São Paulo – Last week, Saudi Arabia unveiled a national strategy to become a global hub for the esports and gaming industry by 2030. The plan was presented by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, according to a story released on the Saudi news website Arab News.
The goal is to create 39,000 jobs in the sector by 2030 and make esports and games contribute SAR 50 billion (about USD 13 billion at the current rate) to Saudi Arabia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Arab country intends to host more tournaments, participate in more competitions abroad and become one of the three countries in the world with the most significant number of professional esports players, improving their local experience.
The strategy is part of the Arab country’s Vision 2030, a plan to grow and diversify the Saudi economy. Stimuli for esports and games are in line with this purpose. One of its focuses is to foster employment opportunities for the population in different segments and provide world-class entertainment to residents and visitors of the country.
The Saudi government intends to implement the esports and gaming strategy through 86 initiatives, which will be managed by over 20 government and private entities. Initiatives include technology, hardware, and game development, esports, infrastructure, regulation, education, and talent acquisition, among others.
Last year, spending on gaming and esports reached SAR 3.7 billion (about USD 985 million) in Saudi Arabia, according to information released by the local press. The country has around 21 million gamers and recently hosted the Gamers8 global gaming show.
Opening picture merely illustrative.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
