In Short:
– UAE and Saudi Arabia are committed to fostering a thriving local gaming market through government initiatives.
– The MENA region is rapidly growing as a gaming market, with revenue projected to reach $8 billion.

The Middle East is rapidly emerging as a global gaming hotspot, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia leading the charge. Once secondary markets, both nations are now positioning themselves as central players in a sector worth billions, backed by clear government strategies.

Chris Hewish, president of Xsolla, says this growth is deliberate. Governments are building the infrastructure, policies, and investment frameworks needed for long-term, sustainable gaming ecosystems, focusing on attracting capital, talent, and global companies.

Global firms

Dubai has become a key hub through its “Gaming 2033” initiative, which simplifies visas, business licences, and access to funding. More than 350 gaming companies now operate there, drawing talent from the UK and beyond. Saudi Arabia, under Vision 2030, is taking a slightly different approach, investing heavily in local studios and acquiring stakes in global firms such as Electronic Arts, while the UAE attracts international giants like Riot and Ubisoft.

The MENA gaming market has grown from $3 billion to $8 billion annually, driven by a young, tech-savvy population with disposable income and high digital adoption. For Hewish, this represents more than market expansion — it’s a strategic move to diversify economies and position the region as a major player in the future of gaming.

In Short:
– Raffy Sgroi explains that growth is sustainable and requires a strong team, unlike short-term spikes from trends.
– Businesses should focus on systems and leadership for lasting success, ensuring they aren’t reliant on the owner’s presence.

Raffy Sgroi from Sage Advice highlights a crucial distinction in business performance: the difference between temporary spikes in results and genuine, sustainable growth.

True growth is defined by a business’s ability to scale sustainably, maintaining quality and stability without added stress. It is not simply about becoming faster, bigger, or chasing rapid expansion—a mindset often associated with hustle culture that rarely lasts.

In contrast, a spike represents a short-lived increase in results, typically driven by seasonal promotions, viral trends, or one-off marketing campaigns. While spikes can boost numbers temporarily, they do not equate to long-term success. Genuine growth, on the other hand, is marked by consistent demand increases, measurable improvements such as higher conversion rates, and a stable foundation for the future.

Financial metrics

Many businesses make the mistake of attempting rapid scaling without a solid team or infrastructure in place. To transform a spike into sustained growth, it is essential to strengthen the team, ensure the repeatability of successful initiatives, and maintain a close understanding of financial metrics—including cash flow and revenue—rather than relying solely on an accountant’s reports.

Sgroi recommends analyzing business performance over 90-day cycles and regularly monitoring key metrics. Assessing operational capacity before taking on new expenses is critical, as unchecked expansion can create unnecessary stress and inefficiencies.

Ultimately, true business success lies in the ability to operate independently of the owner’s daily involvement. Sustainable growth supports a healthy work-life balance and is grounded in strong leadership, disciplined processes, and strategic planning.

Raffy Sgroi can be found at sage.au or on LinkedIn for further insights into building scalable, enduring businesses.