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Global Games Show Riyadh 2026 Positioned as Catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Major international gaming event highlights Kingdom’s push to become a global hub for esports, innovation and digital entertainment
Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the Global Games Show Riyadh 2026, an international gathering that organisers and officials describe as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 transformation agenda.
The event is expected to bring together leading developers, publishers, esports organisations, investors and technology innovators from across the world, reinforcing Riyadh’s growing role in the global gaming ecosystem.
Authorities have framed the show as both a commercial platform and a strategic instrument designed to accelerate growth in digital entertainment, foster local talent and attract foreign investment.
Gaming and esports have emerged as priority sectors under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive programme to diversify the economy beyond hydrocarbons and expand high-value industries.
The Kingdom has launched dedicated initiatives to develop intellectual property, establish studios and cultivate professional esports leagues, alongside large-scale investments in infrastructure and technology.
Officials say the Global Games Show will serve as a showcase for Saudi Arabia’s expanding capabilities in game development, digital media and immersive technologies.
It is also expected to facilitate partnerships between local startups and global firms, strengthening cross-border collaboration and knowledge transfer.
The gaming sector is regarded as a significant engine of job creation and youth engagement.
With a majority-young population and one of the fastest-growing gaming communities in the region, Saudi Arabia has sought to position itself at the forefront of the industry’s global expansion.
Analysts note that the 2026 showcase complements broader efforts to host international sporting, cultural and technology events as part of a long-term strategy to enhance the Kingdom’s global profile.
By integrating digital entertainment into its economic blueprint, Saudi Arabia is signalling its ambition to shape emerging industries while advancing sustainable growth objectives under Vision 2030.
The event is expected to bring together leading developers, publishers, esports organisations, investors and technology innovators from across the world, reinforcing Riyadh’s growing role in the global gaming ecosystem.
Authorities have framed the show as both a commercial platform and a strategic instrument designed to accelerate growth in digital entertainment, foster local talent and attract foreign investment.
Gaming and esports have emerged as priority sectors under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive programme to diversify the economy beyond hydrocarbons and expand high-value industries.
The Kingdom has launched dedicated initiatives to develop intellectual property, establish studios and cultivate professional esports leagues, alongside large-scale investments in infrastructure and technology.
Officials say the Global Games Show will serve as a showcase for Saudi Arabia’s expanding capabilities in game development, digital media and immersive technologies.
It is also expected to facilitate partnerships between local startups and global firms, strengthening cross-border collaboration and knowledge transfer.
The gaming sector is regarded as a significant engine of job creation and youth engagement.
With a majority-young population and one of the fastest-growing gaming communities in the region, Saudi Arabia has sought to position itself at the forefront of the industry’s global expansion.
Analysts note that the 2026 showcase complements broader efforts to host international sporting, cultural and technology events as part of a long-term strategy to enhance the Kingdom’s global profile.
By integrating digital entertainment into its economic blueprint, Saudi Arabia is signalling its ambition to shape emerging industries while advancing sustainable growth objectives under Vision 2030.
