Qiddiya City: Saudi Arabia Tapping Into The Thriving Professional Esports Scene

Located approximately 45 km from the centre of the capital Riyadh, Qiddiya City has unveiled promising plans for the first-ever comprehensive gaming and esports district on the planet – as it seeks to propel Saudi Arabia into the lucrative professional esports scene.

Gaming has become big business globally, receiving considerable traction since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. New-age technology has been providing an opportunity to reach more fans and develop new titles to cater to the increasing consumer demand.

Hub Expected To Attract 10 Million Visitors Every Year

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are at the forefront of the gaming industry in the Middle East. Their respective governments recognise the massive potential the growing market possesses, Boston Consulting Group noted in a previous study.

The launch of Gaming and Esports District builds on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s support for the sector, as demonstrated through a ‘National Strategy’ and initiatives like targeted investments and talent development programmes.

The district in the heart of Qiddiya City seeks to ‘engage and inspire’. It is set to have four esports venues designed to host prominent events and attract an expected 10 million visitors every year, as per the state news agency SPA.

Highlighting the rapid growth the gaming and esports sector is experiencing, Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood, the Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, noted the need to enable the new district to invite the world to live, learn and compete.

New District To Accomodate Up To 25 Esports Clubs

The hub caters not only to esports professionals but also to gaming enthusiasts of all levels and ages, he underscored. “This district transforms the gaming world into a tangible reality, serving as a welcoming space for the gaming community.”

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The district is set to feature four arenas, boasting a capacity of 73,000 seats. The hub is expected to accommodate up to 25 esports clubs from across the globe and offer regional headquarters for more than 30 leading video game development companies.