Image Via Center of Digital Entrepreneurship (CODE) Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has launched the third edition of Saudi Game Champions, a six-month programme designed to support local talent in game development. The programme is being run through the ministry’s Center of Digital Entrepreneurship (CODE) in partnership with the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), and will take place in Riyadh. The six-month programme will com

The Indie game development ecosystem is thriving in the MENA region and here are some of the names to watch out for.

Niko Partners' Danial Ahmad explains where MENA gaming goes next, from esports and localization to regulation, talent and sustainable growth.

Image via NAFES Jordanian gaming and esports companies are set to gain access to technical support and potential funding under a new programme targeting the country’s creative industries. The National Fund for Enterprise Support (NAFES) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) to establish a joint support pathway for Jordanian small and medium-sized enterprises. Around 20 SMEs will be selected across three areas: gami

Image via Entertainment & Leisure MENA DMCC Gaming Centre has joined Entertainment & Leisure MENA 2027 as its official Gaming Ecosystem Partner, as the Dubai exhibition expands its focus on gaming and esports. The partnership will see DMCC Gaming Centre contribute to the event’s gaming and esports programme, including industry content and networking aimed at connecting gaming companies with operators, technology providers, investors and brands. E&L MENA 2027 will take place a

Image via Qatar Museums Qatar Museums has unveiled a new immersive racing game developed with Google Cloud that will allow players to explore the country's museums, heritage sites and public art. Called Qatar Museums Grand Rally, the game was previewed during the Google Cloud Summit Doha this week and is currently in development ahead of a wider launch. The project combines virtual racing with cultural experiences inspired by locations across Qatar, using gaming as a way for

Image via Exel by Merak Saudi gaming accelerator Exel by Merak and Saudi Gamer have signed a partnership aimed at supporting a more connected gaming ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. The agreement was announced by both organisations on LinkedIn, with Saudi Gamer describing it as an MOU signing and a “Diamond Partnership”. The partnership will bring together Exel by Merak’s work with gaming founders and Saudi Gamer’s reach across the Kingdom’s gaming community. Exel by Merak operates

NIP Group CEO Hicham Chahine explains why Abu Dhabi is central to the company's plans to build gaming talent and a wider regional ecosystem.

Image via LunaTone Japanese gaming and esports company LunaTone has launched a new Middle East operation in Riyadh, expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC. The Tokyo-based company said LunaTone ME will act as its regional base, connecting partners in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf with its gaming, esports, education and digital content capabilities and networks in Japan and South Korea. The Riyadh operation will be led by Metab Altawill, LunaTone’s Regional Direc

Image via Savvy Games Group Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Gosu Academy and Warpzone AI Labs, with the agreements focused on talent development, training and AI in gaming. The agreements were signed at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh and form part of Savvy’s efforts to develop Saudi talent and strengthen gaming capabilities in the Kingdom. Under its agreement with Gosu Academy, Savvy will explore opportunities across games and esp

Image via DMCC Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is set to host Gaming & AI Tech Talks: South Korea Edition on September 9 as part of its Made For Trade Live series, with the online webinar aimed at South Korean gaming, AI and technology companies considering expansion into Dubai and international markets. The event will run from 11am to 12pm Gulf Standard Time, or 4pm to 5pm in South Korea, and is being held in partnership with NEXUS HUB FZCO and AGCC. Topics will includ

Image via Getty / Savvy Games Group Brian Ward is reportedly stepping down as CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group after leading the company since its formation. Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that Ward is leaving the top role at the Public Investment Fund-owned games and esports company. Savvy has yet to publicly announce the departure or name a successor. Ward joined Savvy as its founding CEO and has overseen its expansion into one of the biggest companies in the global g

Image via Gamescom Morocco has made its official Gamescom debut with 11 homegrown game studios, as the North African country looks to increase the international reach of its emerging gaming industry. The country is exhibiting at Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany, through its national pavilion, bringing Moroccan developers face-to-face with international publishers, investors and potential partners. It marks Morocco's first official participation in Gamescom and comes as the c

Image via LEAP Leading figures from the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) and Hero Esports will come together at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh for a Main Stage discussion on the growing scale and commercial influence of competitive gaming. The “Esports: The Business of Play” panel will bring together HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, chairman of SEF; Rawan Al Butairi, CEO of SEF; Niccolò Maisto, CEO of EFG; and Danny Tang, CEO of Hero Esports. HRH Pr

DMCC Gaming Centre Grows 30% as DMCC and Serbian Games Association Sign Strategic Partnership at Gamescom 2026 to Expand Europe-Middle East Gaming Corridor.

Image via MBC Game Studio Saudi Arabia's growing ambitions in the global gaming industry have taken another major step forward with the reveal of 1001 Threads of Mizan, a large-scale action-adventure from MBC Game Studio that brings Arab folklore and storytelling into the AAA gaming space. Backed by MBC Group, the Saudi media and entertainment company headquartered in Riyadh, MBC Game Studio is developing the title as its first original game. The project represents a notable

Exel by Merak has announced three intensive, in-person classes aimed at developing practical skills for Saudi Arabia’s growing video games industry. The Gaming Premium Class programme will take place at KAFD in Riyadh from October 25 to November 12, 2026. Each course will run for five evenings, Sunday through Thursday, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The programme comprises three tracks: Video Game Studio Leadership - October 25-29: Covering leadership, communication, team building an

The Middle East and North Africa gaming industry continues to expand, with a growing calendar of esports tournaments, gaming conventions, developer events, workshops and industry conferences taking place across the region. From major international esports competitions to developer-focused events in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, to community gaming tournaments in Kuwait, Qatar and Oman, there are plenty of dates for players, developers, publishers, brands and gaming profess

DMCC Gaming Centre will represent Dubai at Gamescom 2026 as the emirate steps up efforts to attract international developers, publishers and gaming technology companies. The centre will take part in the Dubai Pavilion at Koelnmesse in Cologne from August 26 to 30. Visitors can meet the team at Hall 04.1, Stand A011g to B010g between 9am and 5pm. DMCC plans to use the event to promote Dubai as a base for gaming companies looking to enter the Middle East, Africa and other inter

Virtuocity Battleground Qatar 2026 is now underway, with seven esports titles competing for a share of $200,000 through September 17. The tournament combines online competition with live action at Virtuocity Arena in Doha Festival City. Its lineup features Fortnite, PUBG Mobile, Valorant, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, EA Sports FC 26, Tekken 8 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Fortnite, PUBG Mobile, Valorant and Mobile Legends players can compete in online and LAN qualifiers. EA S