Events
Gamers Put Their Skills to the Test on the First Day of Nexus Festival in Riyadh

The best gamers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region began their battle for supremacy in the League of Legends as the inaugural Nexus Festival kicked off in style on Thursday night in Riyadh. Hosted by Riot Games for the first time in the region, hundreds of people gathered at Riyadh Boulevard to witness the opening of the three-day event that combines gaming, entertainment, and attractions. It is part of an initiative of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA).

Among the teams in action were Levant’s Nasr eSports and Saudi Arabia’s EGZ, who are two of the eight sides vying for glory in the showpiece 5v5 Summoners Rift competition after coming through November’s qualifying stages. It is one of six competitions taking place during the three-day event with the teams aiming to claim a slice of the $2 million prize money.
In Match 1, Nasr eSports won 2-0 and captain Mohammed Al-Adham said the team is relishing the opportunity of testing themselves against the region’s best sides. He said, “A competition like this is really good and by far it’s the biggest event that we have taken part in. It is really competitive and with many good teams wanting to win, every match will be close. Riot Games has made a great move to host the Nexus festival here in the Middle East. There are many talented gamers in this part of the world and it is an opportunity to showcase our talent and develop our skills.”

After EGZ overcame GCC’s Shot 2 Kill in their opening match, captain Mishal Al Barrak said the Nexus festival can help bridge the gap between the best regional and international sides. He said, “We have only been competing since September but a lot of us have been playing League of Legends since the third season. As a team, we are really proud to be playing League of Legends in our home country. It’s a big thing for us and it’s great that our friends and family can watch us play. We really want to thank Riot Games for launching an event like this for us. Having the chance to play against other strong sides in the region will help us become better gamers and be able to compete against the international sides.”
The day’s other competitions included the qualifying rounds for the 1v1 and Team Fight Tactics as well as the Cosplay. Onur Tamer, METAI General Manager at Riot Games, said, “We could not have asked for a better start to the Nexus Festival here in Riyadh. The turn-out for the first day was incredible and we saw people of all ages enjoying the gaming and activities. This helped create such a vibrant atmosphere during the evening.”
“We saw today there is exceptional talent in the gaming industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with some closely-fought and entertaining matches and this was great viewing for the public. As we enter the latter stages, we can expect more of the same for the remaining two days and I encourage everyone, whether they’re gaming fans or not, to attend the Nexus Festival,” Tamer added.
The Nexus Festival will continue on Friday with the winners’ bracket of the final 5v5 among the events taking place as well as a concert by DJ Mako and the electronic music act Crystal Method. On Saturday, the winners of the six competitions will be decided while international music star Jason Derulo will also take to the stage.

Events
Sony Announces INZONE Gaming Tournament

Sony Middle East and Africa has announced the upcoming INZONE Gaming Tournament, set to take place from February 11 to February 15, 2025, across UAE, KSA, Qatar, and Kuwait. Following the success of the recent INZONE tournament in Qatar, this latest edition expands opportunities for gamers across the region, welcoming over 1,000 participants to compete for a $10,000 prize pool across men’s and women’s divisions.
Participants will put their skills to the test in one of the region’s most competitive esports events, battling it out in Valorant, one of the most popular titles in the GCC gaming community. With separate men’s and women’s divisions, winners will claim their share of the $10,000 prize pool, with $5,000 awarded per tournament. Fans can also tune in live on February 14 and 15 to witness the action unfold in the tournament finals.
This initiative highlights Sony’s commitment to supporting the gaming community by delivering innovative platforms and top-tier esports experiences across the Middle East. Speaking on this, Jobin Joejoe, Managing Director of Sony Middle East and Africa, said, “The INZONE Gaming Tournament reflects our commitment to elevating the gaming experience in the region. With the booming esports expansion across the region, we are reinforcing our commitment to the growth of gaming communities and fostering talent across the GCC.”
Cool Stuff
NARUTO THE GALLERY Experience Makes its Middle East Debut in Dubai

Celebrating over 20 years of the global anime sensation NARUTO, fans in the Middle East will have a rare opportunity to experience the iconic world of their favourite ninja, as NARUTO THE GALLERY experience makes its debut outside of Japan, for the first time in Dubai. This unique experience, direct from Tokyo, will run from January 31 to April 6, 2025, at The Concourse Convention Center, near the Dubai Outlet Mall, marking the first time outside East Asia that the beloved anime’s legacy will be celebrated on this scale.
Created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the NARUTO anime’s debut in Japan, this immersive experience takes fans on a journey through the series’ iconic moments, themes, and characters. Featuring vivid life-size installations and exclusive artwork from the animation, NARUTO THE GALLERY offers an opportunity to step into Naruto Uzumaki’s world, including rare behind-the-scenes content from the series’ origins. From the vibrant landscapes of Konoha (Hidden Leaf Village) to unforgettable battles and intimate character portrayals, visitors can relive every pivotal moment of the beloved anime.
Experience Includes:
- Authentic Artifacts and Original Artwork: View never-before-seen concept art and materials used in creating the series, transported directly from Japan
- Interactive Displays: Fans can engage with iconic scenes and immerse themselves into the universe of NARUTO through dynamic video presentations on large screens and multiple monitors.
- Fans can engage with iconic scenes and participate in interactive exhibits that immerse them in the universe of NARUTO
- Exclusive Merchandise: Limited-edition NARUTO memorabilia and exclusive merchandise, making it a must-visit for any anime fan
As a landmark event for regional anime fans, NARUTO THE GALLERY reflects the global influence of Japanese anime and its cultural crossover appeal. With Dubai known as a bridge between East and West, this event reinforces the city’s position as a hub for innovative and world-class entertainment experiences.
This is a ticketed event, with tickets starting at AED 60 per person. Tickets can be purchased online through Platinumlist or at the venue itself. The exhibition will be held in The Concourse Convention Center, which is seamlessly connected to the Dubai Outlet Mall.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with NARUTO THE GALLERY Executive Committee to bring such an authentic and original experience to Dubai,” said Ahmad Khalifa, CEO, Akiba. “Al Ahli Group and Akiba are committed to growing the pop-culture scene in the region, spanning from West Asia to Africa, and introducing year-long, themed experiences and events, celebrating various iconic properties. And kicking off our series of events with NARUTO THE GALLERY, is extra special, as we celebrate NARUTO’s 20-year legacy by creating an incredible experience for anime fans in the region to connect with the series on a personal level.”
“We are truly honoured to bring NARUTO THE GALLERY to Dubai as its next destination. Through this exhibition, we hope to provide as many fans as possible with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and legacy of NARUTO,” said the NARUTO THE GALLERY Executive Committee.
Bikes
Bollywood Stars to Blaze the Track at Dubai Autodrome for ‘DSBK Middle East Championship’

Dubai is gearing up for an electrifying fusion of speed and stardom as the ‘DSBK Middle East Championship’ takes centre stage at the iconic Dubai Autodrome Racing Circuit on February 2, 2025. For the first time, some of Bollywood’s biggest celebrities will swap the red carpet for racing helmets, promising an adrenaline-pumping showdown like never before. Some of the Bollywood favourite stars, including Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Emraan Hashmi, Vivek Oberoi, Gauahar Khan, and Salman Yusuff Khan, among others, will be participating and riding in this high-octane motorsport extravaganza.
The event is equally igniting interest and quickly gaining traction in the country as well, for its never-seen-before blend of Bollywood glamour with the thrill of superbike racing. As the UAE’s premier superbike championship, DSBK Racing has carved a niche for itself in the region’s motorsport scene. The event provides an opportunity to immerse in edge-of-the-seat racing action, engaging family-friendly activities, and a seamless experience with free entry and parking, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.
Beyond the high-speed action, the event boasts an array of entertainment options, including live DJ performances, a dedicated children’s play zone, a diverse range of food trucks, an interactive fan zone, and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with racers, influencers and celebrities. DSBK Racing’s Founder and celebrated racer Nasir Syed, along with Co-Founder Abdul Samee shared their vision for the championship and said, “The DSBK Middle East Championship is more than just a race; it’s a movement to promote responsible riding and nurture motorsport culture in the region. We aim to establish DSBK Racing as a marquee event on the Middle East’s motorsport calendar.”
In a major announcement, DSBK Racing has also unveiled two groundbreaking initiatives. The DSBK Racing Academy, UAE’s first-ever Superbike training academy, is aimed at cultivating the next generation of racing talent through structured training programs for aspiring riders. Additionally, DSBK Racing is committed to fostering a passionate community of riders, families, and motorsport enthusiasts, offering an experience that extends beyond races to include education and entertainment.
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