The Global Games Show Riyadh will gather developers, esports professionals, investors and gaming creators to discuss the future of the industry. (Image: Provided)Riyadh is preparing to host one of the region’s most significant gaming and esports gatherings, with the Global Games Show Riyadh unveiling a lineup of speakers that includes industry executives, government representatives, esports innovators, and gaming content creators.
The event will bring together experts from across the gaming ecosystem to discuss the evolving future of esports, game development, content creation, and digital entertainment. Through keynote presentations, fireside chats, and panel discussions, speakers will explore emerging trends shaping the global gaming industry while highlighting Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing gaming sector in alignment with the country’s Vision 2030 initiative.
Organized by VAP Group and powered by Times of Games, the Global Games Show Riyadh is designed as an international platform connecting the entire gaming value chain. The event aims to unite stakeholders across the industry, including developers, publishers, esports professionals, game creators, investors, and policymakers, offering a space for collaboration and innovation.
The conference is expected to attract more than 10,000 attendees from around the world. Over 100 exhibitors and sponsors are set to showcase new gaming technologies, platforms and interactive experiences, while more than 200 global and regional media representatives are also anticipated to attend. The scale of participation positions the event as one of the most prominent gaming industry gatherings in the region and reflects the growing momentum of the gaming sector across the Middle East.
The speaker lineup spans multiple sectors of the gaming industry, including government investment bodies, esports organizations, gaming studios, and the creator economy. Organizers say the diverse group of speakers will provide insights into the future of gaming innovation, audience engagement, and industry development both within the Middle East and internationally.
Global Games Show Riyadh is set to highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the gaming and esports industry. (Image: Provided)Among the featured speakers is Elie Honain, Chief Executive Officer of NES, who is expected to discuss the evolution of esports infrastructure and the growth of competitive gaming ecosystems. Majed Aleid, CIRO and Director at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment (MISA), will share perspectives on national gaming investment strategies and how governments can support the development of gaming ecosystems.
Johnson Yeh, founder and CEO of Ambrus Studio, is set to explore the future of global esports tournaments, including how competitions are evolving from grassroots communities into international leagues. Malak AlQhtani, CEO and Founder of Valar Club, will highlight the role of innovation in gaming communities and discuss how entrepreneurship is shaping next-generation player experiences.
The lineup also includes Xzit Thamer, a gaming content creator and PlayStation Playmaker associated with TikTok and Sony Interactive Entertainment. Thamer is expected to provide insights into the growing influence of creator-led gaming communities and how social platforms are transforming engagement between gamers, audiences, and brands.
Together, the speakers will address key developments across esports, gaming culture, and immersive gaming technologies. Discussions will also examine how Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry is expanding alongside the country’s broader economic diversification strategy under Vision 2030.
With its international speaker roster and forward-looking agenda, the Global Games Show Riyadh is positioned as a platform for industry leaders to explore opportunities, partnerships, and the future trajectory of gaming and esports within the region.
The event will take place on June 29 and 30 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Attendees from across the gaming ecosystem are expected to participate, including developers, esports professionals, investors, technology companies, and media organizations.
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