It’s no secret that major sporting events bring massive economic benefits to host countries. From upgraded infrastructure to a tourism boom and long-term social impact, these tournaments do more than entertain – they drive real growth! According to PwC, the global sports industry is expected to grow by 7.3% over the next 3-5 years, with nearly a quarter of that investment coming from sovereign wealth funds, including those in the GCC. Keep reading to find out more about what this means for the UAE!
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A New Era: The Games Of The Future 2025
One of the most exciting upcoming events is The Games of the Future (GOTF) 2025, set to take place in the UAE! This tournament is unlike any other, blending traditional sports with their digital counterparts to create a cutting-edge “phygital” experience. It’s a bold move that aligns perfectly with the UAE’s national strategies, such as Dubai’s Programme for Gaming 2033, which aims to position the city as a major global gaming hub. Events like GOTF not only enhance global visibility but also drive economic diversification and technological innovation.
Fuelling Tourism & Hospitality
When a country hosts a large-scale tournament, the influx of international athletes, fans, and media turns cities into buzzing hotspots. Hotels, restaurants, and transport services thrive, while local attractions see a surge in visitors. The impact is already visible – GOTF 2024 attracted over 2,000 participants and 300,000 attendees, significantly boosting tourism revenue. The UAE expects GOTF 2025 to bring in similar numbers, reinforcing its status as a global gaming tourism hub.
Driving Infrastructure Development
Hosting major tournaments often leads to significant infrastructure investments, from building cutting-edge sports venues to upgrading transportation networks. These developments not only create immediate job opportunities but also leave a lasting impact on communities. For GOTF 2025, the UAE is focusing on world-class digital infrastructure, reinforcing its position as a regional technology leader and ensuring a seamless experience for both in-person and online audiences.
Aligning With National Goals
Phygital tournaments are more than just entertainment – they support broader national objectives, including economic, social, technological, and cultural growth. The UAE’s vision for GOTF 2025 aligns with its ambition to be a global gaming and esports leader. Dubai’s Programme for Gaming 2033 aims to create 30,000 new jobs and contribute $1 billion to GDP, making esports a key pillar of the digital economy. By hosting GOTF, the UAE is making a strategic leap toward achieving these goals.
Unlocking Investment & Innovation
Events like GOTF don’t just attract sports enthusiasts – they also draw in investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators. These tournaments create opportunities for local businesses in areas like event management, catering, and digital marketing, as organisers seek local expertise to optimise costs and sustainability. Additionally, hosting phygital tournaments resonates strongly with younger, tech-savvy audiences, fostering digital skills and opening career pathways in gaming, technology, and event management.
The Ripple Effect Of Large-Scale Events
The economic impact of hosting global tournaments is well-documented. The 2024 League of Legends World Championship boosted London’s local economy by £12 million, while the Esports World Cup in Riyadh is expected to generate a $200 million economic impact. Notably, GOTF 2024 achieved 3.2 billion verified views – making it the most-watched event of its kind and proving that phygital tournaments can deliver massive economic returns, often with lower hosting costs.
A Game-Changer For Economies
Hosting an event like The Games of the Future is not only about redefining sports, it’s also about transforming economies. These tournaments elevate a country’s global profile, attract foreign investment, and leave behind a lasting legacy of infrastructure, skills development, and economic growth. As countries like the UAE continue to embrace phygital sports, they’re paving the way for a future where technology, sports, and business converge to create limitless opportunities!
To learn more about hosting GOTF, visit phygitalinternational.com.
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