As global media and entertainment leaders convene at the WAVES Summit in Mumbai, few topics unite us like the rise of games and esports. WAVES is more than a gathering — it is a platform to forge new partnerships, exchange ideas, and unlock the potential of emerging economies, including India. In Saudi Arabia, we have seen how games can bridge cultures and create opportunities. Guided by HRH the Crown Prince’s Vision 2030, we are fostering a unified, nationwide gaming strategy. It is apparent from the scale and thematic expanse of WAVES that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a similar vision. As such, the summit marks a timely opportunity to deepen ties between our countries and shape a future led by new voices and alliances.
Under the guidance of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia views games and esports as key pillars of our future economy. Our National Gaming and Esports Strategy, launched in 2022, aims to transform the Kingdom into a leading global hub by 2030, with concrete goals including over 39,000 jobs, a $13-billion GDP contribution, and more than 100 professional teams already active among our 21 million gamers. One of our flagship initiatives, the Esports World Cup, announced by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2023, debuted in Riyadh with 200 clubs, 1,500 athletes, two million visitors, and 500 million viewers. Beyond competition, the Esports World Cup symbolises how innovation, investment, and international collaboration can come together to shape a thriving, future-focused industry.
This goal of nurturing global partnerships is reflected in gatherings like the WAVES Summit and events such as the New Global Sport Conference (NGSC), returning in 2025 to deepen collaboration in the space. Saudi Arabia and India recognise that the future belongs to nations investing not only in infrastructure, but in building ecosystems where technology, creativity, and talent intersect.
Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Modi, our countries are uniquely aligned in this belief. As we showcase our unified gaming strategy at WAVES, our message is one of partnership and possibility. We are demonstrating how government support, private investment, and global cooperation can work together. Saudi Arabia is excited to collaborate with India and other innovators to shape a future where gaming and esports reflect the diversity and ambition of the Global South.
Achieving these bold ambitions requires not only investment in dollars but also investment in people. At the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), which I have the privilege to chair, we are building a platform where gaming drives youth innovation and career growth. We are proud that women now comprise nearly half of Saudi’s gaming community, with programmes ensuring their full participation.
What sets apart Saudi Arabia’s approach is the unity across our gaming ecosystem — government, federations, investors, and private sector working together to meet Vision 2030 goals. This coordination reflects a deeper understanding that esports today sits at the intersection of technology, innovation, and entertainment — three pillars that also define India’s ambition, as showcased at WAVES.
Saudi Arabia offers Indian developers a supportive launchpad and attracts gamers from across the Middle East, while our growing infrastructure provides Indian esports teams world-class venues, fuelling greater regional competition and collaboration.
Ultimately, the story we are writing in Saudi Arabia is not just about one country’s rise in gaming; it is about how collaboration and vision can unlock the potential of a gaming industry, turning esports into a platform for cross-cultural innovation and leadership. We invite our friends in India and around the world to join us in building an ecosystem where innovation thrives; where economic, social, and cultural benefits are shared by all.
The coming years will be transformative. The global games industry is projected to reach $600 billion by 2030, and emerging markets like ours will be key drivers. Saudi Arabia is investing heavily to contribute to and benefit from this expansion, but collaboration is the cornerstone of our approach. We hope our experience offers insights to India’s policymakers and industry leaders in nurturing a booming creative economy. To India’s gamers and public, we extend an invitation — join our events, play in our tournaments, and help shape the future of gaming. Together, we can build a more innovative and inclusive gaming world.
In the spirit of WAVES 2025, let us celebrate this new era of entertainment and work collectively to ensure the gaming revolution benefits communities everywhere.
The writer is chairman, Saudi Esports Federation, and vice chairman of Savvy Games Group
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (Express Photo by Prem Nath Pandey/File) 
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