In a landmark moment for the regional gaming community, the AppGallery Gamers Cup – Emirates Women’s Championship was officially unveiled during the AGC-RAK Esports Carnival 2025 in collaboration with the Emirates Esports Federation (EESF), hosted by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). The announcement marked a powerful step forward for inclusivity and innovation in the esports industry.
With a mission to elevate female talent in competitive gaming, this joint initiative plans to create a high-impact platform where women in esports can thrive, as players, strategists, content creators, and industry leaders. By spotlighting female representation and driving innovation in women’s tournaments, the championship sets the stage for a new generation of gamers and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in the esports ecosystem.
As part of the official unveiling, the press conference featured a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Esports”, bringing together leading female voices in the gaming and sports business. The panel featured key female figures like Maryam Yousef Batran Alshehhi, Chairperson of the Cultural Awareness and Promotion Committee at EESF; Kristina Frolova Lasenko, Innovation Diplomat at ACTIV⁸ON; Rebecca Dance-Shuker, Co-Founder of MESBN (Middle East Sports Business Network); and Laura Rojas Uribe, Directress of Innovation at Ninjas in Pyjamas.
This dynamic discussion explored the realities and opportunities for women in esports, addressing everything from dismantling gender stereotypes to creating inclusive career pathways and how community, education, and global collaboration can accelerate progress.
Beyond the panel, the conference fostered deep engagement through Q&A sessions and interactive media opportunities that allowed attendees to interact with prominent female gamers and thought leaders in the esports space.
Mr. Hamad Qassem, Head of Events and Competitions at the Emirates Esports Federation, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “The official launch of the Emirates Women’s Esports Championship marks a significant milestone in our journey to build a more inclusive and progressive esports ecosystem in the UAE. This initiative, in collaboration with HUAWEI AppGallery, is a testament to our shared vision of championing female gamers, nurturing emerging talent, and creating platforms that encourage innovation, equality, and representation. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where every gamer, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to shine.”
Mr. William Hu, Managing Director of Huawei Consumer Business Group, Middle East and Africa, added: “At Huawei, we are deeply committed to empowering communities through technology, and this championship reflects that purpose. The AppGallery Gamers Cup – Women’s Esports Championship goes beyond competition; it’s a celebration of diversity, creativity, and the incredible potential of female gamers across the region. Partnering with the Emirates Esports Federation allows us to amplify this mission and ensure that the future of esports is more inclusive, dynamic, and inspiring than ever before.”
The launch of the AppGallery Gamers Cup – Emirates Women’s Championship signals a transformative moment for the region that aligns with HUAWEI AppGallery’s and EESF’s shared commitment to building a more diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking gaming ecosystem. As esports continues to break boundaries, such initiatives will pave the way for greater female representation, innovation, and empowerment in the industry.