Next World Forum Gives Birth to GCC Esports Federation

The Next World Forum has helped the GCC emerge as the hub for esports, with the two-day conference giving birth to the GCC Esports Federation. The newly established agreement between the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries – Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, will encourage and push athletes for annual eLeague tournaments. 

This agreement, as per New World Forum’s official statement, was just one of 14 MoUs inked during the two-day conference. This underlines the forum’s pivotal role in fostering crucial collaborations within the gaming and esports industry. The forum highlighted Saudi Arabia’s thriving role in the gaming and esports industry as the kingdom strives to contribute substantially to the dynamic value chain. 

Prince Faisal Bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said Saudi Arabia wants to become a global hub for gaming and esports, and host events such as the Next World Forum, which is a key part of the journey to fulfill that quest. 

Omar Batterjee, Next World Forum Programme Director, said what they discuss will lay the foundations and framework for many years to come for the emerging sector. “Let us seize this moment, come together, not just to play but also to dream, innovate and collaborate.” Turki Alfawzan, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation, said the forum has provided the worldwide gaming and esports industry with an expansive platform for business growth and progress. 

The two-day event featured panel sessions with prominent figures like Gareth Bale (former football star turned esports investor) and Michael Bay (Hollywood film producer and director). There were discussions on critical topics, such as esports facilities, gender diversity in gaming leadership, political influences on gaming, and physical mental health challenges. 

Reaam Alkhudairi, Program Manager for the Next World Forum, said they embraced the full spectrum of gaming and esports, and its associated industries. She highlighted that the forum has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the gaming and esports sector, bringing invaluable collaborations, and addressing pressing industry challenges. 

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The Next World Forum is the global gathering of the gaming and esports community. It showcases new ideas, investment and talent development, in a collaborative ecosystem.