UAE and Saudi Arabia lead MENA’s gaming economy

The Middle East is fast emerging as a global gaming hotspot, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia driving growth. Once considered secondary markets, both nations are now positioning the MENA region as a central player in a sector worth billions, supported by ambitious government strategies.

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

Gaming powerhouse

UAE has become a focal point with its Gaming 2033 initiative, which simplifies visas, business licences, and access to funding. The country has attracted more than 350 gaming companies, including international giants like Riot and Ubisoft, while drawing talent from the UK and beyond. Saudi Arabia, through Vision 2030, is taking a complementary but distinct approach, investing heavily in local studios and acquiring stakes in global firms such as Savvy Games and Electronic Arts, aiming to build a strong domestic gaming ecosystem.

The MENA gaming market has surged from $3 billion to $8 billion annually, powered by a young, tech-savvy population with disposable income and high digital adoption. The Gulf is rapidly becoming a gaming powerhouse, with both Dubai and Riyadh contributing in their own ways. For Hewish, this is more than market expansion — it’s a strategic push to diversify economies and cement the MENA region as a major force in the global gaming industry.