RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation will host the Next World Forum entitled: “The Future of Saudi Arabia,” with more than a thousand prominent figures in the international sports and electronic games sector participating in the event.
The event, which will be held on Sept. 7 -8 at the Al-Fawz Season Hotel in Riyadh, will also be attended by ministers, leaders, major investors, game developers and publishers, sports federations and leagues, technical service providers, players, startups, and representatives the public sector and brands.
The opening session of the forum will witness the participation of many government agencies and senior Saudi officials, as well as representatives from the wider electronic games sector, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“The future of the electronic games sector in the Kingdom will be discussed as one of the vital and promising economic sectors that works to develop talents, promote economic opportunities and integration between various sectors, review the latest ideas, investments and talent development, and highlight the Kingdom’s efforts as a leading country in the sector,” SPA said.
Saudi Arabia to host global esport forum in Riyadh in September
https://arab.news/g9bsy
Saudi Arabia to host global esport forum in Riyadh in September
Esports World Cup 2025 will be ‘best ever', says foundation chief
- Faisal bin Horman, Chief Product Officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, spoke to Arab News at the Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh
RIYADH: The Esports World Cup 2025 is set to be the "best esports tournament ever", said Faisal bin Horman, Chief Product Officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, during an interview with Arab News at the Sports Investment Forum.
The Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh, taking place from April 7-9, is providing a platform for industry leaders to explore entrepreneurial opportunities, said Homran.
“Sports is a big industry, and we have newcomers every year, and one of them is esports” he said. "Forums like this introduce the private sector for the future investors, for the future stakeholders, to be a part of this. It gives more information and kjore crdibility for [sports industries]”
Homran who oversees the major development of esports in the Kingdom, predicts that by 2034, the Kingdom will have the top two events for sports: football's FIFA World Cup and the Esports World Cup.
Speaking on theEsports world Cup 2025, he commented: "This year will see the best esports tournament ever, for anyone who loves gaming or esports. Online or physical [audiences], they will have the best time of their life.”
During LEAP, the Kingdom announced being the host of the first-ever Esports Olympic Games in 2027, a landmark achievement in the country’s ambitious quest to become a global leader in gaming and esports.
Homran says everyone will watch the game and be proud of Saudi Arabia's evergrowing achievements.
Similarly to Japan and China, two nations known for their video gaming culture, Saudi Arabia has looked to showcase its heritage and culture through esports.
“It is a good opportunity for us (Saudi Arabia) to connect community culture with Esports.”
As part of its Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is accelerating efforts to diversify its economy, with the industrial and manufacturing sectors playing a key role in reducing the country’s reliance on oil.
Programs like the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program are central to the Kingdom’s strategy, aiming to establish Saudi Arabia as a leading regional hub for advanced manufacturing, with a focus on petrochemicals, mining, and renewable energy.
The inaugural edition of the three-day Sports Investment Forum sees local and international leaders, officials, investors, and entrepreneurs exploring opportunities in the Kingdom’s evolving sports landscape.
The forum aims to expand the scope of sports investment in Saudi Arabia by fostering effective partnerships, attracting capital, and launching initiatives to drive growth across the sector.
Arya ton powers Punjab to IPL win over Chennai
- Spotted by Punjab after hitting six sixes in an over in Delhi Premier League T20 match last year, 24-year-old bought by franchise for $440,000 in November auction
CHANDIGARH: Up and coming Indian batter Priyansh Arya struck his first century in the IPL to lead Punjab Kings to an 18-run win over Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday.
Arya, a left-hand batter known for his six-hitting in domestic cricket, smashed 103 off 42 balls to steer Punjab to 219-6 at Mullanpur, near Chandigarh, where Chennai managed 201-5.
Spotted by Punjab after hitting six sixes in an over in a Delhi Premier League T20 match last year, the 24-year-old Arya was bought by the franchise for $440,000 in the November auction.
The big-hitter did not disappoint as he smashed the second ton of this season in his fourth match in the T20 tournament. He raced to his hundred in 39 balls as he pummelled the opposition attack with seven fours and nine sixes.
The ton was the fastest against five-time champions Chennai and the joint fourth-fastest ever in the IPL. Chris Gayle holds the record with a century in 30 balls.
Opener Arya found little support at the start as Punjab slipped to 83-5. After Shashank Singh joined the rising star and the two put together 71 runs in 34 balls.
Arya finally fell to Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad, but Shashank, with his 52, and South African Marco Jansen, who smashed 34, finished with a flourish in an unbeaten stand of 65.
Chennai attempted to make a fist of the chase as New Zealand left-handers Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway put on 61 runs for the opening wicket.
Australia spinner Glenn Maxwell got Ravindra stumped on 36. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad fell for one off fast bowler Lockie Ferguson.
Conway powered on with impact substitute Shivam Dube as the two put on 89 runs but Ferguson broke through to get the left-handed Dube bowled for 42.
Veteran M.S. Dhoni walked out to loud cheers but even though Conway retired out, Chennai’s batters failed to keep up to the ever-increasing run-rate.
Dhoni, 43, raised faint hopes of getting the target in his 12-ball 27 but departed at the start of the last over and Chennai went down to their fourth loss in five matches.
Al-Taawoun looking for positive result in first leg of ACL 2 semi against Sharjah in Buraidah
- In the Round of 16, Al-Taawoun eliminated Qatar’s Al-Wakrah after two 2–2 draws in the home-and-away legs, advancing with a 4–3 penalty shootout win
- In the quarterfinals, Al-Taawoun overcame Iran’s Tractor Sazi Tabriz following a 0–0 draw in Iran and a 2–2 draw in Buraidah, winning the shootout 4–2
RIYADH: Saudi’s Al-Taawoun host the UAE’s Sharjah in Buraidah, this evening at 9pm, in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Two semifinal.
The home team is aiming for a positive result before the return leg in Sharjah next Tuesday.
Led by coach Mohammed Al-Abdali, the team is counting on the strong run it has enjoyed in the tournament, having topped Group B, which included Bahrain’s Khalidiya, Iraq’s Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, and Tajikistan’s Abtyn Asir.
In the Round of 16, Al-Taawoun eliminated Qatar’s Al-Wakrah after two 2–2 draws in the home-and-away legs, advancing with a 4–3 penalty shootout win. In the quarterfinals, they overcame Iran’s Tractor Sazi Tabriz following a 0–0 draw in Iran and a 2–2 draw in Buraidah, winning the shootout 4–2.
As for Sharjah, they topped Group C, which featured Jordan’s Al-Wehdat, Iran’s Sepahan Isfahan, and Tajikistan’s Istiklol Dushanbe. In the Round of 16, they won the first leg 1–0 against Jordan’s Al-Hussein Irbid, lost the second leg by the same score, and advanced with a 3–0 shootout win. In the quarterfinals, they drew both legs 1–1 with Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai and advanced 5–4 on penalties.
Romanian coach Cosmin Olaroiu is hoping to secure a favorable result ahead of the return leg in the UAE.
Sharjah currently sit second in the UAE Pro League with 41 points, eight behind leaders Shabab Al-Ahli. They have qualified for the UAE President’s Cup final — where they will face Shabab Al-Ahli — but were eliminated from the Abu Dhabi Bank Cup after a semifinal loss. Al-Taawoun currently lie seventh place in the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) with 37 points.
Manchester United to play May friendlies in Malaysia, Hong Kong
- Ruben Amorim’s side will face an ASEAN All-Star XI team in Kuala Lumpur on May 28
- Man U finish another disappointing Premier League campaign on May 25 at home to Aston Villa
HONG KONG: Manchester United will play friendly matches in Malaysia and Hong Kong three days after the end of the Premier League season, the club said Tuesday.
Ruben Amorim’s side will face an ASEAN All-Star XI team in Kuala Lumpur on May 28 and the Hong Kong representatives on May 30.
They will finish what has been another disappointing Premier League campaign on May 25 at home to Aston Villa.
United last visited Asia when they played Liverpool in Thailand in July 2022.
They will take part in the Premier League Summer Series in the United States ahead of the 2025-2026 season.
Chief executive Omar Berrada said: “Importantly, tour fixtures drive significant additional revenue which help make the club stronger, allowing us to keep investing in success on the pitch.”
Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool previously announced they will visit Hong Kong in July.
United, who currently languish 13th in the Premier League, last visited the Chinese city in 2013.
The Hong Kong team is managed by former United youth team player Ashley Westwood and is ranked 153rd in the world.
Al-Taawoun eye continental glory in AFC Champions League Two
- Wolves Park in Buraidah will host the first leg of the semifinal between the Saudi club and the UAE’s Sharjah on Tuesday
AUSTRALIA: Wolves Park may not have the grandeur of other stadiums in Saudi Arabia, but it lacks nothing when it comes to drama — especially in Al-Taawoun’s run to the AFC Champions League Two semi-finals.
The 6,000-capacity stadium on the northern edges of Buraidah will on Tuesday host arguably the biggest game in the team’s history, 2019 King’s Cup final aside.
This is just the fourth time they have featured in Asian competition. While the ACL Two may be second tier, behind the AFC Champions League Elite, the new continental format means it is far more prestigious than its former incarnation, the AFC Cup.
After topping their group with five wins from six, Al-Taawoun faced Qatar’s Al-Wakrah in the Round of 16. After 2-2 draws across both legs, penalties decided the outcome — with Al-Taawoun advancing 4-3 after a thrilling climax in front of a raucous home crowd.
The drama of that night was not only matched but surpassed when they faced Iranian side Tractor in the quarterfinal. After a scoreless game in Iran, Al-Taawoun were confident of victory in front of a capacity crowd at Wolves Park.
A see-sawing battle ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with both sides scoring again in extra time. Once more, penalties would test the nerves of the Al-Taawoun faithful who packed the stands.
Reserve goalkeeper Abdulquddus Atiah, deputizing for the injured Mailson, pulled off a huge save to deny Sajjad Ashouri and help his club through to a continental semifinal.
It was a moment that reduced interim coach Mohammed Al-Abdali to tears, pictured sitting in the center circle long after the final whistle had blown, as he took in the enormity of the moment. The rest of the ground was filled with wild celebrations.
“I thank the Al-Taawoun fans and promise them that we won’t stop at this stage, we will continue until the end,” 51-year-old Al-Abdali said afterwards.
Following that entree, admission to the 6,000-capacity stadium will be the hottest ticket in town on Tuesday.
Another full house is expected as the boutique venue hosts the first leg of the semi-final against UAE powerhouse Sharjah FC, with fans eyeing another slice of history.
If Al-Taawoun win the semifinal, a trip to either Singapore or Australia awaits. The ACL Two’s rotation policy means this year’s final will be hosted by the winner of the East Zone — either Singapore’s Lion City Sailors or Australia’s Sydney FC.
For a club the size of Al-Taawoun, the chance of a continental final rarely comes around. This might be their only opportunity for some time.
The new structure means the top three finishers in the Saudi Pro League qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite, while the King’s Cup winners qualify for the AFC Champions League Two.
This season, the league’s “Big Five” fill all those spots — the four PIF-owned clubs plus Al-Qadsiah — and with their financial power increasing, it’s hard to see a future in which any other club can break in.
And with clubs like NEOM SC — coached by Pericles Chamusca, who guided Al-Taawoun to fourth last season — set to join the SPL next year, with all the financial backing they bring, expect it to be even tougher for the smaller clubs, which operate on far smaller budgets, to qualify for Asian competition as they did last season.
That’s what makes Al-Taawoun’s clash with Sharjah over the next two weeks so momentous. Never say never in sport, but this could be their make-or-break chance. After the high of their fourth-placed finish last season, they have come back to the pack this year and currently sit in seventh, nine points behind sixth-placed Al-Shabab.
Given the rising quality of the SPL, seventh for a club its size is nothing to be ashamed of, but it does highlight how difficult it will be to match last season’s heroics and return to this position in the future.
However, after a 2-0 win over Al-Kholood last Friday, Al-Taawoun carry with them confidence and momentum.
With the finals of the ACL Elite in Saudi Arabia in just over two weeks, it would be easy for this match to fall under the radar as attention focuses on the country’s biggest clubs, stadiums and fan bases.
But not in Buraidah. Not among the Al-Taawoun faithful. They’ll be at Wolves Park on Tuesday hoping to add another successful chapter to the club’s rich history.
