‘Game On, Saudi Arabia’: New Global Sport Conference to host panel on Kingdom’s role in world of esports

RIYADH: The New Global Sport Conference 2024, themed “The Future of Fandom,” will feature a panel discussion exploring gaming and sports as Saudi Arabia’s gateway to the world.

Titled “Game On, Saudi Arabia,” the panel will feature Abdullah Al-Swaha, the Kingdom’s minister of communications and information technology, as a guest speaker. The panel will focus on how gaming and esports align with the National Gaming and Esports Strategy to become a global hub in the sector by 2030.

The NGSC will include more than 60 speakers and over 750 delegates from around the world. It will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh At Kingdom Centre on Aug. 24-25, after the conclusion of the Esports World Cup.

The panel session will also feature Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation; Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy Games Group; Arnold Hur, CEO of Gen.G Esports; and Mike Milanov, chairman of the Advisory Board for Gaming and Esports at Qiddiya. It will be moderated by Joe Pompliano, the managing partner of Pomp Investments.

Prince Faisal said: “With Saudi Arabia opening its doors to the world, gaming and esports have been at the forefront of transforming the Kingdom’s economic, social, and cultural landscape into a dynamic hub of creativity and engagement. ‘Game On, Saudi Arabia’ at the New Global Sport Conference will explore how this has been achieved and the next steps that are planned to ensure our gaming and esports journey fulfills the objectives of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. We aim to become a global hub for gaming and esports, elevate the sector, contribute meaningfully to its development, and shape its future on a global scale.”

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in the gaming and esports ecosystem, aimed at fulfilling the demands of the country’s youth for gaming and esports. Some 67 percent of the nation’s 35 million population are gamers.

“The New Global Sport Conference comes at an ideal time, helping to conclude the EWC and serve as a platform to discuss Saudi Arabia’s future for games and esports,” said Ward.

“Games have the power to connect people of all backgrounds, ages, nationalities, genders and abilities. Saudi Arabia, which has foreseen the potential, has positioned itself as a leader that enhances its global presence and fosters a spirit of collaboration and innovation. ‘Game On, Saudi Arabia’ will highlight why global games investment is vital and enables people to play, learn, compete and triumph together.”