Saudi Arabia's $500 million esports project: will it change the rules of the game in the Middle East?

What is the significance of Saudi Arabia's recent $500 million esports project in the Middle East? The country's largest private investment company has announced that Riyadh will be home to a $500 million esports city. Currently, former Saudis are turning to foreign betting sites to place bets on esports tournaments around the world. However, given that Saudi Arabia is ready to become the world center of esports, how long can a country prohibit its citizens from betting on esports?

Saudi Arabia's $500 million Esports Project
The $500 million esports city is a bold idea aimed at positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading venue for major events and tournaments. It is planned that the project will be completed in 2024, after which it can be selected for the annual World Cyber Games. The city will be large enough to accommodate 20,000 people and will be built to host a number of games. According to several stakeholders, an esports metropolis would attract a large number of esports players and teams from all over the world. According to Mohammed Alqahtani, CEO of Saudi Arabia Holding Co., it would be a city within a city. He believes that this will be a great opportunity for the talented youth of Saudi Arabia to reach their potential and achieve international recognition.

Potential implications for the Middle East region
The esports city is expected to offer employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia and throughout the Middle East. Many people will be hired by the city, and other related businesses will probably appear, creating even more jobs for Middle Easterners. It is assumed that the project will also benefit the country's economy through entertainment, events and tourism.  Saudi Arabia expects to earn a lot of income from esports by organizing many top-level events. Saudi Arabia will also act as a tourist landmark for the Middle East. The esports city will complement other regional projects providing world-class entertainment, such as the upcoming Ras Al Khaimah resort in the United Arab Emirates. Other countries in the region may eventually implement similar projects, which will further strengthen the economy of the Middle East.

The Importance of esports in Saudi Arabia today
Saudi Arabia has fully embraced esports and has quickly established itself as a global esports hub. Until recently, the Kingdom was largely dependent on the export of oil and petroleum products. However, Saudi Arabia is trying to reduce its dependence on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This goal is part of the country's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the kingdom's economy.

Gaming and esports business is crucial for the economic goals of the current regime. This is one of the key industries in which the government intends to help it achieve its diversification goals. As a result, the Government is investing heavily in expanding the sector. Fortunately, as more and more people have become interested in esports and mobile games, this trend has intensified.

The impact of the esports industry on the international reputation of Saudi Arabia
The esports industry is one of the key channels through which the Saudi government can improve its international reputation. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have been criticized for a number of actions, including the adoption of legislation to combat homosexuality. Esports, on the other hand, can help to get rid of such negative perceptions and present a positive image of the monarchy to other countries around the world.

Critics view the increase in esports funding as a brainwashing strategy. According to Amnesty International, such actions are used by some regimes to divert attention from human rights issues. Saudi Arabia has been accused of numerous human rights violations, including its involvement in the devastating conflict in Yemen. Investing in sports can help distract from such contradictions.

The prospect of expanding access to esports betting in Saudi Arabia
The current situation, when Saudi emigrants resort to offshore betting sites for betting on esports, draws attention to potential problems and legal consequences associated with betting on esports in Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, according to experts of the Arab betting and gambling industry, the recent investment of billions of dollars in Saudi Arabia's esports project does not mean a change in the country's position regarding the regulation of esports betting. Saudi Arabia adheres to a comprehensive anti-gambling policy that covers all forms of sports betting, including esports. The participation of private investors in projects like the $500 million initiative in Riyadh will not have an impact on this policy. However, there are various implications regarding esports betting in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The presence of foreigners and expatriates participating in betting on tournaments held in Saudi Arabia, including Saudi Arabian esports teams, may pose a potential problem for the government. However, this is not yet considered a turning point in the game – at least not at this stage.

To summarize
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily to capitalize on the growing esports and gaming sector. Investing in the current $500 million eSports city project is one of several investments that are expected to pay off within a decade. Although this will not change the rules of the game in the Middle East, it will undoubtedly have an impact on the economy of Saudi Arabia and will serve to improve the country's image.