The past few years have been exciting for the Middle East gaming industry, particularly in the United Aran Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.
However, with some sectors in the gaming universe still not accepted in some Middle East nations, there is plenty of scope for future growth.
UAE & Saudi Lead the Way
Power League Gaming recently published a report showing key gaming trends while highlighting how much gaming has grown in the Middle East.
According to the Dubai-based eSports and gaming marketing agency, female gamers make up 27 percent of the Saudi Arabian gaming population.
That number is higher than the global average of 20-22% and highlights just how widespread gaming is in the Gulf nation.
Saudi Arabia has taken giant strides to be at the centre of the gaming revolution. They hosted the first eSports World Cup last year which had a whopping $60 million prize pool.
The UAE has also become a big-hitter in gaming, launching world-class institutions such as the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and Abu Dhabi’s twoFour54.
Young players and developers are prepared for a future in the gaming space. Power League Gaming partnered with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge to bring the Pearson BTEC eSports modules into the curriculum.
This move will help youngsters translate their gaming skills into a serious career. A structured curriculum will also make eSports education more appealing to parents concerned that their children are becoming too engrossed in gaming.
Corporate Sponsorship Spurs Esports Growth
Kia Middle East and Africa recently announced an exciting partnership with Riot Games MENA for The Arabian League (AL).
The AL is the official League of Legends tournament in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Kia was one of the first brands to recognise the potential in eSports, establishing collaborations across Europe, North America and Korea.
The AL is arguably the most competitive eSports competition in the region, accruing over 19 million minutes of watch time.
According to the President of Kia Middle East & Africa, SooHang Chang, the partnership will bolster their bid to get closer to the gamers and create a more immersive eSports experience.
Opportunities and Resistance Abound in iGaming
Even though eSports and gaming have gripped the Middle East, iGaming – online casinos and sports betting platforms – are still a grey area across much of the region.
Most countries in the region run on Islamic laws which frown upon gambling. However, with the UAE revising their stance on the topic, there is a belief that other nations will also change their attitudes.
Kuwait is the perfect example of this contrasting relationship with iGaming. The country has a nationwide ban on online casinos, but many platforms still operate from overseas jurisdictions.
This gives Arab players easy access to real money online casinos in Kuwait. The fact people want their services suggests Kuwait should release the brakes on the industry and regulate it domestically.
With their youthful populace looking for new entertainment avenues and the region modernising its ways, Kuwait must consider mapping out guidelines to oversee online betting.
Gaming in the Middle East Must Evolve
The budding gaming industry in the Middle East is at a critical junction where every decision is crucial.
The region is on course to become a powerhouse in the gaming industry. However, experts wonder if gaming will reach its full potential if some nations refuse to embrace the iGaming sector.
The current focus is on expanding eSports and unearthing as many exciting possibilities from the industry. Investment is pouring in, and regional gaming communities are thriving organically.
All signs point towards the Middle East becoming a mainstay in gaming for years to come, but some laws must change for it to truly fulfil its potential.
