The first of its kind in the Kingdom, setting a new standard for developing local gaming talent
and growing a vibrant esports ecosystem.
Since its inception in 2023, Zain Bahrain’s Esports Lab, in collaboration with Teal Flamingo Studio, supported by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), has rapidly emerged as a groundbreaking force in Bahrain’s esports landscape. With a dedicated 450-square-meter facility, Zain Esports Lab is the first dedicated Esports facility in the Kingdom, setting a new standard for developing local gaming talent and growing a vibrant esports ecosystem.
Over the past two years, Zain Esports lab has hosted 1,048 matches, over 1,000 players and welcomed over 2000 visitors, and accumulated an impressive viewership. These figures are a testament to this pioneering initiative’s growing influence and success.
The lab has also created jobs in various roles within Bahrain’s gaming and esports sectors. These roles have provided new career opportunities for young Bahrainis, contributing significantly to the local economy, and encouraging professional growth in a thriving, high-tech industry.
Elevating Bahrain’s Gaming Position in the Region
Zain Esports Lab is poised to play a central role in fostering gamers, esports enthusiasts, and professional talent while positioning the Kingdom as a hub for global esports development. Its vision across the region aims to unite and support esports amateurs, professionals, content creators, casters, commentators, teams, fans, organizers, and sponsors under one roof.
In addition, Zain Esports Lab has played a pioneering role in advancing the eSports ecosystem in the Kingdom through a series of landmark initiatives. In collaboration with the Bahrain eSports Federation, Zain eSports organized the Kingdom’s first-ever National e-Qualifiers, providing a platform for top local talent to compete internationally and represent Bahrain globally.
Additionally, Zain eSports launched the first National University e-League tournament, bringing together university students across the Kingdom to engage in structured, competitive gameplay and foster emerging talent. Further solidifying its regional leadership, Zain eSports hosted the official MENA server launch for League of Legends—one of the world’s most popular and influential eSports titles—right in Bahrain, marking a significant milestone for the local and regional gaming community.
Zain Esports is the e-gaming arm of Zain Group, a leading provider of innovative technologies and digital lifestyle communications operating in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa.
The Power of Collaboration with Key Partners
Through the support of Teal Flamingo Studios and the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), Zain Esports continues cultivating a nurturing environment for local talent.
These partnerships have played a crucial role in establishing the success of the Esports Lab. Teal Flamingo Studios, known for its expertise in digital innovation and gaming, has brought in it vast experience to help create the facility’s state-of-the-art technology and programming.
Tamkeen’s commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship has also been pivotal in ensuring the lab’s operations and continued growth. In addition to Zain’s network that delivers uninterrupted, low-lag performance, making it a top choice for professional gamers and esports enthusiasts.
A State-of-the-Art Facility with High-Speed Connectivity
Zain Esports Lab has top-tier infrastructure, including a stage, virtual screens offering the highest resolution in Bahrain, a broadcast facility with cutting-edge technology, broadcast sets for production, and a training area specifically designed to help Bahraini players hone their skills.
What sets the venue apart is its focus on community engagement, with an event space designed to foster connections and collaborations among gaming enthusiasts. This unique feature creates a dynamic environment that enhances the overall gaming experience.
Focusing on providing comprehensive training programs, Zain Esports Lab is dedicated to nurturing a sustainable gaming ecosystem by empowering local talent. These programs cover a wide range of skills, from game strategy and tactics to technical skills like game development and production.
In addition, Zain’s high-speed connectivity in the eSports Lab ensures an elite gaming experience, offering dedicated bandwidth optimized explicitly for competitive gaming. With among the lowest ping rates in the region, players benefit from ultra-responsive gameplay, reduced latency, and seamless online battles, giving them a critical edge in high-stakes eSports tournaments.
Brining Gaming Community Together
Zain Esports Lab has been a hive of activity, hosting over 17 events since 2023, spanning more than 50 operational days. The events have energized the local gaming scene and attracted a passionate following, allowing players to showcase their skills in both competitive and fun environments, creating a buzz of excitement and anticipation among gamers. Some of the most recent key events include Marvel Rivals Tournament in partnership with Bahrain Esports Community, which garnered significant attention at the lab with over 80 players and 1,500+ broadcast views, creating excitement both locally and online. Another sponsored league is the action-packed Rocket League 2v2 Tournament, which included both pro and amateur brackets to cater to players of all levels.
