emirates7 - The Huawei AppGallery Gamers Cup made a spectacular return to Ras Al Khaimah with the Esports Carnival 2025, held on May 2 and 3 at the Radisson Resort Al Marjan Island. The event, organized by the Emirates Esports Federation (EESF) in partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), showcased mobile esports in a grand way, solidifying Ras Al Khaimah’s role as a leader in the rapidly growing Middle Eastern esports scene.
Building on the success of the previous year, this year's event was even bigger and more impressive, drawing an all-time high number of gamers, tech enthusiasts, and esports professionals from the region. A major highlight was the collaboration with Jetour, whose stylish vehicles were displayed at the venue entrance, enhancing the overall lifestyle vibe of the event.
Another key sponsor, LikeCard, played a crucial role in the event's success. The newly opened Rove Al Marjan Island provided excellent hospitality, ensuring the comfort of participants throughout the weekend. These collaborations helped a seamless blend of competition, innovation, and lifestyle.
The tournament itself featured intense competition, with PUBG MOBILE taking center stage on Day 1 and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) on Day 2, where AXE MENA emerged as the champions. Over 100 players battled through two weeks of online qualifiers for a spot in the finals, competing for a prize pool of Dh300,000.
Alongside the main-stage competitions, there were interactive gaming booths featuring popular casual mobile games, including Candy Crush Saga, Yalla Jackaroo, Asphalt Legends Unite, and Golf Clash. These booths held mini-tournaments with substantial prizes, drawing over 600 participants. Players competed in various formats, such as speed challenges in Candy Crush and 2v2 matches in Yalla Jackaroo, while Asphalt Legends featured elimination races and Golf Clash saw 1v1 matchups.
A special highlight of the event was the launch of the AppGallery Gamers Cup – Emirates Women’s Championship on May 2, aimed at promoting female gamers and innovation in women’s esports. This was complemented by a panel discussion titled "Breaking Barriers: Women in Esports," featuring prominent female gamers and industry leaders, focusing on inclusivity in the gaming world.
The GoPaint activation added a creative twist, combining art and gaming. Over 60 young artists participated in digital painting sessions, using Huawei tablets to digital art and express their passion.
Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, expressed pride in supporting events like this, which align with Ras Al Khaimah’s vision to diversify tourism offerings and integrate technology, entertainment, and culture. Saeed Al Tahir, General Secretary of EESF, highlighted how esports foster innovation and inclusion, making significant strides in the UAE's digital culture.
William Hu, Managing Director of Huawei Consumer Business Group for the Middle East and Africa, reflected on the success of the event, emphasizing Huawei’s commitment to supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s esports ambitions. The event reinforced the UAE's growing prominence as a global hub for esports and digital culture.
The AppGallery Gamers Cup – Ras Al Khaimah Esports Carnival 2025 underscored Huawei’s ongoing efforts to build a thriving mobile esports ecosystem in the region, marking a significant milestone in the professionalization of esports across the Middle East and Africa.
Building on the success of the previous year, this year's event was even bigger and more impressive, drawing an all-time high number of gamers, tech enthusiasts, and esports professionals from the region. A major highlight was the collaboration with Jetour, whose stylish vehicles were displayed at the venue entrance, enhancing the overall lifestyle vibe of the event.
Another key sponsor, LikeCard, played a crucial role in the event's success. The newly opened Rove Al Marjan Island provided excellent hospitality, ensuring the comfort of participants throughout the weekend. These collaborations helped a seamless blend of competition, innovation, and lifestyle.
The tournament itself featured intense competition, with PUBG MOBILE taking center stage on Day 1 and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) on Day 2, where AXE MENA emerged as the champions. Over 100 players battled through two weeks of online qualifiers for a spot in the finals, competing for a prize pool of Dh300,000.
Alongside the main-stage competitions, there were interactive gaming booths featuring popular casual mobile games, including Candy Crush Saga, Yalla Jackaroo, Asphalt Legends Unite, and Golf Clash. These booths held mini-tournaments with substantial prizes, drawing over 600 participants. Players competed in various formats, such as speed challenges in Candy Crush and 2v2 matches in Yalla Jackaroo, while Asphalt Legends featured elimination races and Golf Clash saw 1v1 matchups.
A special highlight of the event was the launch of the AppGallery Gamers Cup – Emirates Women’s Championship on May 2, aimed at promoting female gamers and innovation in women’s esports. This was complemented by a panel discussion titled "Breaking Barriers: Women in Esports," featuring prominent female gamers and industry leaders, focusing on inclusivity in the gaming world.
The GoPaint activation added a creative twist, combining art and gaming. Over 60 young artists participated in digital painting sessions, using Huawei tablets to digital art and express their passion.
Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, expressed pride in supporting events like this, which align with Ras Al Khaimah’s vision to diversify tourism offerings and integrate technology, entertainment, and culture. Saeed Al Tahir, General Secretary of EESF, highlighted how esports foster innovation and inclusion, making significant strides in the UAE's digital culture.
William Hu, Managing Director of Huawei Consumer Business Group for the Middle East and Africa, reflected on the success of the event, emphasizing Huawei’s commitment to supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s esports ambitions. The event reinforced the UAE's growing prominence as a global hub for esports and digital culture.
The AppGallery Gamers Cup – Ras Al Khaimah Esports Carnival 2025 underscored Huawei’s ongoing efforts to build a thriving mobile esports ecosystem in the region, marking a significant milestone in the professionalization of esports across the Middle East and Africa.