SiGMA Group Founder Eman Pulis Shares UAE Lifeline Story and Expansion Plans in iGaming Real Talk Interview
In a recent episode of iGaming Real Talk at AIBC Eurasia 2026 in Dubai, Eman Pulis, founder of SiGMA Group, sat down with host Surya Palli for a heartfelt discussion on the event's origins, emotional ties to the UAE, strategies for emerging markets, and ambitious future plans.
The interview, part of the new series featuring experts and innovators from AI, fintech, blockchain, and gaming recorded at the Dubai event, highlighted SiGMA's resilience through COVID, regional growth, and a vision for cross-pollination across verticals.
Pulis reflected on launching AIBC Eurasia during the COVID-19 crisis, crediting the UAE's rapid vaccination efforts and supportive environment as a beacon of hope when the company faced bankruptcy after its 2020 Malta show.
"We were on the verge of filing for bankruptcy, having to let go of everyone in the business. When we were trying to keep a sinking ship afloat... we realized that the Emiratis were the fastest at vaccinating people," Pulis shared.
Despite gambling restrictions, the inaugural event received government endorsement and financial support, fostering a lasting partnership. Pulis expressed deep gratitude, noting the region's pivotal role in SiGMA's survival.
"I will always remain eternally grateful to the government in the Emirates, because if it wasn't for this region, I doubt if there would be SiGMA," he said.
With the GCGRA issuing licenses, Pulis emphasised respecting the government's pace for regulated gaming, aligning with SiGMA's global mantra.
In an exclusive announcement, Pulis revealed plans to extend AIBC Eurasia's footprint to Ras Al Khaimah in 2027, coinciding with the launch of the emirate's first integrated resort.
"Next year we are planning to increase the footprint of our event from a tech conference in Dubai. We will also have a full day workshop at Ras Al Khaimah... Then we have chopper rides taking everyone to Dubai," Pulis disclosed.
He highlighted the event's success despite following ICE Barcelona, with strong attendance from Emiratis and international delegates, underscoring demand for regional conferences in emerging areas like MENA.
Pulis explained SiGMA's strategy of thinking globally but acting locally, focusing on underserved regions like South Asia, Brazil, Southeast Asia, and Africa, where Europe has reached saturation.
"South Asia, home to a quarter of humanity, doesn't South Asia deserve to have its own regional conference? Brazil and Latam, don't they deserve to have a regional conference?" he asked.
COVID provided time to pivot from saturated markets like the US, leading to offices in Manila, Limassol, and beyond to understand markets at grassroots levels. Pulis noted SiGMA's success in cementing itself where others, like Clarion, have withdrawn.
The upcoming Brazil show in Sao Paulo, the business capital, is set for record attendance, outpacing all but the Rome event.
Discussing the absence of SiGMA Malta in 2026, Pulis cited saturation and the need for growth, with the move to Rome tripling the event's size instantly due to better infrastructure and Italy's market potential.
"Failure to embrace growth is failing, in my opinion. And so our show in Malta had reached a saturation point. In fact, when we moved it to Rome, it grew by three times," he explained.
He praised Malta's welcoming ecosystem but highlighted Rome's hospitality and strategic value for Europe's untapped opportunities.
For 2026 and beyond, Pulis outlined a focus on regulated gaming through a B2G department led by Heathcliff Farrugia, former MGA head, facilitating operator-regulator connections, such as 25 African regulators at the Cape Town event.
Excited about flagship innovations, he announced dedicated pavilions in Rome for AIBC (crypto, DeFi, AI, blockchain, GameFi) and a revived Affiliate Grand Slam with 300-400 exhibitors, drawing affiliates from non-gaming verticals like Nutra, PPC, loans, and dating.
"We want affiliates from outside gaming to also come to Rome... Because we want them to clash and cross-pollinate with the gaming industry," Pulis said.
The slogan "All Roads Lead to Rome" encapsulates this convergence across eight pavilions.
The interview forms part of the AIBC Eurasia series, produced by iGaming Real Talk and brought to you by Evoverse, experts in custom crypto iGaming products, and GBO, providing company setup, licenses, banking, and software solutions since 2009.
For more on SiGMA Group and the series, visit www.sigma.world
About SiGMA Group
SiGMA Group is a leading organiser of iGaming, blockchain, and emerging tech events worldwide, promoting regulated gaming and fostering connections in emerging markets through flagship shows like SiGMA Rome and regional editions. For more information, please visit: www.sigma.world
About iGaming Real Talk
iGaming Real Talk is an interview series hosted by Surya Palli, bringing real conversations with industry leaders at major events like AIBC Eurasia. The series dives deep into personal stories, exclusive announcements, and the future of gaming worldwide. iGaming Real Talk also hosts a vibrant WhatsApp community of 400+ professionals.
About the AIBC Eurasia Series
AIBC Eurasia Event Series is produced by iGaming Real Talk at AIBC Eurasia 2026 in Dubai. The series is presented by Evoverse, experts in providing elite custom solutions for crypto iGaming, case opening, and affiliate platforms. The series is also presented by GBO International Financial Services, experts in helping iGaming businesses with company setup, licences, banking and software services. For more information, please visit igamingrealtalk.com