Esports Business Network and Wild Unlimited Partner to Expand Esports in UAE and MENA Region

Marketing group Esports Business Network (EBN) has teamed up with event powerhouse Wild Unlimited to accelerate the growth of gaming and esports culture in the UAE and MENA region.

The partnership aims to connect Asia’s mature esports markets with the UAE’s rapidly emerging gaming ecosystem, creating cross-border opportunities and promoting gaming as both a cultural and economic force.

As part of the partnership, Wild Unlimited will serve as the exclusive representative and strategic growth partner for EBN and its companies, including The Gaming Company, EBN’s full-service esports marketing agency. EBN, in its turn, will execute all esports and gaming initiatives led by Wild Unlimited across the Middle East.

A key focus of the collaboration is esports and AI education. EBN’s programs, designed to enhance global employability and share industry-relevant skills with students, will now extend to the Middle East. This initiative seeks to create unified industry standards, facilitate cross-border career mobility, and build the next generation of esports and AI professionals.

“This partnership unlocks the next frontier of gaming, esports, and technological expansion for both EBN and Wild Unlimited,” said Adrian Gaffor, CEO of EBN. “With over 20 years of esports experience in Asia and Wild Unlimited’s expertise in experiential events in the Middle East, our goal is to bridge the gap between Asia and the UAE for talent, events, and ecosystem growth.”

The UAE, investing over AED 700 million in gaming infrastructure and innovation zones, and Asia, which accounts for nearly half of the global esports audience, create an ideal environment for high-impact collaboration. The partnership will support community development, youth engagement, brand-led experiences, and both on-ground and virtual esports initiatives.

“Together with EBN, we are laying the foundation for a complete esports ecosystem in the Middle East,” said Sam Shami, CEO & Founder of Wild Unlimited. “From government partnerships to education frameworks and infrastructure development, this isn’t just a partnership – it’s a blueprint for the future of gaming in the region.”

Both companies aim to pioneer the next wave of regional esports innovation, connecting talent pipelines with immersive experiences and strengthening the UAE’s position as a hub for gaming and digital culture.