UAE: Gaming improves life skills, say people of determination

With video gaming becoming increasingly popular among youngsters, Special Olympics UAE too has a group of people of determination who have similar interests. Special Olympics athletes noted that gaming has helped improve their life skills. A group of 20 athletes are looking forward to attending Blast Premier World Final, where eight of the world’s best esports teams will vie for top honours and $1 million prize pool in Abu Dhabi.

Salma Al Salami, 18, is one of the e-sports athletes and prefers playing Fifa given she has a passion for football.

“One of the key aspects when it comes to Fifa is that you need to create your own strategies and tactics, so I’ve been able to think logically and develop my problem-solving skills – aspects that I carry over when I play football myself,” she said.

The rapid emergence of esports is transforming the gaming industry and the public perception is changing with the Middle East, among the regions embracing it and attracting new gamers. The Special Olympics UAE is one of many organisations that are realising the enormous potential it has including educating and inclusion.

“I really enjoy gaming and the Special Olympics are doing a great job in giving us opportunities to play and meet new people while showcasing my skills for sports and hobbies that I love,” Al Salami said.

For Ahmed Al Jailani, his interest in gaming began at an early age.

“I started off by playing with my siblings and I really enjoyed gaming and the thought process that occurs when playing a game as well the development in my skills when playing a particular video game,” the 33-year-old said.

“You need to think differently on how to win especially when I like playing FIFA or racing games while I am now making quick and accurate decisions and working together as a team – all of which are helping me in my everyday life. The support I get from the Special Olympics is great and I am very thankful to them for providing opportunities to follow my passion,” Al Jailani noted.

Both of them will be among a group of Special Olympics athletes attending the Blast Premier World Final. The elite tournament will be held in partnership with AD Gaming, a government-led initiative.

“We are delighted to be hosting the Special Olympics athletes. Gaming and esports is such a unique space due to the accessibility it provides to players and fans,” Charlotte Kenny, managing director, Blast Premier said.

• UAE President receives leaders of space agencies participating in Abu Dhabi Space Dialogue