Last week, EStars hosted its first-ever Esports in Education Roundtable in Dubai, a milestone gathering that brought together educators, school leaders and industry representatives who are passionate about reimagining how esports can enhance learning and life skills in schools.
Held at Nord Anglia International School Dubai, the event provided a unique platform for open discussion, collaboration and reflection on the growing role of esports in education. The atmosphere was filled with curiosity, optimism and a shared commitment to preparing students for the digital future.
A Meeting of Minds
The roundtable opened with a powerful question: What role can esports play in shaping tomorrow’s learners? From this starting point, the conversation developed into a rich exchange of ideas on how gaming can nurture communication, collaboration, problem solving and resilience. These are essential skills for young people navigating an increasingly digital world.
Educators from across the region shared how they have already begun to integrate esports into their curriculums through after school clubs, enrichment programmes and formal qualifications. Many highlighted the positive impact these initiatives have had on student confidence and motivation.
Industry Insight and Inspiration
A key part of the afternoon involved hearing from speakers who shared direct experiences from within the esports and gaming industries.
Ali Al Ramahi of the Global Esports Federation offered valuable insights into the wider esports ecosystem and its growing global influence. His contribution helped contextualise how the skills learned through esports, such as teamwork, strategic thinking and leadership, are directly transferable to both academic and career pathways. He also noted that these skills often develop more dynamically through gaming than through many traditional teaching methods.
In esports, these skills are experienced rather than explained. Students must communicate clearly under pressure, think critically in real time, adapt strategies instantly and guide their teams towards shared goals. This creates authentic, hands on learning that builds resilience, emotional intelligence and collaboration in ways that classroom theory alone struggles to replicate.
Bobby Johal and Gurbinder Mander from Nord Anglia Education shared the school’s esports journey and the measurable impact it has had on student engagement and ambition. They described how the progression from EStars’ Certificate in Esports, accredited by NOCN, to the EStars BTEC in Esports, accredited by Pearson, is being embedded in Nord Anglia Dubai. This demonstrated how educational theory is translating into real classroom outcomes.
They also emphasised the value of the field trip to Yas Creative Hub, a core part of the BTEC in Esports qualification. Through this experience, students were able to see the industry in action, meet professionals, explore creative workspaces and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse career opportunities available in esports and gaming.
The event also featured Arshiya Faraghat, who shared her personal journey within esports and the opportunities it has opened for her beyond gaming. Her story reinforced the message that esports is not just about competition, it is about pathways, passion and purpose.
Dubai’s Vision for a Global Esports Hub
The roundtable comes at a pivotal time for the UAE as Dubai accelerates its ambition to become a global centre for gaming and esports. Under the Dubai Program for Gaming 2033, the emirate aims to create 30,000 new jobs and attract global gaming companies while developing local talent across all sectors of the industry, from game development and production to event management, marketing and broadcasting.
This national vision aligns with the work that EStars is doing in schools. By introducing esports qualifications and structured learning pathways, EStars is helping to equip the next generation with the skills needed to support and grow the esports ecosystem in the years ahead. Students are discovering passions and gaining a head start in an industry that will become a major part of Dubai’s creative economy.
As Leyla Sabet, Head of Education at EStars, explains:
“Dubai’s investment in esports shows just how much potential this industry holds. Schools have a vital role to play in nurturing that talent pipeline. Our programmes are about giving young people the knowledge, confidence and skills they’ll need to thrive in those future roles.”
Bridging Education and Industry
For EStars, the roundtable represented more than discussion. It was a statement of intent. Bringing educators and industry leaders together allowed EStars to reinforce its mission to bridge the gap between education and the rapidly evolving esports industry.
“What’s most exciting about these conversations is seeing schools think differently about what learning can look like. Esports isn’t just entertainment, it’s a powerful tool for engagement, creativity and preparing students for real-world futures,” adds Leyla.
Looking Ahead
The enthusiasm in the room made one point clear: the future of esports in education is bright. Schools across the UAE are increasingly recognising its potential to inspire students and connect learning to the world they live in and the industries they hope to join.
Learn More About Esports Qualifications
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Further Reading:
- Dubai Student Earns Distinction in EStars BTEC in Esports – A Story of Passion and Perseverance
- The EStars BTEC Level 2 in Esports Is Transforming How Secondary Schools Prepare Students for the Careers of Tomorrow