Saudi Arabia Just Landed a $45 Million Gaming Sector Deal

MENA is a key growth region for the gaming industry and Saudi Arabia is at the heart of it

Saudi Arabia Just Landed a $45 Million Gaming Sector Deal
Saudi Arabia plans to develop over 150 True Gamers clubs in various cities in the kingdom

Saudi Arabia, a country with a large and passionate gamer population, is set to expand its gaming and e-sports sector with a $45 million investment deal to create 150 new e-sports lounges across the kingdom. The gaming industry is considered one of the fastest-growing and most lucrative markets in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The deal was signed between True Gamers, a UAE-based operator of e-sports clubs, and Nawaf Albishri, the CEO of Falak, a venture investment firm in Saudi Arabia. Albishri will open the first showroom-style club in Jeddah within the next six months. Simultaneously developing more than 150 True Gamers clubs in various cities in the kingdom.

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True Gamers Vision

True Gamers’ concept is designed to provide unparalleled gaming experiences and host premier e-sports tournaments for all gamers. The clubs feature futuristic mobile interiors, robot waiter dogs, car simulators, and a collection of over 120 games. Games like Fortnite, Counter-Strike, and Dota 2 to mention a few.

Saudi Arabia just landed a $45 Million Gaming Sector Deal
The centres feature futuristic mobile interiors, robot waiter dogs, car simulators, and a collection of over 120 games

The investment aims to capitalize on the Saudi gaming market, which is expected to reach nearly $2.8 billion by 2026, boasting about 21 million gamers, accounting for about 58% of the total population. Saudi Arabia gamers spend an average of 5.4 hours per week playing video games, and 85% of them are interested in e-sports. According to a survey by Deloitte

The deal also aligns with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 mandate by diversifying the economy and promoting the entertainment sector.

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Saudi Arabia Just Landed a $45 Million Gaming Sector Deal
Saudi Arabia gamers spend an average of 5.4 hours per week playing video games

Investment in Gaming and Future Technologies

MENA is a key growth region for the gaming industry and Saudi Arabia is at the heart of it. Video games are an important part of the economy and the lives of residents.

The National Gaming and Esports Strategy will create 39,000 jobs and unlock more than SR50bn ($13.3bn) in value by 2030. Saudi Arabia has been making strides in the gaming industry by hosting the Esports World Cup annually from 2024. In addition to revealing plans to open the world’s first comprehensive gaming and e-sports district in Qiddiya City.

By bringing True Gamers’ concept to life across the kingdom, Albishri said he is committed to “attract new players, raise the profile of e-sports, and foster a vibrant gaming community within Saudi Arabia“.

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