Residents are reporting e-crimes more confidently thanks to awareness campaigns hosted by Dubai Police during e-gaming tournaments. This was highlighted during a press conference announcing the fourth edition of the Dubai Police Esports Tournament, scheduled to run from December 20 to 22.
Launched in 2023, the tournament has grown significantly. A key official noted that scheduling the event during school holidays ensures greater participation.
Major Abdallah Al Shehhi, Director of the Ecrime Department, explained, “We’ve expanded the number of games each year. Initially, there were no games for children, but family participation encouraged us to add six games tailored for them.”
The event will feature six gaming titles, running daily from 2 PM to 9 PM, with total prizes worth Dh200,000 and individual prizes of up to Dh30,000.
The previous tournament saw a noticeable increase in family attendance. Major Al Shehhi shared, “The accompanying exhibition opened up meaningful discussions between parents and children. This enhanced understanding of our e-crime platform, leading to more reports and better awareness of public rights.”
He added, “The aim isn’t just gaming, it’s about educating participants on the risks tied to online gaming, such as addiction, bullying, and data theft. The tournament focuses on balancing gaming with a healthy social life.”
Brigadier General Dr Abdulrahman Sharaf of the Hemaya International Center mentioned, “Around 500 students from various schools are expected to join. We aligned the event with the winter break after 75% of participants in past events preferred this timing. Our research also found that 31% of parents experienced financial losses due to gaming, highlighting the importance of these awareness efforts.”
Arshiya Faraghat, Founder of Pixel Perfect, noted the job market potential in gaming. “This industry could create nearly 30,000 jobs. We’re committed to nurturing local talent and promoting responsible gaming practices.” She also praised the government’s support in spreading awareness about cybercrime risks.
Mickdad Abbasali, Founder of Four 04 Esports, the event organizer, expressed his excitement, saying, “Passion keeps you young. Our goal is to build a vibrant esports community and provide a platform for local talent to shine.”
The tournament stands as a unique initiative, blending entertainment with education, ensuring gamers and their families are better equipped to tackle online risks while enjoying their favorite pastime.
