The GEF concludes GEFcon at GMIS, Expo 2020 Dubai, sets strategies to develop esports in the region
The Global Esports Federation recently hosted its global convention of thought leaders and idea creators, GEFcon, at the Global Manufacturing and Industrialization Summit (GMIS) at Expo 2020’s Dubai Exhibition Center. The event was part of GMIS Week that ran from November 22-27, which saw over 5,300 attendees from over 175 countries and territories.
In the keynote panel, ‘The current state, emergence and future of esports’ at the Esports Conference, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of Emirates Esports, noted that the UAE is geared to compete globally in esports in the coming years. He emphasized the importance of esports spectatorship as an economic, social, and cultural enabler for youth globally.
H.H. Sheikh Sultan was joined by H.R.H. Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, President of Saudi Esports Federation and Vice-President of the GEF, and Paul J. Foster, CEO of the GEF on the panel. H.R.H. Prince Faisal highlighted the vast growth potential in esports and gaming in the Middle East region, driven by its competitive advantages, including its large youth population and readily available digital infrastructure.
The Global Esports Federation signed a Strategic Framework Agreement with Emirates Esports at GMIS Week, to enhance cooperation in setting strategies and developing esports in the region.
“When we stand together, listen and share, we unlock the limitless potential of our time. The GEF and Emirates Esports coming together at GMIS at the Expo 2020 Dubai is another incredible highlight in a year of historic highlights,” said Paul J. Foster, CEO of the GEF. “Esports and gaming contributes to the digital economy, connects people and communities, and helps to support many aspects of people’s lives, including mental health. The Middle East is a key region for the GEF as we continue to expand our #worldconnected.”
Meanwhile, the panel discussion, ‘Metaverse: A real world and a virtual new #worldconnected’, featured thought leaders from the world of esports, who agreed that the Middle East holds a prominent place at the forefront of the future of esports. Speakers for the panel included GEF Board members, Adrian F. Lismore, Koen Schobbers, and Hala Ghandour; as well as Abdulla Al Gurg, Vice-President of Emirates Esports; Michele Attisani, Co-founder and CBO of FACEIT; and Dr. Khizer Khaderi, member of GEF Health & Wellness Commission. The panel was moderated by GEF Board member, Dr. Melita N. Moore.
The GEF was able to reconnect with the world despite the pandemic through events it held in the US, UAE, and Saudi Arabia over the past few months, including the Global Esports Tour tournament series. The GEF will host its first ever Global Esports Games 2021 in Singapore on December 18-19.