Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – May 13, 2025: The regional esports landscape has reached a transformative milestone with the official launch of the AppGallery Gamers Cup – Emirates Women’s Championship. This groundbreaking initiative was unveiled during the AGC-RAK Esports Carnival 2025, hosted by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) in partnership with the Emirates Esports Federation (EESF) and Huawei AppGallery.
This championship aims to promote inclusivity and innovation in esports by creating a high-impact platform where female gamers can excel, not only as players but also as strategists, content creators, and industry leaders. The initiative is designed to spotlight female talent, inspire a new generation of gamers, and reshape the narrative of women’s involvement in the esports ecosystem.
Empowering Women in Esports Through the AppGallery Gamers Cup
The AppGallery Gamers Cup – Emirates Women’s Championship provides a unique opportunity for women in esports to showcase their skills in a competitive and supportive environment. It is more than just a competition; it is a platform for empowerment, creativity, and leadership.
The launch event featured a powerful panel discussion titled “Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Esports,” which brought together prominent female figures in gaming and sports, including:
- Maryam Yousef Batran Alshehhi: Chairperson of the Cultural Awareness and Promotion Committee at EESF.
- Kristina Frolova Lasenko: Innovation Diplomat at ACTIV⁸ON.
- Rebecca Dance-Shuker: Co-Founder of MESBN (Middle East Sports Business Network).
- Laura Rojas Uribe: Directress of Innovation at Ninjas in Pyjamas.
This panel discussion explored key topics, including:
- Overcoming gender stereotypes in esports.
- Creating inclusive career pathways for female gamers.
- The role of community, education, and global collaboration in accelerating progress.
The conference also featured interactive Q&A sessions, allowing attendees to engage directly with leading female gamers and industry experts.
Key Voices Highlight the Championship’s Importance
Mr. Hamad Qassem, Head of Events and Competitions at the Emirates Esports Federation, emphasized the significance of the championship:
“The official launch of the Emirates Women’s Esports Championship marks a significant milestone in our journey to build a more inclusive and progressive esports ecosystem in the UAE. This initiative, in collaboration with HUAWEI AppGallery, is a testament to our shared vision of championing female gamers, nurturing emerging talent, and creating platforms that encourage innovation, equality, and representation.”
Mr. William Hu, Managing Director of Huawei Consumer Business Group, Middle East and Africa, echoed this sentiment:
“At Huawei, we are deeply committed to empowering communities through technology, and this championship reflects that purpose. The AppGallery Gamers Cup – Women’s Esports Championship goes beyond competition; it’s a celebration of diversity, creativity, and the incredible potential of female gamers across the region.”
Huawei and EESF: A Strategic Partnership for Inclusive Esports
The AppGallery Gamers Cup – Emirates Women’s Championship is the result of a strategic partnership between Huawei and the Emirates Esports Federation (EESF). This partnership aims to foster a more inclusive and innovative gaming environment by providing a dedicated platform for female gamers to thrive.
Huawei’s involvement underscores its commitment to leveraging technology for social empowerment, not only through digital connectivity but also by supporting platforms that recognize and nurture talent.
A New Era for Women in Esports
The launch of the AppGallery Gamers Cup – Emirates Women’s Championship is a defining moment for the regional esports ecosystem, providing female gamers with a platform to shine in a supportive and competitive setting. As esports continues to grow in popularity and reach, such initiatives are critical for ensuring that women are represented, empowered, and celebrated in the industry.
