Saudi Arabia is planning to construct a mixed-use gaming and e-sports district as part of its Qiddiya City entertainment project. The 500,000-square-meter district aims to host up to 25 e-sports teams and serve as the regional headquarters for over 30 video game companies. It also intends to attract 10 million visitors annually by 2030, contributing to Qiddiya City’s goal of 48 million visitors per year.
The gaming district will feature four dedicated e-sports venues, including one of the largest in the world. These venues will have a combined peak capacity of 73,000 and will host a year-round calendar of major e-sports tournaments. Abdullah Aldawood, managing director of the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), stated that the district will provide a unique and engaging experience for visitors and residents.
The gaming industry has experienced significant growth globally, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, as new technologies allow for wider audience reach and the development of new titles. Saudi Arabia aims to leverage this trend by developing 30 games and creating 40,000 jobs by 2030. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled the National Gaming and Esports strategy in September 2022, with the goal of establishing the kingdom as a global gaming hub by 2030.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the gaming industry in the Middle East, recognizing its immense potential. The Saudi Esports Federation, led by Prince Faisal bin Bandar, has provided $488 million in funding to boost the gaming sector and talent development. Qiddiya City, an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s gaming and e-sports strategy, will contribute to the country’s economic diversification agenda and create over 325,000 job opportunities.
The unveiling of the gaming district follows the progress of the Qiddiya City mega project, with contracts worth $2.66 billion awarded so far. Located on the outskirts of Riyadh, the project will cover an area of 360 square kilometers and accommodate over 600,000 residents. It is expected to yield a nominal gross domestic product of 135 billion riyals annually.