Pixoul Gaming at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi pushes back opening date

The esports and virtual reality hub aims to attract players of all levels

Pixoul Gaming will open on November 4. All photos: Pixoul Gaming

The state-of-the-art virtual reality and esports hub is located at Al Qana.

The hub aims to attract gamers to Abu Dhabi by offering something for everyone.

There are 10 virtual reality games offered, at Dh35 per game.

Those who want to try out all 10 VR experiences can purchase Story Mode for Dh250.

Pixoul Gaming has free entry into the complex.

VR games include everything from first person shooting to virtual reality rollercoasters and parachuting to a guided spaceship tour on new planets.

Casual gamers will be able to use consoles, while more serious players will be able to enroll in the certified Esports Academy, a first in the region.

A look inside Pixoul Gaming.

Pixoul Gaming has a mix of VR, retro, console, mobile and PC games.

VR headsets in Pixoul Gaming.

The retro arcade zone at Pixoul Gaming.

Gamers can enjoy a broadcasting studio where they can live-stream using the latest technology.

The lobby of Pixoul Gaming.

Pixoul Gaming, a huge esports and virtual reality gaming complex in Abu Dhabi, will move its opening date back by a week. It was originally scheduled to open this week but has now been moved to next Friday.

The opening weekend will also have the debut of the Pixoul Community Cup, an esports tournament with titles such as Fortnite, Valorant and Super Smash Bros, at Pixoul Event Hall. There will also be a cosplay show next Saturday.

The hub at Al Qana, a 2.4-kilometre waterfront destination, aims to attract gamers to the capital by offering something for everyone.

Casual gamers will be able to use consoles, while more serious players will be able to enrol in the certified Esports Academy, a first in the region, or enjoy the broadcasting studio where they can live-stream using the latest technology.

Virtual reality games will start at Dh35 while those who want to try out all 10 VR experiences can purchase Story Mode for Dh250. Games include everything from first-person shooting to virtual reality rollercoasters and parachuting to a guided spaceship tour on new planets.

There will also be a dedicated zone to retro gaming as well as an area that houses a unique esports bar, which will show global gaming events with visitors able to purchase food and drinks while watching. The space will also have big screens, bean bags and a choice of consoles to play.

The venue also aims to position itself as the regional go-to for gaming events. There’s a dedicated esports events hall that houses 78-square-metre LED screens and there will be a VIP lounge for those who want to watch the action up close.

“We designed Pixoul Gaming to cater to the entire gaming ecosystem with the mix of VR, retro, console, mobile and PC games,” said Paul Hamilton, general manager of Pixoul Gaming.

"This is the place to be for gamers, who are spoilt for choice from game development and education to thrilling immersive experiences, from professional solo, multi-player and team gaming to hosting global gaming festivals.

“Eager gamers will receive personal training from international gaming champions with VIP and masterclasses. Users will get the chance to learn winning secrets from the world’s top gamers at our academy, preparing them to compete on a global level. International tournaments will be hosted in our elite coliseum of gaming where the biggest, best gamers on the planet will perform to a live audience, watched by millions across the world.”

Scroll through the gallery below to see photos from the newly opened Cinemacity at Al Qana

— A version of this story was originally published on October 11, 2022