20 DEC, 2023
Sweta Gupta
Qiddiya is gearing up to be a global hub for gaming and esports. Picture futuristic hotels, themed real estate, and amazing retail spaces covering a vast 500,000 sq m area.
Photo: Populous
The gaming district, set to attract 10 million visitors annually, will feature four sections, including a main stadium with a 73,000-seat capacity.
Photo: Populous
The world's biggest indoor LED screen will be part of an esports arena. Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, aims to host major gaming events.
Photo: Twitter/@QiddiyaGaming
With plans to host 25 esports clubs globally and serve as regional headquarters for 30+ leading video game developers, Qiddiya aligns with Saudi Arabia's National Strategy for Gaming and Esports.
Photo: Twitter/@QiddiyaGaming
Qiddiya, introduced by the Saudi Crown Prince a few weeks ago, is currently under development on the outskirts of Riyadh.
Photo: Twitter/@QiddiyaGaming
Esports tournaments, once niche, now rival traditional sports, boasting multi-million dollar prizes and millions of viewers, contributing significantly to industry growth since 2010.
Photo: Twitter/@esports
The first season of the Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series, held in India in 2022, emerged as a prominent eSports gaming event, featuring a prize pool exceeding $260 million.
Photo: Twitter/@Kullthegreat