Saudi Arabia rapidly becoming a dominant global force in gaming and esports

 

Saudi Arabia's becoming a global hub for gaming and esports

Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a dominant force in the gaming and esports world, blending cultural heritage with ambitious economic vision and cutting-edge technology to reshape the sector.

Riyadh, the kingdom’s capital, is at the heart of this transformation, hosting the prestigious Esports World Cup each year. This event has become the largest global gathering of its kind, attracting top-tier gamers and fans from around the world.

Harnessing the evolution of play: From tradition to technology
Games have long been an integral part of human society, evolving from ancient physical games to today’s digital experiences. Cultural advisor Ghada Aba Al-Khail explains that early games helped humans practice survival and hone important life skills, while historian Dr. Maha Al Khashil highlights that play has always been a vital form of discovery, creativity, and social connection.

 

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Now, gaming has transcended mere entertainment. It has become a tool for soft power, fostering cultural awareness, skill development, and bridging generational gaps. Saudi Arabia is embracing this shift as part of its broader cultural and economic strategy.

Riyadh: The global esports capital
Saudi Arabia’s dedication to esports is exemplified by the launch of the Esports World Cup in 2024. This tournament, spearheaded by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, is expected to contribute SAR 50 billion to the national GDP by 2030 and create 39,000 new jobs. This initiative is central to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and cement Riyadh as the global hub for esports.

From nostalgia to the digital shift
While traditional games like hopscotch and carrom continue to resonate with Saudis, the 1980s marked the shift to home gaming with consoles like the Atari. These devices didn’t just provide new entertainment; they represented a cultural shift. Today, re-releases of these classics act as digital time capsules, preserving a society’s evolution through the games it played.

Games as cultural bridges
Games—both traditional and digital—carry deep cultural significance. According to Dr. Al Khashil, they reflect language, values, and identity, offering a compelling way to explore history. Saudi developers are taking this to heart by creating games like Unearthed: Trail of Ibn Battuta and Abo Khashem, which showcase local streets, dialects, and symbols, building a "digital memory" that connects globally.

 

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By participating in global gaming, Saudi players serve as cultural ambassadors, sharing their unique perspective with the world.

Saudi Arabia: A hub for global esports
The 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh attracted over 2,000 players from more than 100 countries, competing for a $70 million prize pool. The event not only boosted the local economy but also sparked a surge in demand for gaming hardware, drawing global attention to Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the sector.

With an estimated 3.4 billion esports players globally, the market is projected to reach 640 million viewers by 2027, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s role in this thriving industry.

Supporting infrastructure for a gaming future
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the gaming industry is also evident in its infrastructure. The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) reports an 88% improvement in game response times and significantly increased download speeds, supporting a thriving gaming ecosystem.

Moreover, over 2.4 million video game consoles were imported in 2024 and 2025, demonstrating the strong local demand for gaming products and services.

Ensuring safe, regulated gaming
The kingdom has also made strides in establishing a safe and regulated gaming environment. The General Authority for Media Regulation works closely with global publishers to classify games based on the Saudi age rating system, which is the first of its kind in the Middle East. Since its inception in 2016, this system has rated over 3,700 games, ensuring both market growth and cultural alignment.

A national strategy for gaming and esports
Saudi Arabia’s long-term commitment is encapsulated in its National Gaming and Esports Strategy, launched on September 15, 2022. With 86 initiatives spanning government and private sector collaboration, the strategy supports everything from game production to education and legislation. Among the most ambitious projects is Qiddiya City, envisioned as a global entertainment hub and a key pillar in the kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification efforts.

 

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Looking to the future: Saudi Arabia’s gaming vision
Saudi Arabia is not merely participating in the global gaming and esports landscape; it is actively shaping it. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, culture, and innovation, the kingdom is redefining what it means to play, compete, and connect in the 21st century. As Riyadh continues to host groundbreaking events and cultivate local talent, Saudi Arabia is building more than a digital industry—it’s creating a dynamic cultural identity that blends tradition with technological innovation.

Source: Economy Middle East