Pixoul Gaming, a huge esports and virtual reality gaming complex in Abu Dhabi, will move its opening date back by a week. It was originally scheduled to open this week but has now been moved to next Friday.
The opening weekend will also have the debut of the Pixoul Community Cup, an esports tournament with titles such as Fortnite, Valorant and Super Smash Bros, at Pixoul Event Hall. There will also be a cosplay show next Saturday.
The hub at Al Qana, a 2.4-kilometre waterfront destination, aims to attract gamers to the capital by offering something for everyone.
Casual gamers will be able to use consoles, while more serious players will be able to enrol in the certified Esports Academy, a first in the region, or enjoy the broadcasting studio where they can live-stream using the latest technology.
Virtual reality games will start at Dh35 while those who want to try out all 10 VR experiences can purchase Story Mode for Dh250. Games include everything from first-person shooting to virtual reality rollercoasters and parachuting to a guided spaceship tour on new planets.
There will also be a dedicated zone to retro gaming as well as an area that houses a unique esports bar, which will show global gaming events with visitors able to purchase food and drinks while watching. The space will also have big screens, bean bags and a choice of consoles to play.
The venue also aims to position itself as the regional go-to for gaming events. There’s a dedicated esports events hall that houses 78-square-metre LED screens and there will be a VIP lounge for those who want to watch the action up close.
“We designed Pixoul Gaming to cater to the entire gaming ecosystem with the mix of VR, retro, console, mobile and PC games,” said Paul Hamilton, general manager of Pixoul Gaming.
"This is the place to be for gamers, who are spoilt for choice from game development and education to thrilling immersive experiences, from professional solo, multi-player and team gaming to hosting global gaming festivals.
“Eager gamers will receive personal training from international gaming champions with VIP and masterclasses. Users will get the chance to learn winning secrets from the world’s top gamers at our academy, preparing them to compete on a global level. International tournaments will be hosted in our elite coliseum of gaming where the biggest, best gamers on the planet will perform to a live audience, watched by millions across the world.”
Scroll through the gallery below to see photos from the newly opened Cinemacity at Al Qana
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Cinemacity has opened at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
Cinemacity has 15 theatre screens. -
The President Theatre is the largest. The cinema can seat up to 1,800. -
The room with the largest cinema screen can seat up to 380. -
Plenty of snacks and food options are available. -
A salad at Azul Lounge, which serves Japanese fusion. -
Azul is located near the VIP and Presidential theatres. -
Other theatres include 3DMax, Arthouse and a children's cinema. -
The three VIP theatres offer reclining seats with a dine-in service, including an on-demand waiter. -
Graffiti, another restaurant onsite, serves authentic Italian dishes and fire pizzas. -
One of the waiting lounges at Cinemacity. -
The VIP lounge seating. -
This is the fourth Cinemacity to open in the UAE, with other locations in Dubai and Sharjah.
— A version of this story was originally published on October 11, 2022
