Saudi Arabia’s crown prince launches $37.7bn Savvy Games Group strategy

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Updated 19 October 2022
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Saudi Arabia’s crown prince launches $37.7bn Savvy Games Group strategy

  • It will also establish 250 games companies in the Kingdom, which will create 39,000 jobs
  • It will also raise the sector’s GDP contribution to SR50 billion by 2030

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday unveiled the Savvy Games Group’s strategy, which is set to invest SR142 billion ($37.7 billion) across four programs, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“Savvy Games Group is one part of our ambitious strategy aiming to make Saudi Arabia the ultimate global hub for the games and esports sector by 2030,” the crown prince said.
“We are harnessing the untapped potential across the esports and games sector to diversify our economy, drive innovation in the sector and further scale the entertainment and esports competition offerings across the Kingdom,” he added.
Fully owned by the Public Investment Fund, Savvy’s strategy is to drive growth by investing in the videogames industry and esports with a unique long-term investment horizon and long-dated capital, creating more opportunities for participation and strengthening partnerships in the games industry, as well as improving the user experience.
The launch of the Savvy Games Group’s strategy will enable and support the recently announced national gaming and esports strategy, as Savvy will invest in several local and international programs and infrastructure in order to provide training, education and entrepreneurship opportunities.
It is also expected to attract international companies to Saudi Arabia through investments and partnerships that will contribute to providing skills, knowledge transfer and building capabilities in the whole ecosystem.
It will also establish 250 games companies in the Kingdom, which will create 39,000 jobs, and raise the sector’s GDP contribution to SR50 billion by 2030.
Savvy’s investments will be based around four key pillars, including enhancing returns, local impact, leaving a global footprint and expanding, leading to international games investing, generating sustainable returns and enabling creators across the entire value chain.
Savvy will accelerate talent in the Kingdom and catalyze Saudi Arabia’s unique geographical location to build the dominant global hub for games and esports.
As a part of the group’s investment strategy, it is set to invest SR142 billion across four programs each with specific objectives. Some SR50 billion has been earmarked for the acquisition and development of a leading game publisher to become a strategic development partner. Another SR70 billion will see Savvy make a series of minority stake investments in key companies that support its game development agenda, SR2 billion in diversified investments in industry disruptors to grow early-stage games and esports companies, and SR20 billion invested into mature industry partners who add value and expertise to Savvy’s portfolio.
This strategy will be delivered by Savvy’s five independent subsidiaries specifically devoted to different sectors and ecosystem development.
These five companies comprise Savvy’s esports arm, EFG, which was created following Savvy’s earlier acquisition of ESL and FACEIT groups. Together, EFG already comprises a significant part of the world’s competitive gaming ecosystem, and it combines ESL’s strength in building, broadcasting, and commercializing premium content with FACEIT’s capabilities as a best-in-class online platform.
Nine66 is building an ecosystem for game developers and studios to thrive through providing a suitable infrastructure, offering talent and participation opportunities, and providing financing and consultancy support. The company is also offering publishing services in the Middle East markets, which allows international developers to enter regional markets.
VOV company, specialized in building gaming and competition venues, aims to develop skills and provide a healthy environment for players by building a series of quality venues that consider the health and care of all players, in a step that is the first of its kind globally, by providing healthy food, a supportive social environment and motivating players to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
VOV opened the first of its venues in May, one of three planned venues that will open in the short-term, as it seeks to expand regionally and globally.
The company will also provide programs designed to train and guide young gamers who aspire to break into the competitive esports industry.
The group also will establish the first global games studio to be launched in Saudi Arabia, which will offer a range of games to global audiences. Specialized teams will be formed focusing on mid-core games — which are more complex and require more time investment from the player than hyper-casual products — and will seek to take advantage of acquisition opportunities available in the Kingdom and international markets to attract games and studios under the Savvy Group’s umbrella.
The strategy also includes establishing the Savvy Games Fund, which will invest in leading publishers and developers and facilitate establishing their bases in the Kingdom.
Collectively these companies will create synergies across every part of the games and esports industry, growing the sector through targeted investments in developers and publishers, investing in technology innovation, content creator funding, and developing world-class event and venue concepts.
Savvy Games Group, whose CEO is Brian Ward, former head of worldwide studios at Activision Blizzard, is a games and esports company founded to drive the long-term growth and development of esports and the wider games industry worldwide. As a global champion of this buoyant sector, Savvy aims to become a global leader in games and esports through deploying significant capital over long-term horizons.
Its investments will create opportunities for participation and progression in the sector, across gender, geography, means and ability. Savvy’s investments are intended to drive the growth of the sector globally, making it a more supportive, exciting, and rewarding place for fans, players, developers, and technology innovators. This will facilitate broader, more equitable access to this fast-growing, dynamic sector.

 

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Emir of Kuwait sends King Salman GCC Summit letter

Updated 6 sec ago
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Emir of Kuwait sends King Salman GCC Summit letter

  • Message delivered to minister during meeting in Riyadh

RIYADH: King Salman has received a letter from the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah inviting him to the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit.

The message was delivered to Minister of State Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd during a meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya.

The two sides held cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest.

The 45th GCC Summit takes place in Kuwait on Sunday.


King Salman asks people of Saudi Arabia to pray on Thursday for rain

Updated 40 min 4 sec ago
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King Salman asks people of Saudi Arabia to pray on Thursday for rain

RIYADH: King Salman called on Muslims in Saudi Arabia to pray on Thursday for rain, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“Everyone who is able should be keen to perform the prayer, in accordance with the tradition of Prophet Muhammad,” the Royal Court said.

Muslims are often asked to pray for rainfall in times of drought or other water shortages.


Global Harmony event concludes with celebration of Egyptian culture in Riyadh

Updated 26 November 2024
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Global Harmony event concludes with celebration of Egyptian culture in Riyadh

  • Saudi Arabia and Egypt continue to strengthen their political relationship through agreements in trade, tourism, energy and culture

RIYADH: The Global Harmony initiative concludes its third edition with a week-long celebration of Egyptian music, art and tradition in Suwaidi Park as part of Riyadh Season.

Running from Nov. 24-30 and organized by the Ministry of Media, the event invites visitors to experience Egypt’s rich heritage through a range of cultural activities.

Speaking to Arab News, Egyptian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Tarek El-Meligy highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the two nations. “The Egyptian community is the most harmonious, coexistent and understanding in a positive way within Saudi society,” he said.

“If you ask any Egyptian which country they would like to live in after Egypt, they will say Saudi Arabia.”

The Egyptian ambassador to Saudi Arabia visits the Egyptian festival at Riyadh’s Suwaidi Park, held as part of the Global Harmony initiative on Nov. 24, 2024. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Sarry Shaaban, an executive and consultant at the General Entertainment Authority, said: “We are talking about millions of visitors, both residents and Saudis, entering the park. Whether I’m a resident, a Saudi or from a country hosting the event, it provides an opportunity for residents to learn about your culture, colors, explore its arts, food, crafts, and traditional industries.”

Live music and dance performances displaying Egypt’s cultural traditions, with the rhythm of drums and flutes and performers in traditional costumes, have brought the life and spirit of Cairo’s streets to Riyadh.

A separate bazaar area has been set up featuring Egyptian cuisine, traditional clothing and handcrafted items.

Performers showcase traditional Egyptian folk costumes and dances during celebrations at Riyadh’s Suwaidi Park, part of the Global Harmony Initiative, on Nov. 24, 2024. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

“An event like this carries positive messages and highlights something we strive to emphasize every day, that we are one people, united by love and affection,” said El-Meligy.

Egyptian Sameh Nabil emphasized the feel of unity: “This initiative brought us closer together as Egyptians, and with Saudis here, I feel like we are brothers. I always feel like we are not expatriates.”

And visitor Khaled Zahir said: “This event reflects the love, connection and affection between Egyptians living in the Kingdom and Saudis.”

Performers in Egyptian attire take part in a parade at Riyadh’s Suwaidi Park, celebrating Egyptian culture as part of the Global Harmony initiative on Nov. 24, 2024. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Egyptians make up 11 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population, according to the Saudi Census, meaning such exhibitions are important in promoting mutual respect and harmony.

El-Meligy said Saudi Arabia hosted the largest Egyptian expatriate community abroad, with remittances from those in the Kingdom forming a significant part of their home nation’s income.

“In recent months, remittances from Egyptians abroad have increased substantially, thanks to the facilities between the two countries and the confidence in both the Saudi and Egyptian economies,” he added.

Performers in Egyptian attire take part in a parade at Riyadh’s Suwaidi Park, celebrating Egyptian culture as part of the Global Harmony initiative on Nov. 24, 2024. (Photo/@RiyadhSeason)

Saudi Arabia and Egypt continue to strengthen their political relationship through agreements in trade, tourism, energy and culture. In his October visit to Cairo, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss investment opportunities and the establishment of a supreme coordination council to deepen bilateral relations.

Trade between Saudi Arabia and Egypt saw a 35.16 percent annual increase in the first half of 2024, according to the General Authority of Statistics. The increase was driven by a 73.44 percent surge in Saudi imports from Egypt, totaling $4.18 billion.

Egypt has also shown a growing interest in investing in Saudi Arabia, with a 71 percent rise in licenses granted to Egyptian firms in the second quarter of 2024.

The festival, which began in October, highlights the lives, contributions and cultural integration of its residents. So far, it has celebrated cultures including Indian heritage and moving through Philippine, Indonesian, Pakistani, Yemeni, Sudanese, Bangladeshi, Jordanian, Lebanese and Syrian traditions.

 


Riyadh Expo 2030 provides progress update to international exhibitions regulator BIE

The General Director of the Expo 2030 Riyadh Support Office, Abdulaziz Alghannam, speaks at the 175th general assembly meeting.
Updated 26 November 2024
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Riyadh Expo 2030 provides progress update to international exhibitions regulator BIE

  • Members of Riyadh Expo 2030 update Bureau International des Expositions on progress toward hosting the event

RIYADH: A Saudi delegation representing Riyadh Expo 2030 took part in a Bureau International des Expositions meeting on Tuesday to review the Kingdom’s readiness to host the global event.

In November 2023, Saudi Arabia won the bid to host the 2030 World Expo between October 2030 and March 2031 in the capital, Riyadh.

The Riyadh Expo 2030 delegation took part in the 175th general assembly meeting of the BIE, a Paris-based intergovernmental organization which oversees and regulates World Expos, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They updated senior officials of the BIE about the latest Saudi developments and preparations for hosting the event. They also discussed progress on work to accommodate an expected 246 exhibitors, including countries, organizations and companies, at a site north of Riyadh.

Under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow,” the event aims to be a unique platform for innovations and modern technologies which aim to find answers to challenges facing the planet in various fields, according to the Expo 2030 website.


Hospitality sector innovations, trends showcased at Riyadh exhibition

Updated 26 November 2024
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Hospitality sector innovations, trends showcased at Riyadh exhibition

  • Event gathers local and international exhibitors, industry leaders, and visitors to showcase trends, innovations, and business opportunities in the sector
  • Exhibition features an array of engaging activities, including live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a barista competition, and workshops for aspiring culinary professionals

RIYADH: This year’s HORECA exhibition held in Riyadh is underscoring the Kingdom’s growing influence in the global hospitality market.

Held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, the three-day event concludes on Nov. 27 and gathers local and international exhibitors, industry leaders, and visitors to showcase trends, innovations, and business opportunities in the sector.

The event contributes to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by fostering private-sector growth, promoting tourism, and enhancing the country’s food and beverage industries.

The exhibition features an array of engaging activities, including live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a barista competition, and workshops for aspiring culinary professionals.

Visitors can sample creative dishes, observe new techniques in food and beverage, and explore sustainable packaging solutions, among other highlights.

Prince Waleed bin Nasser, guest of honor and CEO of Mukatafa Co., highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors.

Speaking at a session on public policies impacting the food and beverage sector, he said: “The vision today aspires for the private sector to play a significant role in the development of the economy. The private sector must take the initiative to have a voice. To achieve this, it needs to be organized and united in presenting a single perspective.”

He also emphasized the need for proactive engagement: “We must work as one, united with a common vision, and present this vision in a professional manner backed by facts, ensuring that the decisions made have a positive impact on the sector and the citizens.”

Culinary competitions are among the highlights celebrating creativity and technical skills at HORECA. Mohammed Naif, a participant representing Saudi Arabia’s Hotel and Tourism Management Institute, told Arab News: “The atmosphere was amazing, and the competition was all about passion and enjoyment. There was a panel of judges and organizers who were very supportive — if you made a mistake, they would help you, and if you had an incomplete idea, they would guide you.

“I encourage anyone with a passion for cooking to join, showcase their creativity, and learn while bringing out their best.”

The exhibition also provided a platform for networking, with exhibitors showcasing local innovations as well as international brands. From cutting-edge hospitality tech to Saudi-inspired culinary creations, the event highlighted the Kingdom’s growing reputation as a global hub for the sector.