New Global Sport Conference Kicks Off in Riyadh

The New Global Sport Conference (NGSC 2025) opened today in Riyadh, bringing together senior executives and leaders from traditional sports, esports, gaming, entertainment, technology, and business during the closing week of the 2025 Esports World Cup.
 The conference, organized by the Esports World Cup Foundation, began with a panel discussion titled “The Kingdom’s Next Era of Play: How Saudi Arabia Is Rewriting the Future of Gaming and Esports.” Panelists included Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Esports Federation Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, and Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha.
 In his remarks, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal expressed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their support of all sectors, particularly sports. He noted that the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 has driven major transformation in the sector and congratulated the organizers on the growth achieved since last year.
 Prince Abdulaziz highlighted the rapid development of sports in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing its role in tourism, culture, and quality of life. With 63% of the Kingdom’s population under the age of 30, he underlined the strong national focus on fitness and youth activities. He pointed out that around 20 million people in the Kingdom play esports, underscoring its significance as a growing field. He added that efforts are underway to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for esports through world-class infrastructure, training, and simulation programs.
 The minister stressed that integrating sports, entertainment, and technology creates broad opportunities for Saudi youth while allowing the Kingdom to showcase its culture globally. He cited the successful hosting of numerous international tournaments under the guidance of HRH the Crown Prince, adding that preparations for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034 are progressing with the aim of delivering one of the best tournaments in history.
 He also stated that investments in infrastructure and hospitality will ensure long-term benefits beyond the tournament. “The Kingdom is capable of providing a distinguished global model for hosting and organizing events, befitting its stature and fulfilling the aspirations of its people,” he said.
 Investment Minister Al-Falih said the Public Investment Fund, including its subsidiary Savvy, has played a central role in developing the gaming and esports sector as part of Vision 2030’s economic transformation. He compared data and technology to “the new oil,” describing gaming and esports as an essential part of the digital revolution.
 Al-Falih noted that Saudi Arabia views gaming not merely as entertainment but as a driver of technology, tourism, education, and social development. He highlighted the government’s openness to global investors, the availability of enabling opportunities, and the enthusiasm of young Saudi talent, including women, in the sector.
 For his part, Communications and Information Technology Minister Alswaha said the global gaming community has become one of the largest economic and social sectors, with more than 3.5 billion gamers worldwide.
 Speaking during the panel, he stressed that under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince, the Kingdom has launched major investments in gaming and esports, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. He pointed to the success of national companies such as Savvy Group and the Kingdom’s hosting of international tournaments as proof of Saudi Arabia’s determination not only to participate but also to shape the future of gaming and esports.