Saudi Arabia’s gaming transformation is opening new opportunities for talent, investment and international collaboration, while creating stronger links between the Kingdom and Singapore through technology, creativity and shared ambitions.
Singaporean Wayne, who asked to be identified by his first name only, shares his personal perspective on Saudi Arabia’s gaming sector, Vision 2030 and opportunities for Singapore– Saudi collaboration.
For Wayne, Saudi Arabia’s transformation is more than a national programme; it is something he has experienced at close quarters. Having worked with Saudi public-sector organisations during an earlier phase of his career, he was struck by the Kingdom’s energy and the pace of change under Vision 2030.
That momentum, combined with his longstanding interest in video games, inspired him to pursue a career in Saudi Arabia. Today, he continues to follow the Kingdom’s gaming sector with interest, particularly its potential to create new opportunities for talent, businesses and international collaboration.
“I believe Saudi Arabia represents one of the most exciting long-term growth stories in the global gaming industry.”
Wayne views the National Gaming and Esports Strategy (NGES) as central to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification. Through 86 initiatives led by more than 20 public and private entities, the strategy aims to develop the full gaming and esports value chain and contribute SAR 50 billion to GDP by 2030. In his view, its two essential pillars are intellectual property and talent: attracting international expertise and globally recognised IP while developing Saudi capabilities from within.
Saudi Arabia’s growing global investment footprint reinforces this ambition. The acquisition of Electronic Arts by a consortium comprising the Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, announced in September 2025 and completed in August 2026, reflects the scale of the Kingdom’s engagement with the international gaming industry. For Wayne, such developments demonstrate the growing importance of Saudi Arabia as a market to watch.
He believes Singapore and Saudi Arabia possess complementary strengths. Singapore offers a trusted technology base, international connectivity and an environment in which businesses can scale. Saudi Arabia offers access to a rapidly developing region, a young and digitally connected population, and opportunities arising from major projects.
“For Singapore companies, there is real potential for long-term partnerships in gaming and esports,” he says. Wayne’s interest in the sector is also shaped by his experience of living in Saudi Arabia. Growing up in multicultural Singapore helped him adapt to life in the Kingdom, where he has found people welcoming and curious about other cultures. He recalls striking up a conversation with a Saudi woman on the Riyadh Metro who spoke warmly about her interest in learning about the wider world.
Working abroad has broadened his perspective and encouraged him to move beyond his comfort zone. By building new networks, learning continuously and working with different teams, he is growing his career while gaining a deeper understanding of Saudi Arabia’s transformation, and the human connections between two outward-looking nations.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are personal and do not represent Wayne at Six Flags Qiddiya City. Photo Credit: Wayne. those of his employer.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter
