Abu Dhabi, 14 March 2019: The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced details of the packed schedule of activities that will take place at the dedicated Esports Arena during the Mother of the Nation Festival 2019. Housed within the Festivals Progress Zone, the Arena provides a state-of-the-art, purpose-built venue for the largest multi-game Esports tournament to be held in the region to date, with prizes totalling more than AED 187,000 on offer for the winners.

The Festival has joined forces with MET Events, Asias leading Esports event organiser, to bring a unique gaming experience to Abu Dhabi. Visitors have the opportunity to participate in daily tournaments with top professional players and influencers competing live on stage on several popular games across PC, console and mobile platforms, including Fortnite, CS:GO, League of Legends, PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends, FIFA 19, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Street Fighter V. This will be the first time the Middle East has hosted an international Fortnite event, making it an unmissable occasion for dedicated followers of the popular game franchise, which boasts more than 200 million registered players worldwide.

We are delighted to unveil details of the Mother of the Nation Festivals dedicated Esports Arena, which creates an unparalleled experience for gaming enthusiasts in the UAE, said Ameera Al Mazrouei, Festivals Development Unit Head at DCT Abu Dhabi. The Arena represents an outstanding addition to our Progress Zone, and reflects the Festivals ambition to deliver inclusive attractions that appeal to a wide range of age groups with diverse interests. We look forward to providing our visitors with a cutting-edge entertainment experience that will set new standards for Esports in the region by bringing some of the worlds most celebrated players to Abu Dhabi.

Participants have the chance to win exciting prizes and be crowned local champions, as well as opportunities to play with and against Esports professionals and influencers on the big stage. The Festivals opening day featured a special appearance from regional Esports star Mosaad Msdossary Aldossary, when fans had the opportunity to attend a signing session. The 18-year-old Saudis highly successful Esports career has seen him emerge as the winner of the FIFA eWorld Cup 2019, and he was crowned Console Player of the Year at the Esports Awards 2018.

The main Esports stage is currently hosting show matches between professional players, as well as tournament finals. Highlights include a Super Smash Bros Ultimate tournament on 15 March. From 20-21 March, the best Street Fighter V players from the public will have a chance to face off against UAE pros Amjad AngryBird Alshalabi and Adel BigBird Anouche live on stage. CS:GO fans are in for a treat on 22 March, when the Festival welcomes two of the worlds top players, Adil ScreaM Benrlitom and Vincent 'Happy' Schopenhauer. The Esports stars will take part in a show match and challenge the skills of Festival-goers. The event culminates with the final of the regions first international Fortnite tournament at 8pm on 22 March, featuring several pro players and influencers including Johann Mushway Cyr and Klaivert Teeqzy Dervishi, together with the Festivals best local players.