Qiddiya City to invest in development of esports ecosystem in MENA region
Qiddiya City
has entered into a five-year strategic partnership with the Mobile Legends:
Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) MENA, marking a significant investment in
the development of the esports ecosystem across the Middle East and North
Africa.
The agreement was announced during the MPL MENA Season 9
Grand Finals in Cairo, an event that drew a record audience and underscored the
growing popularity of competitive gaming in the region.
Partnership Aims to Strengthen Regional Gaming Ecosystem
Under the partnership, Qiddiya City will become an
integrated part of the MPL MENA ecosystem through broadcast collaborations, fan
engagement initiatives, community programs, and live event activations.
The alliance is designed to support the long-term growth
of esports by expanding entertainment opportunities for young audiences and
creating new experiences for gaming communities throughout the region.
Industry stakeholders view the partnership as part of
broader efforts to establish the Middle East as a major hub for gaming,
esports, and digital entertainment.
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Record-Breaking Grand Finals
The announcement coincided with MPL MENA's most
successful season to date.
Held at Hassan Mostafa Sports Hall in Cairo, the Season
9 Grand Finals attracted approximately 3,000 spectators, making it the league's
largest in-person event so far. The tournament also received support from
officials of the Egyptian Esports Federation, reflecting increasing recognition
of esports by regional institutions.
Online engagement reached new heights during the season,
with peak concurrent viewership exceeding 91,000 viewers, according to league
organizers.
Focus on Live Experiences and Community Engagement
Speaking during the announcement, MOONTON Games
officials emphasized the growing demand for esports experiences that extend
beyond competitive matches.
The partnership is expected to focus on creating
community spaces, live events, and entertainment initiatives aimed at
strengthening connections between gaming audiences and esports organizations.
League representatives noted that sustained partnerships
are essential for building the infrastructure required to support long-term
industry growth, particularly as esports audiences continue to expand across
the Middle East and North Africa.
Championship Secured by Geekay Esports
The Season 9 competition concluded with Geekay Esports
claiming the MPL MENA championship title after a successful playoff campaign.
The victory earned the team qualification for the Mobile
Legends: Bang Bang Mid Season Cup (MSC), which will be held as part of the 2026
Esports World Cup.
Runner-up Team Falcons also secured a place in the
international competition through the tournament's Wild Card stage.
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Both organizations will compete for a share of the
event's $3 million prize pool, placing regional teams on one of esports'
largest global stages.
Growing Importance of MENA Esports
Industry observers point to rising viewership figures, expanding
sponsorship activity, and increasing institutional support as indicators of the
esports sector's growing importance across the region.
The Qiddiya City partnership reflects a broader trend of
investment in gaming and digital entertainment as governments and private
organizations seek to engage younger audiences and diversify economic
opportunities.
With record attendance, rising online engagement, and
expanded international representation, MPL MENA officials say the region is
positioned to play a larger role within the global Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
esports ecosystem in the years ahead.
The new partnership is expected to support that growth by providing
additional resources, fan-focused experiences, and long-term strategic
investment through 2031.
Source:
www.insidesport.in
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