An Island For Gamers In Abu Dhabi: What Are the Plans?

by Alexandra Mansilla

An Island For Gamers In Abu Dhabi: What Are the Plans?

25 Mar 2024

Just a few days ago, several media outlets broke exciting news for the whole gaming community: the world’s first esports Island is planned to appear in Abu Dhabi.

No, you heard (actually, saw) right: it really will be an island. Can you understand the scale?

Who is behind?

True Gamers is an international network of esports clubs on a mission to revolutionise the esports landscape. With plans to construct an island, their goal is to create an immersive and dynamic ecosystem for gamers worldwide.

Where will it be?

The National has an exclusive comment from Vlad Belyanin, the co-founder and CPO of True Gamers. He shared that the potential location for the "esports Island" project could be between the Al Bandar and Al Dana developments in Al Raha Beach.

How much will it cost?

According to Belyanin (again, it is a comment to The National), the estimated cost could reach $1 billion, with True Gamers pledging between $280 million and $300 million. Currently, the company is in talks with potential investors.

What will be there?

There will be sections dedicated to various aspects of esports. At the heart of it all lies The Digital Tower, a central hub designed to facilitate meetings, host start-up accelerators, and house animation studios. Additionally, the TG Arena will serve as the epicentre of esports tournaments, boasting spaces for competitive gaming, including a computer club with around 100 PCs, a simulation racing section, and a dedicated area for console gaming.

Furthermore, the founders are planning to create a boot camp section that is similar to “American collegiate fraternities”. Additionally, a hotel is planned for the island, named GG Resort, with 200 rooms, each equipped with gaming PCs. A “parachute jump check-in” inspired by the popular battle royale game PUBG is also in the works.

Sounds impressive. And please do keep in mind: all of these plans will only come to fruition if the island is indeed built. Hopefully, it will be!

by Alexandra Mansilla