiling of Abu Dhabi’s eSports Island heralds a new era of innovation and growth for the industry.
News
Popcorn AI Raises $500,000 For “Conversational eCommerce”
The firm’s AI platform uses specialized chatbots to handle entire eCommerce journeys, from recommending products to seamless payments.
Dubai-based Popcorn AI has announced the closure of a pre-seed funding round that raised $500,000 for its revolutionary AI platform. The investment, led by Spring Studios with the backing of Salica Investments, Al Waha Fund of Funds, and prominent angel investors from Saudi Arabia, represents a key step forward in reshaping customer-business interactions using the power of conversational AI.
Unlike traditional chatbot systems, Popcorn AI’s platform is designed to redefine eCommerce by creating highly intelligent sales agents that handle entire customer journeys, from personalized product recommendations right through to seamless payment acceptance — all through a conversational experience.
The clever idea was recently tested to great success when one of Popcorn AI’s chatbot agents closed a $400,000 real estate transaction, handling everything from the first inquiry to the final sale. Early adopters have reported a massive 90% reduction in customer acquisition costs, along with a highly impressive 20% improvement in conversion rates, highlighting the platform’s potential to transform customer engagement across dozens of industries.
Josh Rodger, Principal at the Spring Studios fund, expressed enthusiasm for the project, saying, “We are proud to support Popcorn AI’s mission to reshape how businesses connect with their customers. Their innovative approach to conversational commerce has the potential to revolutionize industries and redefine the way customers experience digital transactions”.
Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East
Meanwhile, Popcorn AI founder and CEO Yousef Al Arif declared: “The future of commerce is conversational,” adding, “Today’s consumers want shopping experiences that are instant, personalized, and effortless. We’re not building just another chatbot; we’re crafting intelligent commerce agents that understand context, recall customer preferences, and guide users through the entire shopping process, much like an expert salesperson would”.
Building upon a decade of experience scaling eCommerce and marketplace platforms across the MENA region, Al Arif has now achieved huge success with Popcorn AI, positioning the product at the cutting edge of AI-powered eCommerce. The platform has also made significant impacts in sectors such as real estate, and hospitality, signaling that conversational commerce is emerging as a powerful new model for digital businesses.
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