Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host The New Global Sport Conference, a premier event focusing on gaming and esports.
Scheduled for October 23 in Riyadh, this annual conference is a collaborative effort between the Saudi Esports Federation and the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Sport.
A Confluence of Esports and Sports Leaders
The conference is designed to be a platform for discussing the evolving landscape of esports and the mutual opportunities it presents for both esports and traditional sports leaders. Attendees, ranging from esports athletes and fans to clubs and publishers, can expect a series of thrilling announcements during the event.
Prominent international figures from the gaming and esports sectors will grace the event as key speakers. The discussions will delve into various topics, including innovative formats in esports, strategies for esports clubs navigating the shifting terrain, and the convergence of esports, traditional sports, and entertainment.
National Gaming and Esports Strategy Unveiled
Highlighting its commitment to the esports domain, Saudi Arabia has rolled out its National Gaming & Esports Strategy. The ambitious plan aims to elevate the sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP to SAR50bn by 2030. With a staggering 23.5 million gamers, which accounts for 67% of the country’s population, Saudi Arabia is poised to become a significant player in the global esports arena.
Boosting the Sports Sector: SRJ Sports Investments
In a related development, August saw the launch of SRJ Sports Investments by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF). This new venture aims to spur the growth of the sports sector both within the kingdom and the broader MENA region. SRJ Sports Investments will focus on acquiring and developing new sports event IPs, securing commercial rights for renowned sports competitions, and bringing major global sports events to Saudi Arabia.
