Events
Riot Games, Intel, and Lenovo Come Together to Improve the Regional Gaming Landscape

The inaugural IAC, which is in partnership between Riot Games, Intel, and Lenovo, will enter the Final Stage from December 11 with eight teams representing their countries in their quest to become regional champions. The competition is based on Riot Games’ popular gaming title ‘League of Legends’. Since its launch in May, IAC has provided a platform for professional and amateur gamers to connect virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic and showcase their skills and competitive spirit. With matches streamed online, attracting over 5.5 million total views, the competition has also allowed gamers to be recognized for their talent.
The tournament is part of Riot Games’ ongoing commitment to promoting gaming in the region by attracting new players, increasing fan engagement as well as nurturing local talent. During a virtual press conference attended by key officials from Intel and Lenovo, Karim Hachani, Head of Publishing MENA – Riot Games, emphasized how the staging of IAC is another step forward in their mission to deliver fun gaming experiences.
He said: “We are fully aware there is exceptional talent in the MENA region when it comes to gaming especially in League of Legends. This advantage provides us with the opportunity to explore how we can make gaming experiences more innovative while also making them fun and challenging at the same time. With the support of Intel and Lenovo, we have been able to widen our audience and attract new people to League of Legends during the IAC.
“We see League of Legends going from strength to strength in the MENA region and we will continue creating immersive experiences that cultivate people’s passion.” Maurits Tichelman, Vice President, Sales, and Marketing Group and General Manager, EMEA Territory – Intel, Ali Riza Kucuk, Regional Consumer Director, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa – Intel and Shashank Sharma, Executive Director & General Manager, META – Lenovo, highlighted the importance of how this event aligns with their vision to shape the future of gaming in the MENA region.

As leading technology organizations, Intel and Lenovo have been playing vital roles in growing the gaming industry. Intel has partnered with leading esports leagues, brands and publishers for nearly two decades and created innovative technology solutions to enhance the gaming experience, while Lenovo has built powerful gaming equipment and been part of several initiatives inspiring females to participate in gaming.
Tichelman said: “From technology to ecosystem enablement, Intel is committed to the gaming segment. Many of the top pro gamers, teams, and esports leagues choose Intel to power their gaming PCs and connect millions of players around the world. Our goal for the next 5 years is to help the MENA region grow its talent and ecosystem and enable it to meet the international esports standards. Our partnership with Riot games and Lenovo, through the Intel Arabian Cup (IAC), is the first of many steps we will be taking in this journey.”
Shashank Sharma, Executive Director & General Manager – Lenovo META, said: “It gives us great pride to be collaborating with global and local industry players such as Intel and Riot Games MENA – working towards our shared goal of championing the region’s gaming talent. As the popularity and impact of gaming continues to grow exponentially, investing in new product creation and experiences for this community forms a key aspect of our long-term strategy. Over the next few days, as well as connecting gamers, the final stage of the Intel Arabian Cup will also continue to play a crucial role in highlighting the capabilities of the region’s best players and giving them a platform on which to thrive.”
During the Final Stage of IAC, the eight teams that will be in action are Fox Gaming, EGZ Esports, Divine Vendetta, Anubis Gaming, Overmind, Galaxy Racer Esports, Summon Aery, and Titans Gaming Center. The teams qualified after overcoming two stern stages. The first stage, which attracted more than 5,000 players from over 1,000 teams participating, saw the 13 teams, winners of their respective national competitions, advance to the second stage.
Fans across the MENA region can follow the action live with matches taking place on the 11th, 12th, 18th, and 19th of December.

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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