The Middle East’s first female esports team is set to participate at the Girlgamer World Finals in Dubai after an agreement was struck between 10X Media, Dubai Ladies Club, Grow uP esports and Galaxy Racer.

The Girlgamer World Finals will be hosted in Dubai for the first time on December 12-14 at Meydan Grandstand and the Middle East will be represented at the tournament in a landmark moment for female esports in the region.

Five girls from the Middle East will be selected for the team, with applications open to those aged 16 or over.

The new female esports team will take part in League of Legends tournaments in the region and around the world.

“With the creation of the Middle East’s first-ever female esports team, Dubai is once again taking the lead in empowering the region’s women to participate in new emerging sectors,” Abdulla Mansouri, team leader at 10X Media, said.

“This announcement reinforces Dubai’s role as a leader in creating exciting new opportunities for youth in the region. We seek to engage talented youth in the growth and development of this industry.”

Last month, Meydan One and Galaxy Racer Esports announced the launch of Dubai’s first-ever Interschool Esports Tournament featuring FIFA ’20, with a 100k AED prize on offer for the winner.

And IeSF (International eSports Federation) president Colin Webster recently revealed the organisation was ready to base its global operations in Dubai after meeting Dubai Sports Council chief Saeed Hareb. An MOU was signed between the two parties and a promise made to bring more world class esports events to the emirate.

Elsewhere in the region, Saudi Arabia has also been focusing significant attention on developing its esports infrastructure, with direction from the Saudi Arabian Federation for Electronics and Intellectual Sports (SAFEIS) and the Arab Esports Federation.