After massive criticism from the community, developer Ubisoft has abandoned its plans to hold a Rainbow Six Major in Abu Dhabi next season.

"We have taken note that members of the international Siege community are questioning this decision," said a statement on the Twitter account for the e-sports discipline. They had "decided to move the Six Major to another region in August." The new venue has not yet been determined.

The decision to host the Major in Abu Dhabi was justified by an "enthusiastic e-sports scene" that Ubisoft "wanted to highlight and celebrate". Despite the relocation of the major, local and regional tournaments will continue to be held in the Middle East and North Africa.

The announcement that the next August Major will be held in the United Arab Emirates was met with massive criticism - especially from the LGBTQI community, members of the moderator team, e-athletes and fans. A petition to stop the event had gathered over 13,000 signatures after just one day.