Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: In a bold move to diversify its economy and embrace the burgeoning world of e-sports and gaming, Saudi Arabia has announced plans for a state-of-the-art gaming and e-sports district in Qiddiya, a mega-city on the outskirts of Riyadh.

The visionary project, unveiled earlier this month by the Saudi Crown Prince, is a critical component of the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 initiative aimed at reducing the kingdom’s dependence on oil revenues and fostering economic growth.

The gaming district, set to sprawl across an expansive 500,000 square meters of land, is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global hub for entertainment and innovation.

According to the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), the driving force behind the project, the gaming district will house up to 25 e-sports teams simultaneously, making it a formidable player in the competitive world of online gaming.

One of the standout features of the district is its regional headquarters, which will host more than 30 leading video game companies.

This strategic move positions Qiddiya as a central hub for gaming development, promising to attract top talent and foster a thriving ecosystem for the industry.

Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of QIC, emphasized the district’s goal of offering a “unique, engaging, gamified experience” to both visitors and residents.

The Qiddiya gaming district is just one element of a grander vision that includes four dedicated e-sports venues with a combined peak capacity of 73,000 spectators.

These venues will host a year-round calendar of significant e-sports tournaments and contribute to positioning Saudi Arabia as a global player in the competitive gaming landscape.

The economic potential of the gaming industry is a driving force behind the project. With the global online gaming market projected to grow annually at a rate of 5.47%, reaching a market volume of US $34.11 billion by 2028, Qiddiya is strategically positioning itself to tap into this lucrative market.

The project’s architects envision attracting a staggering 10 million visitors annually by 2030, contributing to the overall goal of 48 million visitors to Qiddiya City as a whole.

Qiddiya City, encompassing a vast area of 360 square kilometres, is more than just a gaming destination. It is a multifaceted project that aims to become a comprehensive entertainment and residential hub.

With 60,000 buildings on the horizon and an anticipated population of over 600,000 residents, the city is poised to create over 325,000 job opportunities, catering to the kingdom’s youth and aligning with the Vision 2030 objective of providing employment and diversifying the economy.

The colossal undertaking, initiated in 2019, underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to embracing innovation, fostering creativity, and providing a dynamic environment for its citizens.

As construction continues on this ambitious project, eyes around the world will be on Qiddiya, watching as it transforms into a global leader in gaming and entertainment.

In conclusion, the Qiddiya gaming and e-sports district stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s determination to break new ground and redefine its economic landscape.

As the project unfolds, it promises a thrilling experience for gamers and spectators and signifies a pivotal step towards realizing the broader vision of a diversified and robust Saudi economy.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members