Ever wondered what the ‘new oil’ is? Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is pouring billions into esports and sports, aiming to transform its economy and become a global gaming hub! From record gaming participation to hosting the World Cup, the kingdom is playing to win. Are we witnessing the dawn of a new global sports era?
Saudi Arabia is embarking on an unprecedented journey of economic diversification, boldly positioning itself as a global nexus for both traditional sports and the rapidly expanding esports industry. Under its ambitious Vision 2030 blueprint, the kingdom is channeling significant investment into sports, tourism, and entertainment, striving for a profound social and economic transformation away from its traditional reliance on natural resources. This strategic pivot signals a future where human capital and innovation are celebrated as the nation’s most renewable and vital assets.
Highlighting this strategic shift, Saudi Minister of Investment H.E. Eng. Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih articulated that “investing in gaming and esports is strategic for KSA,” likening esports to “the new oil” in terms of global economic importance. This commitment extends beyond mere entertainment, viewing gaming as a cornerstone for broader national development encompassing tourism, technology, education, and social advancement, all underpinned by the extensive funding power of the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The kingdom’s demographic landscape presents fertile ground for this vision. With a youthful, digitally native population where 67% (23.5 million of 35 million) identify as active gamers, there is immense latent demand. The Saudi video game market, already valued at $1.8 billion, is projected to surge to $6.8 billion in gaming consumption by 2030. This growth is anticipated to contribute a remarkable $13.3 billion to GDP and generate nearly 39,000 jobs within the esports and gaming sectors, marking a significant economic transformation.
The rapid evolution of Saudi Arabia’s domestic esports ecosystem is evident, as detailed by HRH Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Sultan Al Saud, Chair of the Saudi Esports Federation. From humble beginnings in 2018 with minimal infrastructure and few professional teams, the nation now boasts advanced gaming servers offering ultra-low ping rates, dozens of professional teams, and a vibrant community of 10,000 players. Notably, female participation in esports is flourishing, reaching 20% compared to a global average of 5%, with dedicated women’s teams enjoying equal prize money pools.
Beyond national development, the kingdom’s aspiration is to cultivate a global hub for the gaming industry and esports, not as the sole center but as a pivotal node in an expanding worldwide network. This ambition is underscored by the increasing mainstream recognition of esports, attracting global sports icons like Lando Norris, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Magnus Carlsen. Efforts are also underway to elevate esports players, providing them platforms at major sporting events to showcase their exceptional skill and talent alongside traditional athletes.
Tourism is a significant beneficiary of this strategic sports investment. Fahd Hamidaddin of the Saudi Tourism Authority notes that sports tourism is outpacing other travel segments, becoming a crucial driver for foreign visitors. Coupled with advanced technological infrastructure, Minister of Communications and IT H.E. Abdullah Alswaha highlights the local esports community’s growth at five times the GDP. This synergy positions destinations like Qiddiya, a new megacity under construction, as future global gaming and entertainment destinations.
The grand Vision 2030 for esports is intrinsically linked to Saudi Arabia’s broader sports landscape, including its successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034. This monumental event necessitates the construction of 11 new, advanced stadiums and extensive infrastructure, further solidifying the kingdom’s commitment to becoming a leading global sports power. The integration of esports within these new facilities, such as the Qiddiya stadium designed with a “stunning view” and versatile functionality, demonstrates a holistic approach to sports and entertainment development.
Ultimately, Saudi Arabia’s masterplan showcases unparalleled cross-sector collaboration among government ministries, united in achieving these ambitious goals. The message is clear: esports has decisively entered the mainstream of world sports, and Riyadh is rapidly emerging as one of its undisputed global capitals. The kingdom is actively creating a comprehensive pipeline for players, coaches, and industry professionals, fostering an entire ecosystem poised for sustained global growth and influence.
