The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi 
Launches Middle East Games Con

The third edition of the Middle East Games Con, the region’s biggest gaming event of the year, was inaugurated today by HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in the presence of HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, as part of the first-ever Games and Tech Week Abu Dhabi, which has been organised by the Department. 

Supported by DCT Abu Dhabi and organised by Informa Markets, Middle East Games Con is a thrilling three-day show taking place from October 24-26 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) catering to professional and amateur gamers from across the globe.

The event will showcase the future of pro-gaming technology and preview games currently unreleased in the region from leading publishers and developers. It will also include an official eSports tournament, offer exclusive merchandise, and feature a special ‘cosplay’ competition amongst many other activities. 

Middle East Games Con is one of the highlights of Games and Tech Week Abu Dhabi, a groundbreaking platform presented by DCT Abu Dhabi which kicked off on October 12 and runs until October 26, presenting a unique, citywide, multi-faceted experience to visitors and residents to promote the rapidly growing gaming and tech industry. 

“Middle East Games Con is a great example of the top-tier events we are proudly supporting, and which reflect our commitment to positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for gaming and technology in the region,” said Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Acting Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi.

“This event offers valuable, future-forward insights into the eSports and gaming industries along with next-generation games and experiences not yet released in the Middle East. We warmly welcome all gaming publishers, developers, retailers and celebrities from around the world who are here with us today, as well as all professionals and amateur gamers.

“We invite everyone to enjoy Middle East Games Con and the action-packed week of innovative gaming and tech events and experiences offered to all during Games and Tech Week Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the capital’s leading hospitality providers and retailers.”  

Suzy Pallett, Vice-President, Consumer Division at Informa Markets, said: “We are excited that Middle East Games Con is back for a third year and will now be a part of the inaugural Games and Tech Week Abu Dhabi. With the launch of our XLIVE Esports Conference, we are looking forward to welcoming industry professionals and stakeholders to Middle East Games Con this year, which will help achieve Informa Markets’ goal to help expand the burgeoning gaming industry further in the region. 

“This year, we are expecting over 18,000 visitors to the Middle East’s biggest gaming event of the year, who will be able to enjoy and experience the latest games, pro-gaming products, meet the pro gamers, and take part in official eSports activations from the world’s most renowned gaming brands.”

Many of the capital’s leisure, hospitality, entertainment and F&B providers are participating in Games and Tech Week Abu Dhabi to deliver fully immersive gaming and technology experiences.  Visitors and residents alike can enjoy exhilarating events and activations taking place around the city with attractions including a life-size indoor maze and illusion room at Marina Mall, and an eSports room at Yas Mall. There will also be dedicated gaming zones in major malls including at Al Wahda Mall, Yas Mall, Galleria Mall and Marina Mall Abu Dhabi. 

DCT Abu Dhabi has partnered with numerous leading hospitality, retail and F&B outlets to provide visitors with the ultimate experience during the week. Hotels including Sofitel, Grand Hyatt, Andaz Capital Gate Hotel, Park Rotana and Park Arjaan by Rotana are offering dedicated video games rooms where guests can play on games consoles.  Dining establishments and cafés throughout the city are also taking part with gaming-themed offers and competitions. 

For more information on Games and Tech Week Abu Dhabi, including schedules and tickets, please visit www.gamestechweek.ae