Saudi Arabia to host major gaming and esports conference

Saudi Arabia is set to host The New Global Sport Conference, a specialised gaming and esports event, which will be co-hosted by the Saudi Esports Federation and Saudi Arabia Ministry of Sport in Riyadh on October 23.

The conference – which will be held annually – aims to discuss the future of esports, and the shared opportunity in the sector for esports and sports leaders alike.

Esports athletes, clubs, fans, and publishers can anticipate exciting announcements to be launched during the event.

Key speakers include international gaming and esports leaders.

Discussions will cover a range of topics focused on exploring new ways to unlock the global potential of esports, including new formats, how esports clubs can find their path in the changing landscape, and the intersection between esports, sports, and entertainment.

National Gaming and Esports Strategy launched

Saudi Arabia has spotlighted esports as a key focus for the country by launching its National Gaming & Esports Strategy, with a goal to raise the sector’s GDP contribution to SAR50bn by 2030.

The country currently has 23.5 million gamers, representing 67 per cent of the kingdom’s population.

In other news, in August, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), launched a new company to accelerate the growth of the sports sector in the kingdom and across MENA region.

The new company, SRJ Sports Investments, will invest in acquiring and creating new sports events IP, commercial rights of popular and prominent sports competitions and hosting major global events in Saudi Arabia.

Read: Saudi Arabia’s PIF sets up company to promote sports sector