Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is leading his country through an economic transformation under Vision 2030 and gaming seems to be an important part of it. Saudi Arabia last year made an $8 billion investment in the gaming industry, part of an overall $38 billion, to diversify its economy away from oil, aiming to become an international gaming center.

Savvy Games Group, the kingdom’s gaming investment arm, manages the majority of the investments while the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is actively promoting the gaming industry. Mega-projects like the planned smart city NEOM, contribute to the growth of the local gaming industry through unique acceleration and investment programs.

The global gaming industry is experiencing significant growth, predicted to reach $320 billion by 2026. For its part Saudi Arabia aims for gaming to contribute 1% of its GDP, create 40,000 jobs, and produce 30 new titles. Such numbers gives cause for the kingdom to seriously invest themselves into growing the local industry.

The kingdom has already invested in global gaming companies, including such heavyweights like Nintendo and Activision Blizzard. It also focuses on developing the local gaming ecosystem, with 24 Saudi gaming startups emerging in 2022. That being said challenges remain in attracting talent, generating revenue, and promoting diversity. However, 81% of surveyed Saudi entrepreneurs and gaming companies are optimistic due to government commitment.

Another important dimension to this story is the competition with the UAE as both countries seek regional economic dominance. The UAE has established entities like Abu Dhabi Gaming and the DMCC Gaming Centre to attract global companies and support local talent. The Middle East’s gaming market is expected to reach $6 billion by 2027 and with a high percentage of young gaming enthusiasts, the region has significant growth potential. The outcome of this regional rivalry will determine which country becomes the leading gaming destination in the Middle East.