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Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia is leading the of esports on the global stage
The ES TIMES — During a session titled "Driving Global Growth: Esports and Sports from a Vision 2030 Perspective," Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan spoke about the evolution of esports to become a key component of Saudi Arabia's development. Esports in Saudi Arabia is not just entertainment; it supports innovation, empowers youth, and adds long-term value to the gaming community in the region and globally. Saudi Arabia has taken bold steps. Launching the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, hosting the Esports World Cup Foundation, and investing in projects like Qiddiya, Prince Faisal said, "We're not waiting for the future, we're creating it." Through the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), he has built a structured ecosystem that develops talent and supports every gamer and creator to thrive. A Thriving Gaming Nation Today, 67% of Saudis consider themselves gamers. With this reality in mind, the goal is clear: for the Kingdom to become the world's premier destination for gaming and esports by 2030. The 18th Edition: A Global Gathering This edition of the International Olympic Academy Congress brought together 150 enthusiastic participants from five continents. Organized by the International Olympic Academy to expand its global Olympic education network, it began with a symbolic visit to the archaeological site of ancient Messenia, connecting the past with the Olympic values. During the opening ceremony, Charilaos Tsolakis, President of the IOA, and Isidoros Kouvelos, President of the HOC, affirmed their shared commitment to the values of the Olympics. Furthermore, they highlighted the importance of education, the role of innovation, and international cooperation as fundamental principles at the heart of this initiative. Esports in Focus The day concluded with an inspiring keynote address and a panel discussion. The discussion was led by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, President of the International Esports Federation, and Makis Asimakopoulos, Director of the IOA. They discussed how digital competitions can align with the Olympic values and even enhance the Olympic spirit, encouraging attendees to consider esports as a cultural force. 19 19 According to the recent announcement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Saudi Arabia will host the first Olympic Esports Games in 2025. This move represents a new chapter in the global recognition of esports. With more than 23.5 million players, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a global powerhouse. Esports plays a vital role in social transformation, with nearly half of the gamers in the Kingdom being women. Since the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016, we have seen continued progress in empowering women. Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, IOC Member and Chair of the Women in Sport Commission, commended this trend, saying: "The rise in women's participation in esports is exciting. I look forward to the Olympic Esports Games as an opportunity to engage more women in a safe and inclusive environment." SEF: At the forefront of the digital revolution Established in 2017, the Saudi Esports Federation has spearheaded the sector's advancement. Prince Faisal stated, "We aim to develop talent and encourage both personal and professional growth." With strong government support, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has committed $38 billion to the gaming sector, which is expected to create 39,000 jobs, support 250 developers, and add $13.33 billion to the national economy by 2030. Strategic Investments and Global Partnerships Savvy Games Group, owned by PIF, is actively forging international partnerships. Their $4.9 billion acquisition of mobile developer Scopely in 2023 demonstrates their long-term ambitions. Prince Faisal explained, "We aim to be a global hub for gaming and esports." In 2023, SEF hosted Gamers8 in Riyadh, which featured a record-breaking $45 million in prizes. Building on this remarkable success, Saudi Arabia is preparing for a new and ambitious step, hosting the Esports World Cup in 2025, reflecting the continued expansion of its strategy to support and develop the global gaming and esports sector. Promoting Education and Skills Through Gaming Gaming is not just entertainment - it's a tool for growth. Prince Faisal believes that gaming can foster creativity, teamwork, and strategic thinking. There are plans to integrate gaming into the education sector. A Nation Ready to Lead Indeed, Saudi Arabia is not only building events and strategies, but is confidently moving toward shaping a future where gaming and esports reach new heights. By investing in the energy of its youth, its ambitious vision, and its unwavering commitment, the Kingdom is not only participating in this global transformation - it is leading the way, shaping the next phase with confidence and creativity. On July 13, 2024, the International Olympic Committee officially confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the first Olympic Esports Games. Prince Faisal enthusiastically commented: "We are proud to be part of writing a new chapter in Olympic history." IOC President Thomas Bach echoed this sentiment, praising the expertise of the Saudi Olympic Committee. He also expressed his firm confidence in its ability to deliver an inspiring and innovative Olympic Esports Games, reflecting the remarkable development of the Kingdom's standing on the global sports scene. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Saudi Gazette
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
SEF Arena opens in Riyadh, marking a new era for esports in Saudi Arabia
The ES TIMES — Riyadh witnessed the opening of the SEF Arena, an event considered a major turning point in the development of esports in Saudi Arabia and the region. The launch is seen as a strategic milestone ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 Esports World Cup. At the opening ceremony, the CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation described the arena as "the place where champions are made," emphasizing that it will be a launching pad for Saudi talent to reach the global level. The SEF Arena is located in Riyadh City Boulevard and spans over 34,000 square meters. Designed to be an integrated destination for gaming enthusiasts, it includes: • Five halls dedicated to tournaments, each with a capacity of more than 1,000 spectators. • A main hall with a capacity of approximately 2,200 fans. • Advanced training spaces. • Spectator areas, restaurants, cafes, and shops. • A permanent center for the Saudi Esports Academy • The arena is equipped with the latest display and broadcasting technology, and is among the largest and most advanced in the world for esports. Partnerships have been announced with prominent Saudi teams in the scene: • Team Falcons: will benefit from training facilities and fan events within the arena. • Twisted Minds: will use the arena to strengthen its competitive presence. • R8 Esports: aims to expand its international participation. • The Ultimates: seeks to develop its talent within a professional environment. • Savvy Games Group: will contribute to organizing tournaments and attracting international events. These partnerships aim to: • Provide a stable, professional environment for training and competition. • Support the administrative and financial stability of the teams. • Raise the level of Saudi players through continuous training and competition. • Increase audience engagement and build a stronger fan base. • Attract technology and sports investments to the local market. The SEF Arena will be the official home of the new Saudi Esports League in 2025. All official matches will be held there, giving the league a professional and organized feel. The arena will also host grand finals, fan experiences, and events for influencers and creators, making it a permanent entertainment hub for gaming fans in Saudi Arabia. Representatives of the participating teams agreed that the opening of the SEF Arena is a true game-changer and a platform that will propel Saudi teams towards global competition. The SEF Arena affirms the Kingdom's ambition to be a global leader in gaming and esports and represents a new step toward a future filled with opportunity and creativity. Mehdi Belhamra – Esports and Gaming writer
Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Opinion Saudi Arabia and India — together let's ready, steady, esports
As global media and entertainment leaders convene at the WAVES Summit in Mumbai, few topics unite us like the rise of games and esports. WAVES is more than a gathering — it is a platform to forge new partnerships, exchange ideas, and unlock the potential of emerging economies, including India. In Saudi Arabia, we have seen how games can bridge cultures and create opportunities. Guided by HRH the Crown Prince's Vision 2030, we are fostering a unified, nationwide gaming strategy. It is apparent from the scale and thematic expanse of WAVES that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a similar vision. As such, the summit marks a timely opportunity to deepen ties between our countries and shape a future led by new voices and alliances. Under the guidance of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia views games and esports as key pillars of our future economy. Our National Gaming and Esports Strategy, launched in 2022, aims to transform the Kingdom into a leading global hub by 2030, with concrete goals including over 39,000 jobs, a $13-billion GDP contribution, and more than 100 professional teams already active among our 21 million gamers. One of our flagship initiatives, the Esports World Cup, announced by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2023, debuted in Riyadh with 200 clubs, 1,500 athletes, two million visitors, and 500 million viewers. Beyond competition, the Esports World Cup symbolises how innovation, investment, and international collaboration can come together to shape a thriving, future-focused industry. This goal of nurturing global partnerships is reflected in gatherings like the WAVES Summit and events such as the New Global Sport Conference (NGSC), returning in 2025 to deepen collaboration in the space. Saudi Arabia and India recognise that the future belongs to nations investing not only in infrastructure, but in building ecosystems where technology, creativity, and talent intersect. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Modi, our countries are uniquely aligned in this belief. As we showcase our unified gaming strategy at WAVES, our message is one of partnership and possibility. We are demonstrating how government support, private investment, and global cooperation can work together. Saudi Arabia is excited to collaborate with India and other innovators to shape a future where gaming and esports reflect the diversity and ambition of the Global South. Achieving these bold ambitions requires not only investment in dollars but also investment in people. At the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), which I have the privilege to chair, we are building a platform where gaming drives youth innovation and career growth. We are proud that women now comprise nearly half of Saudi's gaming community, with programmes ensuring their full participation. What sets apart Saudi Arabia's approach is the unity across our gaming ecosystem — government, federations, investors, and private sector working together to meet Vision 2030 goals. This coordination reflects a deeper understanding that esports today sits at the intersection of technology, innovation, and entertainment — three pillars that also define India's ambition, as showcased at WAVES. Our collaboration extends globally through the Global Esports Federation and International Esports Federation, where I proudly serve as vice president and president. Saudi Arabia offers Indian developers a supportive launchpad and attracts gamers from across the Middle East, while our growing infrastructure provides Indian esports teams world-class venues, fuelling greater regional competition and collaboration. Ultimately, the story we are writing in Saudi Arabia is not just about one country's rise in gaming; it is about how collaboration and vision can unlock the potential of a gaming industry, turning esports into a platform for cross-cultural innovation and leadership. We invite our friends in India and around the world to join us in building an ecosystem where innovation thrives; where economic, social, and cultural benefits are shared by all. The coming years will be transformative. The global games industry is projected to reach $600 billion by 2030, and emerging markets like ours will be key drivers. Saudi Arabia is investing heavily to contribute to and benefit from this expansion, but collaboration is the cornerstone of our approach. We hope our experience offers insights to India's policymakers and industry leaders in nurturing a booming creative economy. To India's gamers and public, we extend an invitation — join our events, play in our tournaments, and help shape the future of gaming. Together, we can build a more innovative and inclusive gaming world. In the spirit of WAVES 2025, let us celebrate this new era of entertainment and work collectively to ensure the gaming revolution benefits communities everywhere.
Arab News
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Saudi Esports Federation, PUBG MOBILE unite to forge new era for Kingdom's esports scene
Riyadh: The Saudi Esports Federation, the national body of esports in the Kingdom, and PUBG MOBILE, one of the world's most popular mobile games, announced the signing of a landmark memorandum of understanding, marking a pivotal moment in the development of the Kingdom's esports ecosystem. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The strategic alliance aligns PUBG MOBILE's local community with the SEF's national esports development objectives, and is expected to create unprecedented opportunities for Saudi players. It integrates the PUBG MOBILE National Championship into the SEF's Saudi eLeague, making it the main PUBG MOBILE competition within the national circuit. This alignment strengthens the SEF's grassroots-to-pro structure and embeds PMNC as a core component of Saudi Arabia's official esports calendar. The MoU has already yielded record-breaking results, further streamlining the pathway from amateur to professional for aspiring Saudi players. In addition to PMNC's role, the partnership encompasses broader development through the SEF Academy and university leagues — ensuring a structured and sustainable talent pipeline for PUBG MOBILE players in Saudi Arabia. And as a direct consequence of the collaboration, the champion of PMNC KSA, held within SEL, will now earn a coveted spot to compete at the prestigious PUBG MOBILE World Cup, held as part of the Esports World Cup later this year. The PMWC boasts a staggering $3 million prize pool, solidifying its position as one of the most sought-after global PUBG MOBILE tournaments, with the opportunity representing a monumental step for Saudi players by offering them a chance to showcase their skills on the world stage and to compete for a life-changing prize. 'Through strategic collaborations with leading titles such as PUBG MOBILE, we are expanding opportunities for our players, building sustainable pathways to international competition, and accelerating the development of a dynamic and thriving esports ecosystem,' said Prince Faisal Bin Bandar, president of the federation. 'We are proud to see Saudi talent rise to the global stage and look forward to inspiring future generations to pursue esports excellence,' he added. Vincent Wang, head of PUBG MOBILE Publishing, Tencent Games, said that PUBG MOBILE 'is deeply committed to fostering the growth of esports in Saudi Arabia, and this MoU with the Saudi Esports Federation is a testament to that commitment. 'We are thrilled to provide the Kingdom's players a clear pathway to the global stage, starting with the PMNC KSA champion's journey to the PUBG MOBILE World Cup. We believe this partnership will unlock the immense potential of Saudi esports and inspire a new generation of champions,' he added. The impact of the partnership is already clear, with PMNC KSA witnessing record-breaking player registrations, surpassing all previous PUBG MOBILE tournaments in the Kingdom. 'By embedding PUBG MOBILE into our structured leagues and talent development programs, we are enabling players to compete at a professional standard from an early stage,' said Meshal Al-Qabbani, executive director of esports at the Saudi Esports Federation. 'We look forward to witnessing a new wave of Saudi talent rise through the ranks and achieve international success through this historic collaboration.' The surge in players highlights the growing enthusiasm for PUBG MOBILE esports in Saudi Arabia, as well as the strength of the collaboration between PUBG MOBILE and the SEF. The MoU announcement coincides with the culmination of PMNC KSA, where the champion will be crowned, awarded $26,000 and have their ticket to the PMWC metaphorically punched.
Leaders
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Leaders
World Stadiums and Arenas Summit Opens in Riyadh
Riyadh hosted the opening of the inaugural World Stadiums and Arenas Summit on Tuesday, marking the start of a two-day gathering of global sports leaders, infrastructure experts, and sustainability professionals. The summit highlights Saudi Arabia's drive to foster innovation and promote sustainability in sports, in line with the goals of Vision 2030. Day one focused on key topics such as sustainable and smart sports venue development, the impact of sports on community building and the green economy, and global best practices in stadium design. Discussions also emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships to advance innovation and sustainability within the sector. The summit reinforces the Kingdom's broader commitment to sustainable development and the integration of green initiatives across sports and infrastructure. Related Topics : Saudi Arabia Unveils 15 Lavish Stadiums for 2034 FIFA World Cup Saudi Media Forum: World Cup 2034 Bid Captures Attention Riyadh to Host Fortune's Inaugural Most Powerful Women International Summit Saudi Esports Federation, PUBG Mobile Partner to Boost Gaming Ecosystem Short link : Post Views: 22 Related Stories
