Saudi Arabia to Build Esports City for $500 Million

Saudi Arabia, a country known for its oil wealth and conservative culture, is making a bold move to diversify its economy and embrace the gaming and esports industry. The Kingdom has announced plans to build a massive Esports City in its capital, Riyadh, with a budget of $500 million.

The Esports City, which is expected to be completed by 2024, will be a city-within-a-city that will cater to the needs and interests of gamers and esports fans. The city will feature a 20,000-seat arena for hosting major esports events and tournaments, such as the World Cyber Games. The city will also have training facilities, studios, hotels, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues for both local and international visitors.

The Esports City is part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to reduce the country’s dependence on oil and transform it into a modern and diversified economy. The initiative also seeks to promote tourism, culture, sports, and entertainment in the Kingdom, as well as create jobs and opportunities for the young population³.

According to Mohammed AlQahtani, the CEO of Saudi Arabia Holding Co., one of the major private equity firms in the country, the Esports City is a significant development for the esports industry in Saudi Arabia and the region. He said that the city will attract top esports teams and players from around the world, as well as support local talent and talent development. He added that the city will also showcase the natural and cultural beauty of Saudi Arabia to the global esports community.

The Esports City is not the only project that Saudi Arabia is undertaking to boost its gaming and esports sector. The Kingdom has also launched several initiatives and events to support and grow the industry, such as Gamers8, an eight-day gaming festival that took place in Riyadh in June 2023¹. The Kingdom has also hosted several international esports tournaments, such as the PUBG Mobile Star Challenge Arabia 2023 and the FIFA eNations Cup 2023.

Saudi Arabia’s efforts to become a global hub for gaming and esports have been met with mixed reactions from the public. Some have praised the Kingdom for its vision and innovation, while others have criticized it for its human rights record and political agenda. Some have also questioned the feasibility and sustainability of the Esports City project, given the challenges and risks that the country faces.

Regardless of the opinions and controversies, Saudi Arabia is determined to pursue its Esports City project and make its mark on the gaming and esports world. The Kingdom hopes that by 2024, it will be able to welcome gamers and esports fans from all over the world to its Esports City, where they can enjoy a thrilling and unique experience.

Without a doubt, the events that will unfold in Esports City will attract the attention of players and spectators around the world. There is also no doubt that experts in events will place bets, because the direction of eSports betting is actively developing. Very soon on the best Arab casino sites that also offer sports betting and live casino, you can find the brightest Esports City events.