Once seen as a peripheral market, the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) has undergone a transformation few predicted but none can now ignore.

Fueled by an ambitious youth population, skyrocketing mobile engagement, and national strategies aimed at tech diversification, MENA is not playing around.

They’re here to lead.

$38 Billion Says “Game On”

Let’s start with the number: $38 billion.

That’s how much Saudi Arabia is investing into gaming and esports through its Public Investment Fund (PIF), via Savvy Games Group.

Already, they’ve shaken up the scene by acquiring Scopely for $4.9 billion. Now? Scopely is acquiring Niantic’s games division, including Pokémon GO, in a $3.5 billion deal.

Yes, Saudi Arabia now has ownership stakes in two of the most iconic franchises of all time: Monopoly GO and Pokémon GO.

This isn’t an isolated play. It’s a systematic power move.

And it’s being championed at the very top by HRH Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince himself, is a gamer and the architect behind this national push.

When the leader of a country is this invested, it’s not just about business. It’s a cultural movement.

Capital Is Abundant, Experience Is Gold

The hunger of MENA-based studios is not just for funding, but for mentorship and publishing expertise.

Cash isn’t the constraint. Know-how is.

That’s where accelerators like Level Up by NEOM and Exel by Merak Capital are filling the gap. These programs aren’t about demo days and pitch decks; they’re deep, strategic, and long-term.

Just ask Jamie McClenaghan, CEO of Dubai-based Classy Games Studio, who recently secured funding and mentorship through Merak Capital. His studio is a prime example of MENA talent poised to compete globally.

Strategic Incentives You Can’t Ignore

The governments aren’t just writing checks they’re writing policy.

Saudi Arabia is offering a 30-year corporate and withholding tax holiday to companies establishing regional HQs.

That’s not just generous, it’s a siren song to global publishers.

Even Prince Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud is doing roadshows in Japan, personally inviting developers to set up shop in the Kingdom.

How many other countries have royal family members as their biggest gaming ambassadors?

Vision 2030 Isn’t a Slogan. It’s a Blueprint.

By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to:

• Create 250+ gaming companies

   

• Generate 39,000+ jobs

   

• Make gaming a core economic pillar

   

The UAE is following suit with its Vision 2031, aiming to position gaming as a major contributor to GDP.

Across the region, it’s full speed ahead. No brakes.

So, Can MENA Become #1?

While the West debates Web3 and sequels,
The Middle East is building a new scoreboard.

Fast capital. Fresh talent.
Zero legacy baggage.

The next gaming unicorn?
It might just have desert sand in its pitch deck.