News

The Middle East Is Rapidly Becoming An eSports Hub

Events like the BLAST Premier World Finals in the United Arab Emirates are cementing the region’s reputation as a gamer’s paradise.

Published

1 year ago

December 12, 2023

Nour Nasir

the middle east is rapidly becoming an esports hub

eSports champions are gearing up for the Blast Premier World Final, hosted in Abu Dhabi on December 16 and 17. Gaming fans from around the world will gather to experience the action first-hand as “part of a three-year partnership with AD Gaming” that seeks to cement the UAE’s position in the gaming sector and “contribute to the growth of esports in Abu Dhabi”.

BLAST has already created a huge buzz around the eSports scene, and the tournament’s arrival in Abu Dhabi should boost the profile of the entire MENA region. According to a Statista survey, Egypt leads the region with 6.32 million residents who consider themselves gamers. Meanwhile, the UAE will be home to another 1.73 million participants by 2028.

To cater to the growing Middle Eastern fanbase, BLAST.tv will “bring fans closer to the action, serving up maximum excitement for esports lovers with a number of innovative features on offer, helping them watch events live like never from the comfort of their homes”.

Andrew Haworth, Director of Production and Operations at BLAST and Commissioner for BLAST Premier, explained that “esports has the ability to engage with hard-to-reach, tech-savvy, and young audiences, which separates it from other industries”.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Video Games Set In The Middle East

Unlike other sporting events, eSports has a unique selling point in that the games are live and accessible anywhere. “Through the healthy relationship technology has with esports, it is able to bring fans to the very heart of this viewing experience in an interactive and innovative way,” said Haworth, who is optimistic that the genre could soon become as big as F1 racing.

Recent data seems to agree, as surveys show that overall, people now spend more time watching eSports than they do with Netflix. BLAST aims to make esports a global experience that encapsulates “skill level, player stardom, drama, production quality, and storylines”.

News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

20 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.