Meydan One and Galaxy Racer Esports have announced the launch of Dubai’s first-ever Interschool Esports Tournament featuring FIFA ‘20 at Meydan Grandstand.

The Interschool Esports Tournament will run from December 12-13 as part of the 2019 GIRLGAMER Esports festival.

Open to both boys and girls, it will comprise two competitions played out over six-minute games of FIFA 20 – one for juniors aged six to 11, and one for seniors aged 12 to 16.

The prizes will include scholarships worth AED255,000. The winner of the senior tournament will claim AED100,000, while the winner of the junior tournament walks away with AED70,000. Runners-up will receive AED50,000 and AED35,000 respectively.

Schools can sign up a maximum of two students for each competition. All participants will battle it out in a knockout tournament over the two days of the tournament.

The Interschool Esports Tournament is supported by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KDHA), 10X Media and the Dubai Sports Council.

Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim, Vice President of Meydan Malls, said: “By hosting Dubai’s first interschool esports tournament, we continue to build a platform that caters to the ever-evolving demands of a diverse customer base that craves the online entertainment experience.”

Hind Al Mualla, Chief of Creativity, Happiness and Innovation at Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), added: “We believe ‘responsible gaming’ is a way-forward for the industry and esports competitions provide a platform to bring people together.

“Gaming and esports are growing worldwide and we are excited to see a career-fair take place inside a gaming competition here in Dubai. This will definitely encourage students to go beyond their gaming routine and see how the industry can present a potential career.”

A career and education fair will take place on the sidelines of the Interschool Esports Tournament, where aspiring gamers and their parents will be able to explore career options in gaming and esports. The fair will also feature recruitment booths and stalls from gaming companies for visitors interested in exploring careers in gaming.

“Technological development continues to redraw the world economic map with new developments that are generating fresh growth opportunities,”
Abdulla Al Mansouri, Team Leader of 10X Media, said. “At a time when esports is playing a pivotal role in the convergence of media, gaming, and entertainment, we are seeking to ride new waves of innovation and technology to ensure Dubai will be a leader in these sectors.

“By hosting competitions like the interschool esports tournament, we aim to contribute to the vision of Dubai’s leadership to transform the emirate into a diversified knowledge-based economy. We also seek to support Dubai’s effort to create frameworks that ensure the proper use of new technology, especially amongst the younger generation.”