The Middle East is now home to more than just an esports city; it now boasts an esports island, marking another ambitious venture in the region.

Saudi Arabia wants to diversify beyond oil and into gaming with US$500M esports city project

True Gamers, a global network of esports clubs, spearheads the project in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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With a hefty investment exceeding US$280 million, the company is forging ahead with plans for the island, projecting a return on investment within 10 years. Talks are ongoing with investors to secure the necessary funding for this groundbreaking project.

True Gamers plans to erect an esports island in Abu Dhabi worth US$280 million

The esports island features a professional training facility, a state-of-the-art venue for tournaments, and spaces for content creation.

Esports island top view
Credit: True Gamers

Professional and aspiring teams can access the esports island’s bootcamp programs, offering advanced analytical tools, high-tech computers, designated rest areas, and balanced nutrition programs to maximize performance. Children’s esports camps are also available to nurture future gamers.

Visitors can also look forward to unique activities like a PUBG-inspired parachute jump check-in.

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The island comprises four main spots, each offering distinct experiences:

  • Digital Tower – A bustling business hub featuring modern workplaces, startup accelerators, cutting-edge technology, and animation studios.
  • TG Arena – A premier facility designed for international esports tournaments, digital exhibitions, and conferences. The arena is adaptable to different gaming genres and competition formats, offering specialized zones including a computer club with 100 high-performance PCs, a car simulator area with 20 platforms, a console zone with 20 PS consoles, and a fully equipped streaming area.
  • GG Bootcamps – These camps provide professional players with an optimal environment for tournament preparation.
  • GG Resort – A luxury hotel experience for all guests, featuring 200 lavish rooms equipped with high-performance computers. Leisure facilities include a spa, pool, and pristine beaches for a truly indulgent stay.
Esports island front view
Credit: True Gamers

In the process of project development, the network collaborated with esports teams globally to identify the requirements for an optimal bootcamp environment.

Over six months, the company conducted extensive surveys involving more than 100 relevant organizations and collected feedback from participants representing over 30 teams across Eastern Europe, the MENA region, and North and Latin America.

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Notably, industry leaders like Virtus.Pro, Team Spirit, and BetBoom contributed valuable insights, sharing their perspectives on the ideal training facility.

“We believe eSports Island will be a groundbreaking achievement in the entertainment industry, offering guests the perfect blend of relaxation and exceptional competitive gaming,” said Vlad Belyanin, CPO and co-founder of True Gamers.

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