Saudi Arabia leverages esports for economic diversification

Saudi Arabia is utilizing the competitive gaming industry as a strategic tool for economic development and soft power. Through its National Gaming and Esports Strategy announced in 2022, the kingdom aims to support 250 gaming companies and create 39,000 domestic jobs, targeting a US$13.4 billion contribution to the national GDP by 2030.

Key initiatives include the Esports World Cup, which attracted over 3 million fans, and the development of a 500,000-square-meter gaming hub in the planned Qiddiya City near Riyadh. The state-owned Savvy Games Group has also expanded its global influence by acquiring major tournament organizers ESL Gaming and FACEIT for a combined $1.5 billion.