The Arab American University, in partnership with the Palestinian Esports Federation, launched the activities of the first Esports Summit in Palestine, which extends over three days, on the University’s Ramallah Campus.

The event is organized with the support of the Arab Bank, the Palestinian Telecommunications Company - Jawwal, Unipal XL, and Kia Palestine, with participation from governmental and academic institutions, the private sector, technology companies, professional players, and University students, in a step aimed at supporting the Palestinian digital economy and enabling youth to engage in one of the fastest growing industries in the world.

During his speech, the President of the Arab American University, Dr. Bara Asfour, announced the launch of the bachelor’s program in designing and developing digital games, in a step that is the first of its kind at the level of Palestinian education, and aims to prepare specialized cadres capable of keeping pace with the rapid developments in the gaming industry and the digital economy.

He added that the broad participation of developers, designers, programmers, and innovators at the summit confirms the extent of the potential possessed by Palestinian youth, stressing that the electronic games industry has become one of the largest digital industries in the world, due to the specializations it brings together that include programming, design, artificial intelligence, animation, data analysis, cyber security, and entrepreneurship.

He stated that the Arab American University views digital transformation and artificial intelligence as an essential part of its present and strategic vision, noting that it has invested over the past years in developing its digital infrastructure and creating academic programs and specific specializations that meet the needs of the digital economy and keep pace with rapid technological transformations.

He pointed out that the University seeks to provide an incubating environment for digital talent, combining advanced education, scientific research, and entrepreneurship, enabling students to be technology developers and leaders in future industries. He stressed that the summit comes within a broader vision that aims to link the University with industry, talent with opportunity, ideas with investment, and transforming creative projects into digital products and Palestinian success stories.

For his part, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Abdel Razzaq Natsheh, stressed in his speech that electronic games have become an important part of the global digital economy, and represent a real opportunity to open new labor markets for Palestinian youth, stressing the importance of integrating efforts between the government, universities, and the private sector to develop Palestinian digital products capable of meeting market needs and competing regionally and internationally.

Dr. Natsheh also noted that universities represent the basic foundation in building a generation capable of innovation and production, adding that Palestinian youth possess the energies and capabilities that qualify them to contribute to creating the digital future, stressing that investing in technological knowledge and skills has become a national necessity in light of the rapid transformations the world is witnessing.

Dr. Natsheh said: “If our students are not ready to use artificial intelligence tools properly, we will face real challenges in the labor market, so it is necessary to invest in digital skills and technical knowledge that qualify them to lead the future.” He added that the Ministry is working to strengthen the system of digital sovereignty and develop the Palestinian digital economy, revealing the imminent announcement of the establishment of a national council led by the Prime Minister to follow up on the implementation of the digital policies set by the Ministry, in a way that contributes to accelerating digital transformation and enhancing opportunities for growth and innovation.

For his part, the Executive Vice President of the Palestinian Telecommunications Company - Jawwal, and the President of the Palestinian Esports Federation, Mr. Ibrahim Kharman, confirmed that electronic sports are no longer just a space for entertainment, but rather have become an integrated global industry and a promising digital economy that opens broad horizons for youth for creativity and investment.

He pointed out that Jawwal views this sector as an essential part of the digital transformation process in Palestine, pointing out that developing the gaming and esports industry requires advanced digital infrastructure and highly efficient internet services capable of keeping pace with the requirements of the new generation.

Kharman appreciated the Arab American University’s announcement of the launch of a bachelor’s program in digital game design and development, considering that this step represents a real investment in the energies of Palestinian youth, and contributes to preparing a generation that possesses the necessary skills to keep pace with global developments in the games and digital technology sector.

He stated that Jawwal realized early on the importance of this sector, as it organized many local tournaments, and in 2020, in partnership with the Palestine Olympic Committee, it contributed to establishing the Palestinian Federation for Esports, with the aim of developing the sector, embracing Palestinian talent, and building a professional system capable of transforming electronic sports from a hobby into a professional path and a field for competition at the regional and international levels.

The Director of the Corporate and Financial Institutions Sector at the Arab Bank, Mr. Yousef Al-Saadi, stressed that the summit brings together technology, creativity and passion in one platform, and reflects the importance of investing in the energies of young people and enabling them to develop their skills in the fields that shape the future.

He pointed out that the digital economy today creates promising opportunities in the fields of technology, programming, design, content creation, artificial intelligence, and data analysis, which have become an essential part of the global economy. He added that the importance of the summit lies in it being a space for dialogue, learning and innovation, and an opportunity for young people to discover their potential and have new experiences.

Al-Saadi stressed that keeping pace with digital transformations is a shared responsibility between the public and private sectors, including the banking sector, which contributes to supporting skills and creating the appropriate environment to transform youth ideas into real opportunities for growth and success, stressing that what is required today is not only to keep pace with the digital world, but to contribute to its creation. 

The summit activities included the opening of an electronic games exhibition with the participation of a number of companies and institutions specialized in technology, communications and digital industries. The summit activities will continue over the coming days through a series of dialogue sessions, workshops and competitive tournaments aimed at developing digital skills and enhancing opportunities for cooperation and investment in the electronic gaming sector and the digital economy.