A Dubai-based company is set to integrate gaming into the school curriculum. Unesportsity, a comprehensive marketplace for gaming-related products, is launching a pilot program aimed at teaching students as young as three years old.
"We aim to demonstrate that gaming can generate economic output and enhance skills for gamers," stated Dr. Adil Alzarooni, founder of CapiZona Ventures, which operates Unesportsity. "Our goal is to introduce gaming in a positive and beneficial manner across schools and universities, eventually developing it into a curriculum that utilizes gaming for skill development."
A project is in development to be implemented at the Citizens School, where Dr. Alzarooni serves as chairman. "We want to make education more enjoyable and embed skills into students' minds subconsciously," he explained. "Many gaming skills can also be applied in everyday life. Through this program, I hope students can cultivate these skills that will be advantageous to them in the future, regardless of whether they become gamers."
Dr. Alzarooni emphasized the rapid growth of the gaming industry and the importance of preparing the younger generation with relevant skills. "The gaming industry has surpassed the combined size of the music and movie industries," he noted. In the UAE, it is projected that 25% of the population will be active gamers, while in Saudi Arabia, this figure is expected to reach around 60%.
Unesportsity has initiated gaming tournaments at its first physical location, a café on Sheikh Zayed Road, as a starting point to introduce gaming to young people. The studio aims to achieve multiple objectives. "We have a platform that will manage tournaments, which will eventually involve schools and universities," he said. "We are currently experimenting with the space to manage tournaments and the reward system. We will proceed step by step, with the next goal being to launch a broader program to introduce this to more communities and schools."
Dr. Alzarooni's primary objective is to combat the stigma associated with gaming among parents. "Most parents view gaming as a negative activity and reprimand their children for it," he said. "However, if gaming is experienced in a certain way, it can actually be positive. Students must maintain a balanced life with both mental and physical activities, and gaming should be part of that balance."
He acknowledged the challenges parents face in navigating this issue. "There are few resources for parents to educate themselves on managing their children's gaming experience," he noted. "This is one of the objectives I hold for Unesportsity—to guide parents on how gaming can be a positive aspect of their children's lives."
Dr. Alzarooni emphasized the importance of community support in building a framework for gaming. "A gaming experience integrated with an educational experience is innovative and visionary," he said. "However, it won't be possible without the support of the community, a strong team, and, of course, parents. If we all work together around a concept like Unesportsity to create a positive experience, it is very achievable, though it will take time."
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