Dates announced for Games Middle East in Dubai

Games Middle East, the region’s premier festival dedicated to gaming, will take place from September 22 to 24 at Dubai World Trade Centre, where fans can get a hands-on look at the latest in PC, console, mobile or even table-top gaming.

Organisers say there will be previews and demos of new games and technology, competitions and showcases from the global and regional gaming industry, including industry giants such as Sony PlayStation, Ubisoft (with the eagerly awaited Watch Dogs 2), Konami with Pre Evolution Soccer 2017 and 2K. More attendees will be announced.

Fans can check out global trends, including the latest game development and design from regional and international experts, and the latest in technological innovations, including virtual reality, and much more.

The event will also host an official leg of Capcom’s worldwide Street Fighter Pro Tour tournament.

It is a great chance for fans to experience games well ahead of their release, meet some of the famous voice talent and composers from their favourite titles, participate in competitions and tournaments and also enjoy live musical performances and fun activities on the main stage.

“Last year’s event attracted more than 15,000 enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds and with even better and more diverse content on display, our vision is for Games Middle East to set a new benchmark,” says Ben Caddy, chief executive of organisers The Alliance, also behind the wildly successful Middle East Film and Comic Con.

“As the gaming industry grows and evolves with development and localisation in various formats, including PC, console, mobile and table top, we’re very excited to see what’s next ourselves and to share that with the community here in the Middle East.”

• Ticket information and announcements of guests, exhibitors and activities will be revealed in the coming weeks at www.games-me.com

cnewbould@thenational.ae

Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance

%3Cp%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%201.9km%20King%20Salman%20Boulevard%2C%20a%20Parisian%20Champs-Elysees-inspired%20avenue%2C%20is%20scheduled%20for%20completion%20in%202028%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20Royal%20Diriyah%20Opera%20House%20is%20expected%20to%20be%20completed%20in%20four%20years%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%20first%20of%2042%20hotels%2C%20the%20Bab%20Samhan%20hotel%2C%20will%20open%20in%20the%20first%20quarter%20of%202024%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20On%20completion%20in%202030%2C%20the%20Diriyah%20project%20is%20forecast%20to%20accommodate%20more%20than%20100%2C000%20people%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20%2463.2%20billion%20Diriyah%20project%20will%20contribute%20%247.2%20billion%20to%20the%20kingdom%E2%80%99s%20GDP%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20It%20will%20create%20more%20than%20178%2C000%20jobs%20and%20aims%20to%20attract%20more%20than%2050%20million%20visits%20a%20year%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20About%202%2C000%20people%20work%20for%20the%20Diriyah%20Company%2C%20with%20more%20than%2086%20per%20cent%20being%20Saudi%20citizens%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

ESSENTIALS

The flights

Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.

The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.