In 2026, Saudi Arabia is set to hold the Kingdom of Gaming conference

Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host a significant gaming event next year.

The Kingdom of Gaming conference will occur in Riyadh from December 1 to 3. This event is organized by Tahaluf, a collaboration between GDC organizer Informa and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP).

Organizers are expecting over 20,000 visitors, alongside 300 exhibitors and sponsors. Additionally, the event will feature 500 studios, upwards of 50 startups, and 200 investors. The organizers aim to secure 25 investment and publishing deals during the conference.

Annabelle Mander, EVP of Tahaluf, stated, “The Kingdom of Gaming represents Tahaluf’s next global brand, aligning with Vision 2030 to boost the Kingdom’s creative economy."

"Riyadh is transforming from merely a games market to a development hub. By uniting developers, studios, platforms, and investors, we're facilitating the emergence of new intellectual property, talent, and opportunities from Saudi Arabia on a global scale."

Saudi Arabia has been progressively establishing itself as a major force in the international gaming landscape.

Through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the nation has stakes in prominent companies like Take-Two, Nintendo, and Capcom. This fund also operates an investment branch, Savvy Games Group, which owns Niantic, ESL Faceit, and Scopely.

In 2023, it was disclosed that the PIF aimed to invest $38 billion in gaming through Savvy Games Group.

Recently, the PIF, in partnership with Silver Lake Capital and Affinity Partners, unveiled plans to acquire Electronic Arts, a leading US publisher, for $55 billion. Upon concluding this transaction, the PIF will possess a 93.4% share in EA, alongside major stakes in acquisition partners.

Additionally, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced in February that Saudi Arabia would host the first Olympic Esports Games in 2027. However, the event was recently canceled by mutual agreement.