Qiddiya Hopes to Become Global Gaming Hub at Riyadh’s Esports World Cup
Riyadh, August 12, 2025, A phrase once used to mean surrender, “game over” now represents the dawn of a revolutionary new era for the gaming world a transformation evident at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, where global top players compete under the same professionalism, organization, and international spotlight as conventional sports.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken the lead in this transition, using its top-tier digital infrastructure and strategic efforts to consolidate Riyadh as the “capital of esports.” This expansion is rooted in Vision 2030, where gaming is both a cultural phenomenon and a multibillion-dollar economic industry.
Qiddiya, a city 45 kilometers from the capital, Riyadh, and founded on the slogan “Play Life,” is at the center of this vision. Qiddiya, under Vision 2030, is intended to be the world’s first gaming-focused city, combining entertainment, sports, cultural experiences, and intelligent living communities. Its central philosophy, the “Power of Play,” defines play not only as recreation, but as a force for creativity, innovation, and economic development.
In December 2023, Qiddiya broke ground on its gaming and esports district — the world’s first of its kind. Covering over 183,000 square meters, it will feature four large esports arenas, 25 international esports clubs, and be the regional headquarters for more than 30 top game development firms.
With these efforts, Qiddiya is redefining what gaming is for Saudi Arabia and the world demonstrating that the industry is no longer a recreation, but a strategic driver of inspiration, opportunity, and national advancement.