Saudi Arabia approves $112 million in funding for gaming and esports

Saudi Arabia’s National Development Fund approved more than $112 million in financing through its Esports and Gaming Financing Program by the end of 2025, supporting 82 entities across the sector.

The funding contributed to the development of more than 127 games and was aimed at strengthening the capabilities and competitiveness of Saudi companies operating in gaming and esports.

The figures were outlined in a new program report reviewing its achievements since launch and the role of development finance in supporting investment, innovation and industry growth.

According to Najla Al-Ajmi, senior executive director of the program, the report reflects progress in developing a specialized financing ecosystem for the sector while providing an overview of the gaming industry‘s growth and future opportunities.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to develop gaming and esports as a component of Saudi Arabia’s digital economy and support the objectives of Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s gaming market is also projected to continue expanding. The Saudi Intellectual Property Authority said the market was valued at $2.19 billion in 2024 and is expected to exceed $4.73 billion by 2033, as the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its position as a regional and global gaming hub.