As Gulf countries implement plans to diversify their economies and create jobs, they are increasingly investing in the growing industry around competitive video games known as electronic sports (e-sports).
Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi seek to become global centres for competitive video games.The Gulf seized opportunities to expand the sport sector during the Covid-19 pandemic.As Gulf countries implement plans to diversify their economies and create jobs, they are increasingly investing in the growing industry around competitive video games known as electronic sports .
These significant deals speak to the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a global centre for gaming and e-sports. Last year Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud launched the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, in line with the country’s Vision 2030, which aims to create 39,000 new jobs in the sector and contribute $13.3bn to GDP.
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE all hosted events – from Formula 1 racing to the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Indian Premier League cricket – while Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup as well as an F1 race in 2021; another is planned for October this year. In November Dubai launched the inaugural Dubai Esports Festival , a 12-day event that featured tournaments in popular games such as Minecraft and Honor of Kings. The event convened leading gamers, celebrities and industry professionals, competing for $2m in total prize money. DEF helped Dubai welcome a record 14.36m international visitors in 2022.
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