Saudi Arabia is set to host the first-ever Esports Olympic Games next year, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to become a global leader in gaming and esports.
The event is part of a larger strategy to enhance Saudi Arabia’s tourism by tapping into the fast-growing esports and gaming industry.
The Gulf nation’s ambitions align with its Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy. Hosting such landmark events is expected to drive esports tourism growth in 2024 while positioning the country as a hub for gaming enthusiasts worldwide.
Saudi Arabia Esports Olympics to Elevate Gaming Tourism
Photo credits to the Olympics official website
With the upcoming Saudi Arabia esports Olympics, the country is making strides to attract a new demographic of travelers—gamers and esports fans.
The event, supported by a $60 million prize pool and attended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during its precursor Esports World Cup, highlights the nation’s serious investment in gaming.
The chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, recently outlined a roadmap for creating a Saudi Arabia esports industry that competes on a global scale. This includes launching a dedicated gaming and esports authority to foster collaboration between public and private sectors and ensure the long-term success of Saudi Arabia’s gaming events.
“When you talk about mainstream sports, you talk about the NFL in the U.S., the World Cup globally,” said Al Saud. “When you think of gaming and esports, a few places come to mind: Japan, South Korea, America, and Canada. We want Saudi to be a part of that conversation, we want people to think of coming to Saudi as they do any of those other countries.”
Esports Olympics Impact on Tourism and Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Industry
The Esports Olympics’ impact on tourism is expected to be substantial, with millions of visitors anticipated to participate in or attend the event.
Saudi Arabia’s inaugural Esports World Cup, held earlier this year, already attracted 2 million visitors and 500 million online participants, signaling the potential for even greater success in 2024.
Through regular hosting of the Saudi Arabia esports Olympics, secured via a 12-year deal with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the nation hopes to sustain esports tourism growth in 2024 and beyond.
The focus on major Saudi Arabia gaming events will complement broader efforts to promote Saudi Arabian tourism and bring global recognition to the country’s burgeoning esports scene.
Photo credits to the Olympics official website
By positioning itself as a leader in the Saudi Arabia esports industry, the country is investing in its gaming infrastructure and redefining its image as a forward-thinking destination for technology and entertainment enthusiasts.
Stay updated with the latest travel news and unlock exclusive deals for your next adventure with OneAir. Sign up for FREE today and gain access to unpublished rates on flights and hotels, guaranteeing the best prices for your travel plans. Don’t miss the opportunity to save more on your next getaway!
