The Next World Forum, an esports and gaming summit in Riyadh, will be inaugurated with a unique panel session called "Saudi Spotlight: What Now, What Next?". Who is participating, and what is the Spotlight about? We have all the info.
Right, first things first, if you don't know what the Next World Forum is then go away and read this article first. Long story short, it's a conference taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and it's the concluding event of a gaming festival being held in the same location, Gamers8. Various gaming federations and government bodies from around the world will be in attendance, and they'll be discussing the future of esports. New details have just been released for the opening panel of the Forum.
Saudi Spotligth: What Now, What Next?
The Saudi Spotlight will start off the Next World Forum at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh At Kingdom Center on Wednesday, September 7. The panel will highlight the Kingdom's extensive gaming and esports aspirations and consists of:
- HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sports
- HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman, Saudi Esports Federation
- HE Dr. Mohammed Altamimi, Governor of the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC)
- Eng. Nadhmi Al Nasr, CEO, NEOM
- HE Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director, Qiddiya
- Brian Ward, Group CEO, SAVVY Gaming Group
The purpose of the "Saudi Spotlight: What Now, What Next?" panel session is to discuss the future of gaming and esports as part of the Saudi Arabian economy. The panel at the Forum will discuss the Kingdom’s role as an emerging global player in the booming gaming and esports economy. While the gaming and esports sector is currently dominated by the United States, China, South Korea and Japan, gaming consumption in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach $6.8 billion by 2030.
Specific discussion points to be raised by the ‘Saudi Spotlight’ panel at the Next World Forum include:
- The role of the Ministry of Sport, Saudi Esports Federation, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Qiddiya, NEOM, and SAVVY Gaming Group in gaming and esports
- The collaboration between multiple ministries in this area, including integration into the various aspects of Vision 2030 and two key Giga projects
- The impact of developing a sports culture and business economy, with reference to the professionalization of esports
- The integration of gaming and esports into the digital economy strategy
- The development of infrastructure, a gaming and esports hub, and incentives for international ecosystem players to be based in Saudi Arabia
- The value chain from tech development and hardware, creative production, esports and changing consumption habits factored into future approach
- The underlying funding, governance, regulator and implementation framework
- The emerging trend-driven opportunities such as streaming, distribution, and sports professionalization that will be discussed throughout the two days of the Next World Forum
The Next World Forum will take place on Wednesday, September 7 and Thursday, September 8 at The Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh At Kingdom Center. It will bring together more than 1000 delegates from across the globe to discuss the most important issues in esports and gaming. The Forum is organized by the Saudi Esports Federation, who also is responsible for the Gamers8 festival. If you are interested, you can find more information on the official website of the Next World Forum.
What Is The SEF?
The Saudi Esports Federation is the regulating body in charge of nurturing elite gaming athletes and developing the gaming community and industry in Saudi Arabia.
The federation’s activities are categorized into two complementary streams. The first stream works to develop all levels of competitive gamers, starting with the grassroots community level and moving up to professional esports athletes that can achieve global excellence. The second stream works to develop the entire gaming/esports value chain by catalyzing the industry and enabling talent.
Since its establishment in late 2017, the federation has organized multiple world-class national and international tournaments and events, attracted investment from local private sector actors and worked with international developers on opportunities in the Saudi market.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, was your rundown on the opening panel of the Next World Forum "Saudi Spotlight: What Now, What Next?".
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