Back/Track sections 02 · AI · Cloud · Software · Games · Esports
The largest digital economy in MENA is hiring builders. 23 million of its people already play.
Saudi Arabia's digital economy is worth SAR 495 billion, and the gaming strategy alone is backed by SAR 142 billion. Data centres, sovereign AI, 5G and the Esports World Cup are all being built in the same city. Software runs all of it.
Two engines, one track
ICT is the infrastructure play; gaming is the culture play. Both have a funded national strategy, both are measured to 2030, and both are short of home-grown product companies.
What we back
From sovereign AI to studios — the sub-domains where a Riyadh address is an unfair advantage.
AI & data platforms
Arabic-first models, sovereign AI tooling and enterprise data products.
Cloud, cyber & infrastructure software
For a market building 1.5 GW of data-centre capacity by 2030.
Enterprise SaaS & fintech rails
Payments, procurement, HR and vertical software for the private sector.
Game studios
Mobile and mid-core titles — 30 globally competitive Saudi games is a national target.
Game tech & tools
Engines, Arabic localisation, live-ops, anti-cheat and analytics.
Esports & creator economy
Tournament tech, streaming and fan-engagement for Riyadh's event calendar.
Immersive & XR
Training, entertainment and visitor experiences for the giga-projects.
The Beyond program for tech & gaming founders
Three phases, one building. Enterprise startups and studios follow the same path with different pilots.
Weeks 1–12
- Product validation with CIOs and operators inside the group
- Prototype or playable build, dedicated workspace
- Curriculum: Saudi enterprise sales, GEA / NCA / PDPL basics
Months 3–9
- Deployment inside an AlWahdah company as design partner
- Playtest lab and live-ops analytics for studios
- R&D validation of models, security and integrations
Month 9 onward
- Investor showcase and publisher introductions
- Presence at LEAP, DeepFest and Esports World Cup activations
- National and GCC go-to-market plan
Deploy into 21+ companies on day one
Enterprise software dies waiting for its first logo. Our ICT startups deploy into AlWahdah's services and industrial companies as design partners; studios get a live Saudi audience, event access and publishing introductions.
R&D lab
Technical proof, not slideware. The lab benchmarks, audits and playtests so the product is investor-ready.
AI validation
Benchmark models on real Arabic business data with domain experts.
Cyber & compliance
Pre-audit against NCA, PDPL and data-residency rules before enterprise sales.
Playtest lab
Structured playtesting with Saudi audiences; retention and monetisation analytics.
Interoperability
Integration testing with the ERPs and platforms used across the group.
Why Riyadh
The calendar. LEAP, DeepFest, Black Hat MEA and the Esports World Cup all happen here — 200,000+ tech visitors a year.
The regulators. SDAIA, MCIT, CST, GEA and the Saudi Esports Federation set the rules from Riyadh.
The ranking. Riyadh ranked 23rd in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report — the highest in the region and climbing.
The next stage. Riyadh hosts the first Olympic Esports Games in 2027.
“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.”
HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman · Launch of the Savvy Games Group strategy, 2022Building in ICT, Tech & Gaming؟
Four minutes, and we'll get back to you.