UAE national carrier, Etihad Airways, has confirmed that it will sponsor World Champion Esports team Team Nigma, the organisation founded by The International 7 champions. The partnership signifies Etihad Airways’ first foray into esports.
The Dota 2 giant, Nigma, will be the first esports team ever to be sponsored by a major airline. The announcement follows the news that Nigma will be relocating to Abu Dhabi, under their partnership with AD Gaming.
The AD Gaming initiative announced by Twofour54 in Abu Dhabi last month was a means to build a gaming and esports ecosystem in the emirate. AD Gaming intends to provide a support system for game developers, players, consumers, and businesses in Abu Dhabi.
UAE’s governing body for esports, the Emirates Esports Association, will also establish its headquarters at the Gaming Hub within Twofour54’s new media and entertainment campus, Yas Creative Hub, when it opens later this year in Abu Dhabi.
Etihad has already partnered with world-class sports teams and events, from Manchester City Football Club to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The global gaming industry is projected to generate USD 300 billion in revenue by 2025, with the MENA region witnessing one of the highest growth rates.
