Latest news with #NationalGamingandEsportsStrategy
Broadcast Pro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
MENATech Entertainment drives Middle East's esports boom
Saudi Arabia's National Gaming and Esports Strategy projects $13.3bn in economic impact by 2030. As the Middle East solidifies its position on the global esports stage, MENATech Entertainment, a subsidiary of GGTech and a prominent international gaming and esports company, is playing a vital role in driving the region's digital entertainment ambitions. With major national strategies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE aimed at transforming gaming into a multi-billion-dollar industry, MENATech is working at the intersection of global expertise and local engagement to fuel the sector's rapid growth. Saudi Arabia's National Gaming and Esports Strategy projects a staggering $13.3bn economic impact by 2030 and envisions the creation of 39,000 jobs within the sector. This push forms a cornerstone of the Kingdom's wider Vision 2030 goals. Simultaneously, the UAE's Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 aims to position the city as one of the world's top 10 gaming hubs, contributing $1bn to its GDP and generating 30,000 new jobs. These forward-looking policies have created a fertile environment for companies like MENATech to thrive. Mario Pérez, CEO of MENATech Entertainment, said: 'The Middle East is no longer a frontier market for gaming and esports; it's an engine of innovation, talent, and long-term opportunity. From launching GAMERGY MENA to building educational programs and regional leagues, our on-the-ground work across the region reflects the scale of what's possible here. Our global know-how, local partnerships, and community-driven development are helping ensure that the region is leading the global esports conversation. With visionary policies, tech-savvy youth, and rapidly expanding digital infrastructure, this is a dynamic launchpad for scaling the global gaming industry, now valued at $200bn.' In early 2025, MENATech brought the gaming festival GAMERGY to the region for the first time. Hosted in Cairo, GAMERGY MENA attracted more than 40,000 visitors and showcased elite competitions in games like Valorant, PUBG Mobile, League of Legends and Rocket League. Backed by the Egyptian Ministry of Youth & Sports and major sponsors including IMKAN Misr, Samsung and Red Bull, the event offered over EGP 2min prize money, marking a significant milestone for esports in the region. MENATech has also collaborated with Riot Games to launch the Strike Arabia Championship, the first official regional Valorant league. Spanning countries across the GCC, Levant, Iraq, Egypt and North Africa, the competition featured both amateur and professional divisions, with top teams advancing to European LAN finals. This initiative provided a vital link between local talent and international opportunities, spotlighting regional players on the global stage. In Saudi Arabia, MENATech has supported the development of the Saudi Esports Academy, laying the foundation for formal, in-person esports education. The company also runs the UNIVERSITY Esports programme across the MENA region, offering students practical training in fields such as broadcasting, event production and digital marketing. With one of the world's youngest populations and a fast-growing base of gamers, the Middle East is experiencing a cultural shift where gaming is increasingly viewed as a legitimate profession. Dubai alone is now home to over 350 gaming companies, including more than 260 developers. The city continues to strengthen its gaming ecosystem with initiatives like the Dubai Esports Festival, the DMCC Gaming Centre, and the issuance of gaming-specific residency visas.
Broadcast Pro
6 days ago
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Savvy Games Group and King Abdulaziz University to launch training programme
The collaboration aims to equip Saudi students with high-impact skills. Savvy Games Group, Saudi Arabia's national leader in the games and esports sector, has entered into a strategic partnership with King Abdulaziz University through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to offer two new diploma programmes, one in Games Production and the other in Esports Management. The initiative aims to develop Saudi talent equipped with the essential skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving gaming and esports industries. Set to launch in the upcoming academic year, the new diplomas will provide a blend of academic learning and industry-specific training. Students enrolled in the programmes will gain practical expertise in managing game development projects and executing professional esports events, both of which are increasingly pivotal to the entertainment and technology landscape. The collaboration is part of Savvy Academy's broader Level-Up programme, designed to deliver vocational training to university students across the Kingdom by aligning with leading academic institutions. The partnership also supports the National Gaming and Esports Strategy and contributes to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goal of becoming a global hub for games and esports. Majed Al-Muhanna, Chief Human Resources Officer at Savvy, said: 'This partnership with King Abdulaziz University is a key step in building local capabilities in game development and esports operations. This is part of our Savvy Academy initiative, through which we are enabling new pathways for the next generation of Saudi professionals to gain the skills and experience required to succeed and be a leader in this industry. Our work directly supports the National Gaming and Esports Strategy and Vision 2030's ambition of establishing Saudi Arabia as a global hub for games and esports.' Prof. Mohammed Balubaid, Dean of the Applied College, commented: 'This partnership with Savvy underscores our commitment to equipping students for careers in rapidly growing industries aligned with the Vision 2030. As gaming and esports expand at an unprecedented pace, there's a rising demand for talent that combines creative insight with operational excellence. Through this collaboration, students are expected to be exposed to real-world opportunities such as potentially supporting major international events like the Esports World Cup hosted in Saudi Arabia. We're proud to offer our students these pathways and contribute to shaping the Kingdom's digital future.' The MoU is part of Savvy Academy's Level-Up programme that is designed to provide vocational training in games and esports to university students in Saudi Arabia by partnering with renowned educational institutions.
Mid East Info
22-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
MENATech Entertainment powers Middle East's esports rise with education, tournaments, and national collaboration
As the Middle East cements its place on the global esports map, MENATech Entertainment (a GGTech company), an international esports and gaming company, is playing a central role in accelerating the region's digital entertainment ambitions. With Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading government-backed strategies to grow gaming into a multi-billion-dollar sector, MENATech is bridging global best practices with local talent development, grassroots tournaments, and strategic partnerships. Saudi Arabia's National Gaming and Esports Strategy projects US$13.3 billion in economic impact by 2030. As part of its broader 2030 economic transformation, the Kingdom plans to create 39,000 esports-related jobs, driven by large-scale investments and a national push to become a global hub for competitive gaming. Meanwhile, the UAE's Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 aims to position the city among the world's top 10 gaming hubs by 2033, contributing $1 billion to GDP and creating 30,000 new jobs. These initiatives have created fertile ground for companies like MENATech to scale up their impact. 'The Middle East is no longer a frontier market for gaming and esports; it's an engine of innovation, talent, and long-term opportunity,' said Mario Pérez, CEO of MENATech Entertainment. 'From launching GAMERGY MENA to building educational programs and regional leagues, our on-the-ground work across the region reflects the scale of what's possible here. Our global know-how, local partnerships, and community-driven development are helping ensure that the region is leading the global esports conversation. With visionary policies, tech-savvy youth, and rapidly expanding digital infrastructure, this is a dynamic launchpad for scaling the global gaming industry, now valued at $200 billion .' Aligning with national economic visions, in early 2025, MENATech brought one of the world's most iconic gaming festivals, GAMERGY, to the region for the first time. Held in Cairo, GAMERGY MENA drew over 40,000 attendees and featured top-tier tournaments in titles like Valorant, PUBG Mobile, League of Legends, and Rocket League. Supported by the Egyptian Ministry of Youth & Sports, IMKAN Misr, Samsung, and Red Bull, the event marked a pivotal moment for regional esports, with prize pools exceeding EGP 2 million. In partnership with Riot Games, the gaming firm launched the Strike Arabia Championship, the first official regional Valorant league. Spanning the GCC, Levant, Iraq, Egypt, and North Africa, the competition included both amateur and professional divisions, with top players advancing to European LAN finals. This structure created a bridge between regional players and international stages, giving local talent a platform to shine. In Saudi Arabia, MENATech contributed to the initial creation of the Saudi Esports Academy, laying the groundwork for a more formal and on-site educational model. The company also leads the UNIVERSITY Esports program across the MENA region, empowering students through workshops and careers in broadcasting, event management, and digital marketing. Historically backed by global brands like Amazon and HP Omen, the initiative is one of the few in the region linking competitive gaming with long-term career pathways. With one of the world's youngest populations, the appetite for competitive gaming is massive in the region. That demand is matched by cultural momentum, where gaming is considered a viable, respected career. Dubai is already home to over 350 gaming companies, including 260 specialised developers. Major events like the Dubai Esports Festival and the development of innovation hubs such as the DMCC Gaming Centre are supported by the issuance of gaming-related resident visas. MENATech continues to differentiate itself by integrating deeply into the region's ecosystem. Rather than operate as an external player, the company works alongside public and private entities to build lasting programs and infrastructure. Its approach is not just to host events, but to develop skills, create jobs, and inspire innovation. With the Esports World Cup returning to Riyadh in 2025 and more international gaming firms entering the Gulf, the spotlight on the Middle East has never been stronger. MENATech is focused on scaling its education programs, growing its tournament portfolio, and building a sustainable esports economy. Through strategic alignment with national initiatives, mega events, and investments in talent development, the company is helping position the gaming industry as a key driver of economic diversification and cultural innovation across the Middle East. For more information on MENATech Entertainment and its initiatives, visit
Web Release
21-07-2025
- Business
- Web Release
MENATech Entertainment powers Middle East's esports rise with education, tournaments, and national collaboration
As the Middle East cements its place on the global esports map, MENATech Entertainment (a GGTech company), an international esports and gaming company, is playing a central role in accelerating the region's digital entertainment ambitions. With Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading government-backed strategies to grow gaming into a multi-billion-dollar sector, MENATech is bridging global best practices with local talent development, grassroots tournaments, and strategic partnerships. Saudi Arabia's National Gaming and Esports Strategy projects US$13.3 billion in economic impact by 2030. As part of its broader 2030 economic transformation, the Kingdom plans to create 39,000 esports-related jobs, driven by large-scale investments and a national push to become a global hub for competitive gaming. Meanwhile, the UAE's Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 aims to position the city among the world's top 10 gaming hubs by 2033, contributing $1 billion to GDP and creating 30,000 new jobs. These initiatives have created fertile ground for companies like MENATech to scale up their impact. 'The Middle East is no longer a frontier market for gaming and esports; it's an engine of innovation, talent, and long-term opportunity,' said Mario Pérez, CEO of MENATech Entertainment. 'From launching GAMERGY MENA to building educational programs and regional leagues, our on-the-ground work across the region reflects the scale of what's possible here. Our global know-how, local partnerships, and community-driven development are helping ensure that the region is leading the global esports conversation. With visionary policies, tech-savvy youth, and rapidly expanding digital infrastructure, this is a dynamic launchpad for scaling the global gaming industry, now valued at $200 billion.' Aligning with national economic visions, in early 2025, MENATech brought one of the world's most iconic gaming festivals, GAMERGY, to the region for the first time. Held in Cairo, GAMERGY MENA drew over 40,000 attendees and featured top-tier tournaments in titles like Valorant, PUBG Mobile, League of Legends, and Rocket League. Supported by the Egyptian Ministry of Youth & Sports, IMKAN Misr, Samsung, and Red Bull, the event marked a pivotal moment for regional esports, with prize pools exceeding EGP 2 million. In partnership with Riot Games, the gaming firm launched the Strike Arabia Championship, the first official regional Valorant league. Spanning the GCC, Levant, Iraq, Egypt, and North Africa, the competition included both amateur and professional divisions, with top players advancing to European LAN finals. This structure created a bridge between regional players and international stages, giving local talent a platform to shine. In Saudi Arabia, MENATech contributed to the initial creation of the Saudi Esports Academy, laying the groundwork for a more formal and on-site educational model. The company also leads the UNIVERSITY Esports program across the MENA region, empowering students through workshops and careers in broadcasting, event management, and digital marketing. Historically backed by global brands like Amazon and HP Omen, the initiative is one of the few in the region linking competitive gaming with long-term career pathways. With one of the world's youngest populations, the appetite for competitive gaming is massive in the region. That demand is matched by cultural momentum, where gaming is considered a viable, respected career. Dubai is already home to over 350 gaming companies, including 260 specialised developers. Major events like the Dubai Esports Festival and the development of innovation hubs such as the DMCC Gaming Centre are supported by the issuance of gaming-related resident visas. MENATech continues to differentiate itself by integrating deeply into the region's ecosystem. Rather than operate as an external player, the company works alongside public and private entities to build lasting programs and infrastructure. Its approach is not just to host events, but to develop skills, create jobs, and inspire innovation. With the Esports World Cup returning to Riyadh in 2025 and more international gaming firms entering the Gulf, the spotlight on the Middle East has never been stronger. MENATech is focused on scaling its education programs, growing its tournament portfolio, and building a sustainable esports economy. Through strategic alignment with national initiatives, mega events, and investments in talent development, the company is helping position the gaming industry as a key driver of economic diversification and cultural innovation across the Middle East. For more information on MENATech Entertainment and its initiatives, visit
Broadcast Pro
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Savvy partners with PNU to launch Game Art training programme for women
The Game Art training programme is jointly developed between Savvy and Applied College in PNU and is expected to start in September 2025 Savvy Games Group, Saudi Arabia's national champion for games and esports, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Applied College at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU), the women's university, to launch a specialised Game Art training programme. Set to begin in September 2025, the initiative aims to equip students with world-class skills in video game development, including concept design, 3D modelling, animation and interactive storytelling. The programme is jointly developed by Savvy and the Applied College at PNU and blends academic rigour with practical industry knowledge to meet international standards. The goal is to prepare students for successful careers in the rapidly expanding global gaming industry, with a particular focus on nurturing local female talent. Speaking about the MoU, Majed Al-Muhanna, Chief Human Resources Officer of Savvy Games Group, said: 'Our collaboration with Applied College in Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University represents another major step in developing Saudi Arabia's games industry and offering new opportunities to the aspiring students and youth who want to pursue careers in this growing sector. This partnership is part of the Savvy Academy, our key initiative dedicated to talent development, leveraging partnerships with key domestic and international stakeholders. By investing in local talent, we are contributing to the delivery of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy and the wider Vision 2030 ambition to establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for games and esports.' Dr. Deema Alshoaibi, Executive Assistant of the Applied College at PNU, added: 'In Applied College at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, we are focused on equipping our students with skills that prepare them for the future. The video games industry is a dynamic, fast-growing field that continues to attract strong interest from both current and prospective students. This partnership with Savvy Games Group not only brings world-class expertise to our classrooms but also paves the way for our graduates to thrive in the games sector.' This latest MoU forms part of Savvy Academy's broader effort to collaborate with academic institutions across the Kingdom to offer high-quality, specialised training programmes in game development. The initiative also supports Saudi Arabia's economic diversification efforts and its drive to increase women's participation in the tech and entertainment industries by laying the groundwork for a new generation of female game artists and developers.
