Episode 23·17:39·24 Feb 2026

The Moment Dubai Saved SiGMA and What's Coming Next | iGaming Real Talk | Eman Pulis

with Eman Pulis

Surya Palli

Founder of iGaming Real Talk.·24 Feb 2026

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Welcome to the first episode of the AIBC Eurasia Event Series in Dubai.

In this episode, Eman Pulis, Founder of SiGMA Group, shares the deeply personal story of how the UAE helped his company stay afloat during COVID, why regulated gaming is growing thoughtfully in the region, and what’s next for AIBC Eurasia.

Key Points

A lifeline during COVID: how Dubai supported SiGMA when bankruptcy felt close
Gratitude to the UAE: respecting the pace of regulation while building long-term growth
Big announcement: AIBC Eurasia expands next year with a full-day Ras Al Khaimah workshop and helicopter transfers to Dubai
Why emerging markets need their own events and how SiGMA built formats that actually work for them
Moving the flagship SiGMA show to Rome for scale and global reach
Affiliate Grand Slam returning on a much larger stage
Cross-industry collaboration: gaming, AI, blockchain, crypto, and non-gaming affiliates shaping future events

Key takeaways

Dubai as a Lifeline. Eman Pulis reveals how the UAE provided critical support to SiGMA Group, preventing bankruptcy during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thoughtful Regulatory Growth. The episode highlights the importance of respecting the UAE's paced approach to gaming regulation to ensure sustainable long-term industry growth.
AIBC Eurasia Expansion. Future plans for AIBC Eurasia include a new full-day workshop in Ras Al Khaimah, featuring logistical innovations like helicopter transfers to Dubai.
Global Strategic Shifts. SiGMA is moving its flagship event to Rome to maximize global scale, while the Affiliate Grand Slam is preparing for a significantly larger production.
Cross-Industry Integration. Future events will focus on converging sectors like AI, blockchain, crypto, and traditional gaming to foster deeper industry collaboration.

Notable quotes

The UAE helped our company stay afloat when bankruptcy felt close.

We must respect the pace of regulation while building long-term growth in the region.

Emerging markets need their own events and formats that actually work for them.

About the guest

Eman Pulis

Eman Pulis is the Founder of the SiGMA Group, a world-leading events and media organization focusing on iGaming, emerging technologies, and digital sectors. He is widely recognized for his strategic vision in creating global networking platforms that connect innovators across the gaming, blockchain, and AI industries.

LinkedIn profile

Transcript excerpt

A short passage published by the podcast, not the whole conversation.

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Surya Palli
Welcome to the debut episode of the AIBC Eurasia Event Series. I’m joined today by Eman Pulis, the founder of SiGMA Group, to discuss resilience and the future of the iGaming industry. Eman, let's start with a look back. How did SiGMA navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Eman Pulis
It was a period where we faced the real threat of bankruptcy. However, the UAE served as a critical lifeline for us, allowing the company to persist. I am profoundly grateful for that support, and I truly admire the UAE’s thoughtful approach to regulation and their commitment to long-term, sustainable growth within the gaming sector.
Surya Palli
That foundation has certainly led to some exciting developments for the AIBC Eurasia series. What can you share about the future of these events?
Eman Pulis
We have some ambitious plans for next year. We are looking at a full-day workshop in Ras Al Khaimah, complete with seamless helicopter transfers to Dubai. It’s all part of our focus on creating high-end, experiential event formats.
Surya Palli
That sounds like a significant shift in how events are structured. What is the strategic reasoning behind that approach?
Eman Pulis
My philosophy is that emerging markets require tailored, localized engagement that goes beyond traditional networking. We apply this same strategic growth to our flagship SiGMA show, which is moving to Rome to better accommodate our massive scale and global footprint.
Surya Palli
It seems SiGMA is evolving beyond just the iGaming space. How do you see these events fitting into the broader business landscape?
Eman Pulis
Cross-industry collaboration is essential. We are seeing AI, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and non-gaming affiliates coalescing to reshape the future of business events. It’s a convergence that we are fully embracing.
Surya Palli
Before we wrap up, is there anything else you want to share with our listeners?
Eman Pulis
We are looking forward to the return of a larger-scale Affiliate Grand Slam, which signals a new chapter for our brand. It’s been quite a journey from fighting for our survival to becoming a dominant force in international event organization.