News & Media

The Emirates Esports Federation (EESF) has officially joined AESF as a full member on 19 March 2025. The EESF was established with the mission to develop, regulate, and promote esports within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Recognized as the official governing body for esports in the country, EESF aims to create a thriving ecosystem that nurtures local talent, facilitates international collaborations, and ensures fair and competitive gaming practices.

The EESF strives to:

• Foster the growth of esports as a professional and recreational activity.
• Support and develop local talent to compete on international stages.
• Establish strong partnerships with regional and global esports organizations.
• Promote responsible gaming and the integration of esports into education and youth development programs.

EESF’s Areas of Focus are:

• Talent Development: Identifying and nurturing esports athletes through training programs and competitions.
• Regulation & Governance: Establishing fair play policies and ethical standards for esports competitions.
• Community Engagement: Encouraging grassroots esports participation through local events and initiatives.
• Technology & Innovation: Integrating emerging technologies to enhance the esports experience.

Esports in the UAE spans a wide range of titles, including:

• FPS Games: Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, Call of Duty
• MOBA Games: League of Legends, Dota 2
• Sports & Racing Games: FIFA, eFootball, Gran Turismo
• Fighting Games: Tekken, Street Fighter
• Battle Royale: PUBG Mobile, Fortnite

Esports in the UAE attracts a diverse audience, including:

• A rapidly growing youth demographic, with strong participation from ages 16-30.
• A mix of amateur, semi-professional, and professional players.
• A multicultural community representing local and expatriate players.

The EESF is preparing to host a series of major national events in the near future, including:

• UAE Electronic Football League: A national competition highlighting top players in football-based titles such as FIFA and eFootball.
• UAE Esports League: A comprehensive league covering multiple esports titles, featuring teams and individual players from across the country.
• University Esports Championship: A tournament dedicated to university students, aimed at discovering young talent and encouraging competitive gaming within academic institutions.
• National Qualifiers for the Esports World Cup: Local competitions to select the best Emirati players to represent the UAE at global events, including the prestigious Esports World Cup.

Under the leadership of EESF President, Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, EESF is committed to fostering esports awareness, education, and sustainability in the UAE. By joining AESF, EESF aims to strengthen ties with the federation and collaborate on initiatives that drive the esports industry forward in Asia and beyond.

EESF President Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan shared: “Becoming a member of AESF is a significant milestone for EESF and the UAE esports community. We are excited to collaborate with AESF and its member associations to elevate the esports landscape, provide opportunities for our athletes, and contribute to the regional esports ecosystem.”

As an official AESF member, EESF benefits from federation support, networking opportunities, and eligible for all regional AESF competitions.