The global gaming landscape is witnessing a seismic shift toward the middle east, with saudi arabia at the forefront of this transformation. from june 20 to 30, 2026, the global games show will descend upon riyadh, marking a pivotal moment for the kingdom’s vision 2030 initiative. organized by vap group and powered by times of games, this event is set to consolidate saudi arabia’s status as a premier international destination for esports, game development, and digital entertainment.
A convergence of industry titans
The magnitude of the global games show is reflected in its ambitious scale. with over 10,000 attendees expected, 100 exhibitors, and 200 global media representatives, the event serves as a comprehensive 360-degree view of the gaming value chain. from indie developers and aaa publishers to professional esports franchises and high-level policymakers, every facet of the industry will be represented. the core of the event lies in its speaker lineup—a collection of regional and global pioneers. these leaders are not merely discussing trends; they are architecting the infrastructure of the next generation of play.
Strategic leadership and investment
A key highlight of the sessions will be the involvement of government and institutional leaders. majed aleid, ciro and director at the ministry of investment (misa), is slated to provide critical insights into national gaming investment strategies. as saudi arabia looks to diversify its economy away from oil, the gaming sector represents a multi-billion dollar opportunity. aleid’s participation underscores the state’s commitment to building a sustainable ecosystem that attracts international capital and fosters local talent. complementing this institutional perspective is elie honain, ceo of nes. honain will address the evolution of esports infrastructure, focusing on world-class venues and robust regulatory frameworks.
Innovation in development and web3
The technical frontier of gaming is shifting toward decentralized technologies and ai-driven creation. the global games show will dive deep into web3 game development, exploring how blockchain can redefine digital ownership and player economies. johnson yeh, founder and ceo of ambrus studio, will bring his expertise to the stage to discuss the transition of tournaments from grassroots movements to international leagues. his vision for global competition aligns with the growing demand for structured, professionalized esports circuits that can rival traditional sports in viewership and revenue.
The power of community and content creation
In the modern era, gaming is as much about the observers as it is about the players. the rise of the creator economy has fundamentally changed how games are marketed and consumed. xzit thamer, a prominent gaming content creator and playstation playmaker, will share insights on platform-driven engagement. representing the bridge between brands like sony interactive entertainment and the massive tiktok audience, thamer’s perspective is vital for understanding how to build authentic, creator-led communities. furthermore, malak alqhtani, ceo and founder of valar club, will focus on innovation within gaming communities and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the human element of next-generation player experiences.
saudi arabia’s vision 2030: beyond the screen
The global games show is more than a trade fair; it is a manifestation of vision 2030. this national roadmap aims to transform saudi arabia into a global hub for technology and tourism. by hosting events of this caliber, the kingdom is signaling its readiness to lead in the entertainment era. the exhibition will showcase immersive technologies, including augmented reality (ar) and virtual reality (vr), which are set to redefine interactive entertainment. as the vap group emphasizes, their 13 years of experience in ai and blockchain allow them to facilitate connections that go beyond simple networking, driving real technology-led growth.
Conclusion: the future of interactive entertainment
As the industry prepares for the riyadh gathering this june, the focus remains on connectivity and discovery. the global games show represents a pivotal opportunity for investors to identify the next big trend, for developers to find their next partners, and for the middle east to solidify its role as the new heart of the gaming world. with a forward-focused agenda encompassing everything from ai game creation to immersive player journeys, riyadh is ready to play.
