Dubai Police to Host Fifth Edition of Esports Tournament This August

Dubai Police Esports Tournament

Dubai Police is set to host the fifth edition of the Dubai Police Esports Tournament from August 14 to 17 at the Dubai Police Officers Club in Al Jaddaf.

The event is open to players aged 10 to 35 and will feature a prize pool of AED 200,000 (~£40,465) spread across multiple competitive titles.

The tournament will see over 1,500 players from various nationalities competing in six popular games — Counter-Strike 2, VALORANT, Dota 2, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, EA Sports FC 25, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.

In addition to the esports action, the event will also host a Hackathon and a Game Jam, adding a creative twist to the competition.

While it may sound unusual for a police department to run an esports event, this initiative has a strong community focus. According to Dubai Police, the aim is to promote balanced gaming practices, raise awareness about cybercrime risks, and educate players on how to protect themselves in the digital space.

The tournament also aligns with the Dubai Sports Council’s strategy to organize youth-centric events and encourage safe participation in digital activities.

At the recent press conference, Major Abdullah Al Shehhi, Director of the Cybercrime Department, stressed the importance of using gaming as a platform to educate participants on online safety. He pointed out that with gaming becoming a global phenomenon, young players are more exposed than ever to risks such as online scams, identity theft, and cyber fraud. Initiatives like the Dubai Police’s Ecrime reporting platform and awareness hub were highlighted as tools for community protection.

Rashid Mohammed Abdullah from the Dubai Sports Council praised the tournament’s dual role — not only providing a competitive outlet for gamers but also serving as an educational platform to safeguard youth from digital threats.

Dubai has been increasingly active in the esports scene. In recent years, the city has hosted major events like the Dubai Esports and Games Festival and is preparing for the Global Esports Games later this year. The Middle East as a whole, particularly Dubai and Saudi Arabia, is fast becoming a major player in the global esports industry.

Registration remains open, offering both casual and competitive gamers the chance to participate in one of the region’s most unique esports events.