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The Government of Dubai is seeking to become a global centre for hosting eSports events with the announcement of plans to build its first dedicated venue - Dubai X-Stadium.

The eSports stadium will be a joint project developed by the Dubai Media Office and Tecom Group with the purpose to claim a stake of the burgeoning e-sports scene, which reportedly generated revenue of around US$100 billion in 2016 – a figure estimated to rise to US$1.5 billion by 2020.

As well as acting as a global hub for digital gaming, the construction of Dubai X-Stadium will see the creation of local jobs and help encourage a new category of tourists to the emirate from the e-sports fanbase, which industry experts predict will reach 600 million individuals within the next two years.

Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Media Office explained “we are living in a world where digital culture is reshaping all aspects of life, including sports. This has led us to develop the concept of Dubai X-Stadium, which will consolidate Dubai’s status as a key digital economy hub.

“The idea aims at attracting millions of e-sports gamers, spectators and enthusiasts from around the world and offering them unique on-line and in-person experiences.”

Dubai’s announcement of a new eSports facility is one of many in recent months following the largest eSports venue in the USA being revealed in the US-state of Texas, while in China the world’s first purpose-built eSports stadium is set for full completion by mid-2018. 

Image: The planned Dubai X-Stadium.

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