Gaming Diplomacy: How Saudi Arabia and India Are Powering the Future of Esports

How Saudi Arabia and India Are Powering the Future of Esports

As thought leaders from the global media and entertainment industries convene once again at the WAVES Summit in Mumbai, gaming and esports emerge as unifying forces with transformative potential. More than a summit, WAVES is a catalyst for collaboration — a convergence point for forging partnerships, sharing innovation, and unlocking growth opportunities across emerging markets like India.

In Saudi Arabia, we’ve seen firsthand how gaming transcends entertainment, bridging cultures and creating career pathways. Inspired by the ambitious Vision 2030, led by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom is executing a comprehensive, nation-wide gaming strategy. The breadth and ambition seen at WAVES mirror this vision, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to positioning India at the forefront of the digital and creative economy. This shared aspiration sets the stage for stronger bilateral cooperation in a sector poised for global impact.

Our National Gaming and Esports Strategy, launched in 2022, sets tangible goals: contributing $13 billion to GDP, creating over 39,000 jobs, and establishing the Kingdom as a global hub for gaming by 2030. Today, more than 100 professional teams compete across our 21 million-strong gaming population. A highlight of this journey is the Esports World Cup, inaugurated in 2023 in Riyadh. This landmark event brought together 1,500 athletes, 200 teams, and attracted over 500 million viewers, showcasing the scale and ambition of our gaming sector.

Events like WAVES and the upcoming New Global Sport Conference (NGSC) 2025 serve as pivotal moments to deepen global collaboration. Both India and Saudi Arabia recognize that tomorrow’s thriving economies will be built not just on physical infrastructure, but on ecosystems where innovation, digital entertainment, and creativity intersect.

Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Modi, our nations stand united in fostering ecosystems that prioritize youth, talent, and opportunity. At WAVES, Saudi Arabia presents not just its strategy — but its invitation. An invitation to co-create, co-invest, and co-lead the evolution of a global gaming movement.

The Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), which I proudly chair, plays a crucial role in driving this change. We are cultivating a space where gaming empowers young people — as creators, competitors, and entrepreneurs. Notably, women now make up nearly 50% of our gaming community, thanks to inclusive programs that ensure equal opportunity.

What makes Saudi Arabia’s model distinct is the orchestration across sectors — government, industry, and investors working in lockstep. This synergy positions us to meet the goals of Vision 2030 and speaks to a broader understanding: that esports today is a dynamic fusion of innovation, entertainment, and cultural expression — much like India’s rising tech-entertainment sector highlighted at WAVES.

Saudi Arabia offers a strategic gateway for Indian developers and esports professionals, providing access to Middle Eastern audiences, top-tier venues, and regional tournaments. These exchanges fuel a spirit of friendly competition and mutual growth, further strengthening the digital corridor between our countries.

But our ambitions go beyond national pride. Saudi Arabia’s gaming journey is a blueprint for how global collaboration, guided by vision and values, can transform a sector into a cultural and economic powerhouse. We encourage India’s gaming community to join us — at our events, in our leagues, and in shaping a global industry that is inclusive, diverse, and future-ready.

With the global games industry projected to surpass $600 billion by 2030, emerging markets like Saudi Arabia and India are well-positioned to lead. Through shared knowledge, cross-border partnerships, and sustained investment in talent, we can ensure this growth benefits communities worldwide.

As we look ahead to WAVES 2025, let us champion this new era of digital entertainment — one built on innovation, cooperation, and shared success.

Source: The Indian Express