Saudi Arabia’s Thriving Esports Scene: A $13.3 Billion Contribution to GDP by 2030

A New Economic Frontier

Saudi Arabia is poised to become a global leader in the esports industry, with projections indicating that the sector could contribute $13.3 billion (SAR 50 billion) to the country’s GDP by 2030. This significant economic boost is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil.

Rapid Growth and Global Impact

The esports industry has experienced rapid growth over the past decade, driven by increased viewership and revenue. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this growth, as global physical sports were put on hold, leading more people to engage with esports. According to a report by PwC, the global esports market is expected to grow from $2.06 billion in 2024 to $9.29 billion by 2032.

Favorable Environment for Growth

Saudi Arabia’s high levels of mobile and digital penetration, combined with a large youth population and active government support, have created a favorable environment for esports growth. “The high levels of mobile and digital penetration, a large youth population, as well as active support from the governments in the Middle East, has created a favorable environment for the growth of esports in the region,” said Abdulrahman Kanafani, partner at PwC.

National Gaming and Esports Sector Strategy

In 2022, Saudi Arabia introduced its National Gaming and Esports Sector Strategy, a comprehensive plan to develop a competitive and appealing esports ecosystem. This strategy aligns with the country’s goals of economic diversification and youth engagement. The Saudi Esports Federation plays a crucial role in promoting esports culture, regulating tournaments, and training local talent.

Current State of Esports in Saudi Arabia

Currently, there are 23.5 million gaming enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia, which is approximately 67% of the population. Nearly 1,000 individuals are pursuing esports as full-time careers, highlighting the sector’s potential for job creation. The country has already made significant strides, hosting the first edition of the Esports World Cup, which featured a record-breaking prize pool of $60 million.

Qiddiya: The World’s First Comprehensive Gaming and Esports District

Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans for Qiddiya, the world’s first comprehensive gaming and esports district. Designed to attract 10 million visitors annually, Qiddiya will further solidify Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a global hub for esports. This initiative is part of the country’s efforts to build a robust esports ecosystem, including state-of-the-art facilities, high-speed internet networks, and a vibrant gaming culture.

Job Creation and Economic Impact

The growth of the esports sector is expected to create nearly 39,000 jobs by 2030. These jobs will span various sectors, including tech start-ups, streaming companies, event management, and hospitality. The economic impact extends beyond job creation, with significant contributions to tourism and local businesses. Hotels and restaurants are expected to see a boost in revenue from tourists and event attendees.

Public-Private Partnerships and Infrastructure Development

To support the growth of esports, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in digital infrastructure. Public-private partnerships are key to financing ventures such as the Gamers8 festival, which draws global esports tournaments and entertainment events to the country. These projects create immediate construction jobs and pave the way for long-term employment in tech maintenance, hospitality, and media production.

Innovation and Technology

Esports is a technology-driven industry that pushes the boundaries of innovation in 5G, VR, AI, and cloud computing. The Saudi government is investing in research and development, incentivizing tech start-ups, and encouraging large tech firms to expand into esports. This fuels job creation in cutting-edge fields, where wages often exceed those in traditional industries.

Promoting Inclusivity and Social Impact

Esports naturally appeals to a diverse audience, crossing gender, age, and cultural lines. By ensuring that events, facilities, and training programs are accessible to all, Saudi Arabia is using esports as a tool for social inclusion. Encouraging underrepresented groups to participate can open pathways to stable, higher-paying jobs in tech and media, helping to close wage gaps and promote equity.

Conclusion: A New Era for Saudi Arabia

As Saudi Arabia continues to nurture its burgeoning esports market, the sector stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to innovation and youth empowerment. Through strategic investments and a dedicated focus on talent development, Saudi Arabia is building an ecosystem that positions it as a global leader in esports. The future looks promising, with esports poised to drive economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion, making it a pivotal part of Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation by 2030.