Abu Dhabi’s Proposed $1 Billion Esports Resort will Have a ‘Parachute Jump Check-In’
Abu Dhabi is set to become an esports empire, courtesy of a revolutionary new project: the world’s first private island dedicated entirely to competitive gaming. UAE-based esports company True Gamers announced plans to build a large-scale “esports island” in Abu Dhabi, promising to transform the city into the ultimate playground for pro gamers.
While the global esports and gaming industry has seen a slowdown post-pandemic, the Middle East has aggressively invested in esports innovation and infrastructure. Namely, the construction of dedicated esports facilities, major tournaments and investment in local development studios have helped to attract esports athletes and game developers to the region. Now, the UAE is gearing up to become the go-to destination for esports, attracting both regional and international talents by adding a state-of-the-art esports island to its impressive portfolio.
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Vlad Belyanin, the co-founder of True Gamers, revealed that Abu Dhabi’s new and upcoming dedicated esports island will be located between the Al Bandar and Al Dana developments along Al Raha Beach. The company will be investing a whopping USD$280 million (or AUD$429 million), which is expected to reach a total value of USD$1 billion (or AUD$1.5 billion) upon completion. It is also currently in talks with “high-profile investors” to acquire the necessary funds needed to purchase the island and build all facilities that are needed for the project. While the island’s creators haven’t provided exact opening dates, they anticipate a return on investment within 10 years of opening.
“At True Gamers, our top priority is fostering a thriving eSports culture,” Vlad Belyanin, CPO and co-founder of True Gamers said in a statement. “We constantly seek innovative trends and opportunities to elevate the gaming experience for everyone—from casual players to professional athletes. We’re grateful to the participating teams for their invaluable insights. We believe eSports Island will be a groundbreaking achievement in the entertainment industry, offering guests the perfect blend of relaxation and exceptional competitive gaming.”
This futuristic island will be a haven for gamers, offering training facilities, competition and tournament venues, content creation spaces, hotels for accommodating esports and gaming personnel, and a thriving esports community. The proposed development will feature a comprehensive ecosystem designed to cater to professional and amateur gamers’ needs. Nestled within this development lies the GG Resort, a 200-room hotel that will offer luxurious accommodations, perfect for unwinding after intense virtual battles on their in-room, high-end gaming PCs.
Furthermore, eSports Insider reports that the GG Resort will also feature a unique “parachute jump check-in” inspired by popular FPS games like Call of Duty and PUBG. Just steps away, aspiring champions can hone their skills at the GG Bootcamp, a state-of-the-art training facility equipped with high-performance computers, dedicated relaxation areas, and advanced data analysis tools.
The adjacent TG Arena will act as the epicentre of esports activity, catering to both console and PC enthusiasts. The arena will host thrilling tournaments, informative conferences, and cutting-edge exhibitions as well as have a dedicated streaming area for content creators.
Likewise, to keep you fueled for victory, the island will also include balanced nutrition programs to ensure optimal health and performance for all participants so you can focus on what truly matters – dominating the competition. True Gamers’ CEO, Anton Vasilenko, confirmed extensive market research to validate the project’s viability.
In a statement on his Instagram page, Vasilenko explained, “True Gamers conducted a comprehensive market analysis of the MENA region’s eSports landscape and the global eSports industry’s growth trajectory before developing plans for the eSports island. This in-depth analysis gives us confidence that the proposed business model will be instrumental in bringing eSports Island to life.”
