The UAE is set to launch a new Esports and Game Design Academy in September 2024 to nurture the next generation of esports talent across all GEMS schools in the country. This academy will offer scholarship prize funds and opportunities in competitive gaming and game design to students, aligning with the broader strategy to establish the UAE as a global gaming and esports hub. The Dubai Future Foundation is leading the charge with a $1 billion ecosystem to create 30,000 jobs by 2033.
The academy aims to provide a safe and engaging environment for students through selected age-appropriate games, focusing on personal, social, and cognitive skills. It will offer a structured platform for learning materials, league participation, competitions, hackathons, accreditations, and qualifications, enabling students to explore careers and university opportunities in the gaming industry. The initiative also includes establishing staff esports leads, student ambassador, and leadership groups in each GEMS school with a focus on gaming for good.
Sunny Varkey, Group Chairman of GEMS Global, expressed the organization’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to engage in leading industries and develop critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills through the academy. The goal is to support students in exploring their passions and preparing for future success, potentially discovering the next generation of esports talent who may even compete at the Olympics. The academy will provide access to industry-level game design learning for students with a passion for creating 2D and 3D games from a young age.
Baz Nijjar, Principal Advisor – Education Technology, emphasized that the Esports and Game Design Academy is not solely focused on fostering gaming talent but creating a dynamic learning environment where students can thrive and develop essential holistic skills. The initiative aims to prepare students for the future with transferable skills that can support academic and personal development goals. Nijjar, who is a member of the government-backed Dubai Program for Gaming 2033 Working Group, also highlighted the importance of providing a safe and secure environment where children can game wisely while learning about wellbeing, nutrition, fitness, and mental dexterity.
The academy’s focus on fostering critical skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership will not only benefit students in the gaming industry but also aid them in all aspects of life. With a four-year track record in promoting esports and game design, the GEMS school group is committed to providing its students with opportunities in the gaming sector. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s vision to excel in the gaming and esports industry and contribute to the country’s economic growth through job creation and talent development.
