The United Arab Emirates (UAE) may not yet have legalized gambling under federal law, but that doesn’t stop gaming culture from thriving in the Emirates. Players can choose between high-tech VR arenas, multiplayer hubs, or home setups to enjoy the virtual worlds of video games.
If you’re looking for the best gaming spots, or just a good place to hang out for a few hours with a controller in hand, then these are the best five places to do so in the UAE.
1. Dubai Esports Arena
The Esports Arena in Dubai has over 70 gaming PCs, PS5s, and a big screen like the ones you would find in a cinema. It is the perfect destination for competitive and casual gamers. The center offers high ceilings and a well-ventilated space that makes the arena feel homey and comfortable. There are additional amenities, like a lounge with snacks, that make it feel like more than a standard gaming cafe.
The Esports Arena is a great option for those looking for competitive play, although the community also welcomes casual gamers. It often hosts professional local tournaments, so you can head there to watch even if you’re not a gamer yourself.
2. Staying Home
A fun night of gaming doesn’t mean you have to leave your house. Gaming PCs and consoles are becoming more affordable by the day, and as long as you have a reliable Internet connection, you can game using a home setup. You can even use your smartphone for shorter playing sessions.
Players who want to enjoy something beyond video games can look to the UAE’s best casinos hosted on online platforms. These sites offer traditional casino games, with local language settings, and are VPN-friendly so your gaming activities can’t be tracked.
3. Zero Latency Dubai
If you want something more immersive than a PC gaming setup can offer you, then Zero Latency Dubai is the gaming destination for you. They use advanced technology to offer a free-roam virtual reality setup, where you can virtually walk freely through game worlds while fighting off zombies or exploring what our future might look like.
You can go to Zero Latency by yourself or invite friends along for a social experience. You will be immersed in an audio-visual world where full-body motion propels you along in the game. Up to eight players can play together in real time, and you can walk within a warehouse up to 200 square meters, which translates into a massive open-world game.
4. The Arcade by Hub Zero, Dubai
The Arcade by Hub Zero offers a more relaxed vibe, with adverse games ranging from retro to modern. It is located at Al Khawaneej Walk and has more than 50 games, including PC, arcade machines, and VR titles. You can play classics like Space Invaders and Pac-Man to modern motion-capture and VR games. There’s truly something for all experience levels.
The interior sets the scene, with neon lights and graffiti on the black walls. The Arcade is the perfect gaming destination for friends or casual gamers looking for a fun time.
5. Gamers Lounge Game Center, Abu Dhabi
Gamers Lounge Game Center is a popular gaming centre in Abu Dhabi. It is known for its powerful PCS, private console rooms with PS5s, and reliable internet. The center has a good ambience, and you can play either solo or book a private room and game with friends. This center caters to those who want a more intimate gaming experience, away from the crowds.
Final Thoughts
Esports gamers, VR players, arcade fans, or casual gamers looking to play with friends will all find the perfect place to game in the UAE. There are high-powered competitive areas like Esports Arena and casual sports like The Arcade by Hub Zero, or you can simply stay home and access the many online platforms available to players in the region.