Dec 14-17, 2023
The Games for Change Middle East Summit - to be held in partnership with AD Gaming and the U.S. Mission to the UAE - will promote cross-cultural collaboration by connecting talent in the UAE's thriving games sector with U.S. expertise and the global Games for Change movement. Through inspirational talks, meaningful discussions, and hands-on workshops, the Summit will highlight the transformative power of games and immersive media.
The G4C Middle East Summit will be followed by esports-focused workshops at the BLAST Premier World Final.
About
Recent research tells us that 90% of adults in UAE play video games and the per capita industry spend is amongst the highest in the world. 23% of adults in UAE are frequent gamers – playing at least 11 hours per week. In recent years, Abu Dhabi has become the capital of the region’s video gaming industry with over 70 gaming companies creating gaming content in the Emirate, it is fast becoming a global gaming hub. The UAE is full of players, rich in talent and steeped in stories - primed for revolutionizing the ever-expanding industry.
Building on the success of last year's inaugural event, the 2023 G4C Middle East Summit will feature world renowned video games experts from both the US and MENA region, as well as new programming that underscores the growing popularity of esports across the Middle East. Check-out the 2022 sizzle video below!
G4C Middle East Summit (Dec 14-15)
At the G4C Middle East Summit (Dec 14-15), experts from the U.S. and MENA games industry will come together for 2-days of panels, workshops, networking and discussions around the ever-growing global video game industry. Attendees will be able to connect with developers and key players in the space from across the world.
BLAST Premier World Final (Dec 16-17)
The World Final Abu Dhabi is BLAST Premier's biggest event of the year, where eight of the world’s best Counter-Strike teams will tussle for the prestigious World Final trophy, a slice of the $1 million prize pool and a chance to claim bragging rights as the champions of Counter-Strike in 2023. At the event, Games for Change will host a variety of workshops that highlight the value of esports in education and community engagement.
Venues
W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island
A luxury playground spread over two buildings, revealing the best of Abu Dhabi’s history, heritage and culture. Set half on land and half on water, it’s your connection to an exhilarating island getaway in the UAE.
Etihad Arena
Set on the vibrant waterfront of Yas Bay, Etihad Arena is the Middle East’s largest state-of-the-art indoor entertainment venue.
Provisional Schedule
Speakers
Partners
Since 2004, Games For Change (G4C) has empowered game creators and innovators to drive real-world change using games and immersive media that help people learn, improve their communities, and contribute to making the world a better place. G4C partners with technology and gaming companies, nonprofits, and government agencies, to run world-class events, public arcades, design challenges, and youth programs. G4C supports a global community of game developers using games to tackle real-world challenges, from humanitarian conflicts to climate change and education. For more information, visit www.gamesforchange.org.
AD Gaming is Abu Dhabi Government’s program to support and accelerate the growth of the Gaming Industry in the Emirate. AD Gaming works across the higher education system, with partners such as Unity Technologies, as part of a long term plan to train the next generation of gaming industry professionals whilst also supporting local studios on their mission to create great games. Over 70 game developers are now based in Abu Dhabi alongside esports teams, platforms and operators making Abu Dhabi the region’s game development and esports destination.
The U.S. Mission to the UAE, which consists of the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate General in Dubai, is the official representation of the U.S. Government in the United Arab Emirates, with the goal of advancing the important U.S.-UAE partnership to advance shared regional and global priorities and deepen the historic ties between the two nations.