Saudi Arabia targets $13.4bn esports GDP, 39,000 jobs by 2030

Esports as an Economic Diversification Pillar

Competitive gaming has expanded significantly over the past two decades, evolving into a global entertainment industry with millions of spectators. Saudi Arabia is making substantial investments in this sector as part of its broader strategy to reduce its economic reliance on oil exports.

The scale of this commitment was evident at the 2025 Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia, which attracted over 3 million fans and offered professional players and teams more than US$70 million in prize money, according to the tournament's organisers. This engagement highlights the kingdom's intent to develop a prominent position within the global esports market.

National Strategy and Job Creation Goals

The Saudi government announced its National Gaming and Esports Strategy in 2022, detailing a plan to cultivate a domestic esports ecosystem. This strategy includes initiatives to support 250 gaming companies operating within the kingdom.

A key objective is the creation of 39,000 domestic jobs by 2030, aiming to build a skilled local workforce and foster expertise across various segments of the gaming industry. These efforts are designed to integrate gaming and esports into the national economy, providing new avenues for employment and technological development.

Major Projects and Infrastructure Development

Central to Saudi Arabia's esports strategy are large-scale infrastructure projects and events. The Esports World Cup, launched in 2023 and funded by Saudi Arabia, serves as a cornerstone event to attract global attention and talent.

Furthermore, plans include a 500,000-square-metre gaming and esports hub within the planned Qiddiya City, an entertainment and sports development near Riyadh. This hub is intended to draw gaming studios, host major tournament venues, and cultivate technical expertise, while also boosting tourism by positioning Saudi Arabia as a destination for competitive gaming enthusiasts.

Financial Targets and Global Investment

The National Gaming and Esports Strategy, backed by the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, has an ambitious financial target: to contribute 50 billion Saudi riyals (US$13.4 billion) to the national gross domestic product by 2030. Beyond domestic development, Saudi Arabia is also actively seeking direct stakes in businesses within the global esports industry.

This dual approach of fostering internal growth and acquiring international assets demonstrates a comprehensive effort to embed the kingdom across the entire value chain of the competitive gaming sector, aiming to secure a significant economic footprint.

Implications for the Industry

Saudi Arabia's substantial capital allocation into esports signals a notable shift in the global competitive gaming landscape. The kingdom's focus on infrastructure, job creation, and direct investment could redirect talent and capital flows towards the region.

Companies in the gaming and entertainment sectors, particularly those exploring new markets or investment opportunities, may find the kingdom's developing ecosystem increasingly attractive.

The target of a US$13.4 billion GDP contribution by 2030 provides a clear metric for assessing the strategy's economic impact over the coming years, indicating a sustained commitment to this industry.