- Home » Expat News » Expats in UAE considering online gaming as an alternative career
Expats In UAE Considering Online Gaming As An Alternative Career
Published: | 13 Aug at 6 PM |
Want to get involved?
Become a
Featured Expatand take our interview.
Become a
Local Expertand contribute articles.
Get in
touchtoday!
As the UAE jobs market shrinks due to nationalisation, expats wanting to stay in the region are considering online gaming as a full-time job.
Esports are the latest fad as well as a potential money-maker due to the esports tournaments paying out as much as millions of dirhams in prize money to successful players. The industry is now flourishing in the Gulf States, attracting a growing number of events as a result. One organisor, YaLaEsports, has garnered a massive amount of funding from investors and now has 50 players taking part in huge worldwide tournaments.
One 24-year old expat employed as a sales agent is now planning to switch to a career in esports due to his expertise in the Hearthstone game. He’s already won several Dubai tournaments, allowing him to cover his expenses, but winning Dh55,000 at the China-based World Electronic Sports Games allowed him to buy a car and get his driving license. He’s been a gamer for 12 years, ever since he went to secondary school, with his ultimate goal to win big and put the Middle East in prime position as a gaming hub.
According to the expat founder of YaLaEsports, prizes can run between $1,000 to literally millions of dollars. He believes esports is a viable career even although salaries for local UAE players don’t yet come up to USA or EU levels. He emphasises that, as a career, the industry doesn’t just offer playing the games for their earnings potential, but also gives the opportunity for experienced players to become coaches, analysts or casters, thus earning decent salaries.
Already, the region is producing expert gamers such as the 16-year old who recently walked away with $3 million at a New York event. UAE teenagers are also earning good money competing successfully in the tournaments or coaching their friends who’re looking to follow in their footsteps, with one Canadian expat student reputed to have amassed Dh83,5000 by sharing his expertise with other players.
Comments » No published comments just yet for this article...
Feel free to have your say on this item. Go on... be the first!
RECENT NEWS
Whales, Bears, Lynx: Europes Rewilding Projects Allow Tourists To Encounter Wildlife Responsibly
Here's how to encounter Europe’s breathtaking wildlife responsibly. Read more
Nine Out Of 10 Of The Worlds Most Walkable Cities Are In Europe - Does Yours Make The Cut?
A new study has revealed that European cities are some of the most walkable in the world. Read more
Cramped But Cosy: How Europes Night Trains Compare When It Comes To Sleeping
The big-budget ticket price for the Venice Simplon Orient Express might be worth it if you want to guarantee sleep. Read more
A World First: Greek Government Compensates Tourists Affected By Wildfires
The Greek government has announced the move following wildfires last July which saw 25,000 tourists forced to evacuate t... Read more
From Therme Bucharest To The Worlds Largest Thermal Spa: Europes Least Expensive Spa Breaks
Spas can be prohibitively expensive, but there are an increasing number across Europe that are affordable - and just as ... Read more
My Misery, Your Paradise: Canary Island Residents Say Mass Tourism Is At Breaking Point
Activists say locals are being forced to sleep in their cars and even caves. Read more