The AppGallery Gamers Cup – All-Star Esports Tournament, concluded with resounding success recently at the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. The tournament drew over 400 gaming enthusiasts to celebrate the rapidly growing esports scene turning the city into a buzzing hub for gamers. Organized under the guidance of the Emirates Esports Federation (EESF) and in partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, China Cultural Center in the UAE, Nihao!China and Lotus Cars, the AppGallery Gamers Cup – All-Star Esports Ras Al Khaimah tournament celebrated the dynamic and fast-growing world of Esports. The event brought together top gamers, tech enthusiasts, and esports professionals from across the region, marking a significant step for gaming in the UAE and beyond.

This year’s tournament featured two main competitions: Top Battle Royale Game, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), bringing a wide array of popular mobile games to the spotlight. Participants competed fiercely across popular games such as Top Battle Royale, MLBB, Asphalt Legends, and WePlay for a total prize pool of $45,000, thrilling the audience with top-tier gameplay that showcased the region’s vibrant gaming community.

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Emirates Esports Federation (EESF), inaugurated the event with a keynote speech, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to advancing esports on the world stage. As its first time hosting this dynamic event, Ras Al Khaimah continues to emerge as a visionary leader in esports initiatives, positioning itself as a key destination for esports development and gaming tourism growth in the region.

Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “We are thrilled to have hosted an event that showcases the growing energy and talent in the Middle East’s esports landscape. This tournament provided an exciting platform for gamers to shine and for Ras Al Khaimah to play a central role in engaging the region’s esports community. Partnering with HUAWEI AppGallery on this event aligns with our vision to foster innovative Esports experiences in Ras Al Khaimah promoting it as a leading tourism destination for gaming enthusiasts.”

William Hu, Managing Director of Huawei Consumer Business Group, Middle East and Africa Eco-Development and Operation, stated, “Under the esteemed guidance of the Emirates Esports Federation (EESF), the AGC All-Star Tournament aligns seamlessly with Ras Al Khaimah’s bold vision to lead in esports and gaming initiatives, positioning itself as a premier destination for gaming tourism. We’re honoured to support Ras Al Khaimah’s ambition by creating an exceptional platform where gamers can showcase their talents, reflecting the vibrant community spirit, innovation, and enthusiasm that fuel the region’s esports momentum. HUAWEI AppGallery’s AGC All-Star Tournament has marked a transformative milestone in the regional gaming landscape, and we’re excited for the path forward and the groundbreaking successes yet to come.”

This AppGallery Gamers Cup (AGC) – All-Star Esports in Ras Al Khaimah serves as a testament to HUAWEI AppGallery’s dedication to fostering a vibrant mobile gaming community in the region in addition to further positioning Ras Al Khaimah as an exciting entertainment and tourism destination in the UAE. The event’s success paves the way for future tournaments that will continue to elevate the regional gaming landscape and provide exceptional experiences for gamers across the Middle East and Africa.

On November 13th, BlaBla Dubai’s Backroom at JBR became the vibrant backdrop for an evening of music, jamming, and collaboration. Sennheiser’s Sunset Soirée Season 3 brought together over 100 musicians, sound professionals, and vocalists from diverse genres, marking the largest edition of the event to date. The evening featured a perfect blend of music, networking, and hands-on learning, with artists exploring a variety of live performance mics and capsules, discovering innovative performance techniques, and forging new creative connections. Sound professionals, musicians, and vocalists enjoyed a unique space for connection, learning, and celebrating the dynamic energy of our local music community.

Musicians had the unique opportunity to experience Sennheiser and Neumann’s latest audio technologies with live performance mics and capsules specially designed for varying instruments, pitches and renditions. 2024 launches HD490 pro, MD421 Kompakt. were showcased with all-time favourites EW-D, Neumann’s MCM miniature clip mic system, and the MT 48 audio interface. Live demonstrations, expert guidance, feedback from peers and a knowledgeable audience turned the evening to a journey of insightful discovery for delivering the best live performances.

Sunset Soirée has created an exceptional space where audio experts, resellers, and artists meet and interact, showcasing the best audio technology for live performance. Sennheiser’s qualified audio professionals provide hands-on training, allowing artists to explore the latest advancements in wireless microphone systems and monitoring gear.

Ryan Burr, Head of Technical Sales & Application Engineering at Sennheiser Middle East, shared, “This third season of the Sunset Soirée transcends the traditional focus on audio; it ignites creativity and amplifies the artistry behind every performance. It’s not merely about presenting cutting-edge equipment—we’re cultivating  a space where musicians can connect, experiment, and harness the full potential of their craft, empowering them to shape their own sonic identity.”

Beyond technical aspects, Sunset Soirée provides a vibrant space for musicians to connect, exchange ideas, and foster a supportive community within the UAE’s dynamic music scene. Artists from different genres engaged in lively discussions shared their creative journeys, and identified new opportunities for collaboration. Venuetech’s spokesperson said, “As long-term partners of Sennheiser, we’re honoured to be associated with Sunset Soirée, an incredible experienced power of cutting-edge audio technology. It’s exciting to be part of an event that pushes the boundaries hence that keeps getting better. This event provides an outstanding platform for empowering musicians, so they can experience the sound and performance.”

Melody House’s spokesperson explained, “We’re incredibly proud to support Sunset Soirée Season 3. The event serves as a fantastic celebration of collaboration among musicians and industry professionals. It inspires the local music community and provides a space for artists to connect, learn, and grow together. We have partnered with Sennheiser in this initiative from the outset and are happy to continue doing so.”

“Working alongside Sennheiser for Sunset Soiree is a privilege. This is one forum where we can showcase Neumann, the acknowledged choice of the world’s top music stars from all genres for close to 100 years. It’s great to see the brand continue to be cherished, shape the sound of tomorrow and elevate live performances,” Thomsun’s spokesperson commented.

“At Fridge, we have a common agenda with Sennheiser to elevate audio and encourage local artists’ live performances. We are happy to support this dynamic event,” a spokesperson of The Fridge shared.”We attended and supported the event last year and are pleased to have a growing collaboration with Sennheiser for multiple events in our facility going forward.”

Mig Cardamone, Sales Director of Sennheiser Middle East, added, “Sunset Soirée for Musicians is dedicated to building a vibrant community where artists can discover, grow, and innovate together. We are passionate about pushing the boundaries of audio technology, providing musicians with the tools they need to elevate their sound and amplify their creative vision. At the heart of this commitment is our belief in the transformative power of music, and our mission to support every artist who seeks to harness that potential.”

The roar of engines and thrill of high-speed action returned to Dubai Autodrome as DSBK Racing proudly launched the much-anticipated DSBK Middle East Championship 2024-2025 on October 26th. The championship opener treated racing fans and families alike to an unforgettable day of adrenaline-pumping action featuring elite riders from around the world. Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre and Abdu Rozik, who made a special appearance, added even more excitement to an already electrifying atmosphere.

As the UAE’s premier superbike championship, DSBK Racing has firmly established itself as a leader in the region’s motorsports scene. Attendees experienced heart-stopping competition, family-friendly activities, and free entry and parking, creating an inclusive and dynamic environment for all.

Event Highlights

1. Date: October 26, 2024
2. Schedule: The day included intense warm-up and qualifying sessions, culminating in two thrilling 12-lap races at 12:00 PM and 2:50 PM.
3. Competitors: 20 racers representing a diverse mix of nationalities battled it out on the track.
4. Spectator Experience: In addition to the racing, attendees enjoyed live DJ performances, a dedicated children’s play zone, a variety of dining options from food trucks, a fan zone, and opportunities to meet racers and influencers.

2024-2025 Championship Calendar

Round 1: October 26, 2024 – National Circuit, Dubai Autodrome
Round 2: November 10, 2024 – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi (debut event)
Round 3: November 23, 2024 – National Circuit Dubai Autodrome
Round 4: February 2, 2025 – National Circuit, Dubai Autodrome
Round 5: April 5, 2025 – National Circuit, Dubai Autodrome
Round 6: April 19, 2025 – National Circuit, Dubai Autodrome

Founder of DSBK Racing and celebrated racer Nasir Syed & Co-Founder Abdul Samee, who has claimed many podium finishes, shared their vision for the championship: “The DSBK Middle East Championship is more than a race. It’s a platform for promoting responsible riding and advancing motorsport culture in the region. Our mission is to make DSBK Racing a fixture on the Middle East motorsports calendar.

DSBK Racing Academy, the UAE’s first-ever Superbike training academy aims to foster the next generation of racing talent by providing comprehensive training programs for aspiring riders. DSBK Racing is committed to building a passionate community of riders, families, and motorsport enthusiasts, offering more than just races but an experience filled with entertainment and education. Fans of motorsport and superbike racing can look forward to Round 2 on November 10, 2024, at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi.