The UAE’s first all-female esports team has made its historic global debut at the World Esports Championships held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2024. This event not only showcased the impressive skills of the team but also represented a significant advancement in empowering women in esports, a field that has been predominantly male-dominated.

The team includes members Moza Khalid (25), Fatima Al Ansari (24), and Mariam Al Shamisi (34), who each shared their personal journeys from gaming enthusiasts to competitive athletes representing the UAE on an international stage. Moza Khalid, originally from Sharjah, reflected on her beginnings with classic games like Ninja Gaiden on PlayStation, stating, “From a young age, I was fascinated by the immersive world of gaming. It started with Ninja Gaiden, which sparked my curiosity and love for games,” as reported by Khaleej Times.

As Moza’s skills developed, so did her ambition to compete. She explained that her initial gaming experiences were purely for fun, but as she improved and gained recognition, competitive gaming became a natural next step. Similarly, Fatima Al Ansari, also from Sharjah, discovered her passion for gaming through casual games on her iPad. She noted, “I would complete all the games, but Mobile Legends was the first online game I played,” emphasizing her excitement when she found the game.

As Khaleej Times reported, Mariam Al Shamisi, hailing from Dubai, has a long history with gaming, introduced to it by her uncle at an early age. She shared, “My uncle introduced me to computers and games at an early age. Growing up, electronics were part of my world,” highlighting how her childhood experiences fueled her passion for technology and gaming.

The World Esports Championships marked a pivotal moment for these women, as they represented the UAE on a global scale for the first time. Moza expressed her feelings of pride and excitement, stating, “It was a surreal feeling. When we first arrived in Riyadh, it didn’t hit me that I was part of the first-ever women’s team from the UAE competing globally.”

Fatima recalled her emotions as she stepped onto the global stage, remembering the weight of representing her country. She remarked, “Being part of the first UAE women’s Esports team was such a rewarding experience.” For Mariam, the event was the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, describing it as “a dream come true” to be part of such a historic moment.

The support from their families has played a crucial role in the success of these athletes. Moza credited her mother and friends for encouraging her pursuit of gaming. “They never questioned my commitment to gaming,” she shared proudly. Fatima echoed this sentiment, highlighting her sister and mother as her biggest supporters, stating, “They’ve always encouraged me to follow my dreams.”

Mariam acknowledged the challenges of balancing gaming with her personal life but credited her family’s understanding for making it possible. “My family has always been understanding, even when I’m juggling gaming with raising my children,” she said.

The debut of the UAE’s women’s esports team is a vital step in empowering women in the industry and inspiring future generations of female gamers. Moza expressed her ambition to improve as a player and to pave the way for more women in esports, emphasizing the importance of inspiration. “We need to inspire others to take that first step,” she added.

Mariam hopes for the UAE women’s team to be recognized as one of the strongest globally, stating that their success proves that dedication leads to achievement. Fatima also expressed her desire to encourage young girls to pursue their passion for esports, saying, “Esports is not just a game; it’s a chance to develop, grow, and achieve greatness.”

The participation of this team at the World Esports Championships marks the beginning of what promises to be a promising journey, as the UAE continues to establish itself as a formidable presence in the global esports arena. With players like Moza, Fatima, and Mariam at the forefront, the women’s esports scene in the UAE is poised for significant growth.