Gaming Surges in UAE During Ramadan with Reduced Work Hours
Industry experts report a significant increase in gaming activity during Ramadan in the UAE, attributed to reduced work hours and increased free time. Loren Roosendaal, founder of Galactic Entertainment, notes that players are spending more time gaming daily during the holy month, with esports revenue projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2025, making Ramadan the peak period for gaming. Additionally, there is a trend of families playing together, charitable gaming marathons, and an increase in streaming Ramadan-themed content.
With Ramadan providing more leisure time due to shortened work and school hours, gaming has become a popular pastime for many in the UAE. Loren Roosendaal, founder and chairman of Galactic Entertainment, observes a sharp spike in gaming activity during the holy month, attributing it to the availability of more free time. He anticipates that esports revenue will surge, reaching $1.8 billion by 2025, with Ramadan being the peak period for gaming.
Aside from individuals spending more time gaming, there is a notable trend of families engaging in gaming together. Ramadan also sees the community organizing charitable gaming marathons, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity. Moreover, there is an increase in streaming Ramadan-themed gaming content, reflecting the vibrant interplay between gaming and cultural customs in the MENA region.
The surge in gaming popularity during Ramadan has prompted various companies to host esports tournaments. GameCentric, in collaboration with Dubai Esports and Games Festival, has organized a Ramadan league with a prize pool of Dh20,000. Devangshu Rath from GameCentric acknowledges the overwhelming response to the tournament, emphasizing the widespread popularity of gaming during Ramadan across different age groups.
Furthermore, there is a noticeable increase in casual gamers during Ramadan. Peter Oganesean, Managing Director of HP Middle East, highlights the growing interest in mobile gaming, particularly among casual gamers seeking quick and accessible entertainment during fasting breaks. Additionally, there is a rising demand for esports and live-streaming events, as enthusiasts seek competitive gaming experiences and virtual connections.
The surge in gaming activity during Ramadan is part of a broader trend of increasing interest in gaming among the youth in the region. Devangshu Rath expresses excitement about the booming esports scene in the UAE and the Gulf region, with more individuals embracing gaming as a recreational activity and competitive sport. Peter Oganesean attributes the rise in gaming popularity to the social aspect of gaming, with 40% of Gen Z preferring to socialize more in video games than in real life.
Overall, the surge in gaming during Ramadan reflects the evolving landscape of entertainment preferences in the UAE, with gaming emerging as a prominent form of leisure activity and social interaction, particularly during the holy month. As gaming continues to gain traction, it presents opportunities for community engagement, skill development, and cultural exchange, shaping the gaming landscape in the region for years to come.
By: Sahiba Suri
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