Tag Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 28 August 2024: The Esports World Cup – watched by a total of 500 million viewers worldwide – and New Global Sport Conference have concluded in Riyadh, as Saudi Arabia ushered in a new era for gaming and esports.

The summer of esports saw HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, present Saudi Arabian club Team Falcons with the Esports World Cup Club Championship trophy on Sunday.

Featuring the best clubs, the best players and the best games, the inaugural Esports World Cup hosted 22 tournaments across 21 titles for a duration of two months. A total prize pool of $60 million, the largest prize pool in the history of esports, was on offer for the tournament held at Boulevard Riyadh City.

The second edition of the New Global Sport Conference 2024 (NGSC) heard how esports, the new global sport, will merge traditional sport and its modern counterpart in a form of entertainment catalyzing people from all sectors of society and sparking economic growth.

The conference gathered more than 60 global speakers and 200 CEOs among 1,200 attendees from gaming, esports, technology, sports, entertainment, business and investment at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh At Kingdom Center.

His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “The Esports World Cup and New Global Sport Conference have ushered in a new dawn for gaming and esports across the globe, as well as Saudi Arabia’s sports and entertainment sectors. There is so much to be excited about and so much potential to fully capture.

“As I mentioned in my opening remarks at the New Global Sport Conference on Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to gaming and esports is unwavering. We believe in the transformative power of gaming and esports – not just as forms of entertainment but as catalysts for economic growth, social cohesion, and cultural exchange. Our faith in this industry is not just about its potential but also the people who drive it – the players, the fans, the publishers, the developers, the leaders who envision its future.

“As the Kingdom prepares to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2025, we look back at this summer of esports with pride and accomplishment while looking forward to what is to come with immense anticipation and belief.”

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, the hosting entity of the Esports World Cup, said: “The Esports World Cup has been a milestone moment in Saudi Arabia’s mission to elevate esports and attract a broader global audience.

“The success of the Esports World Cup has simultaneously been the success of Riyadh. Successfully hosting such a prestigious event highlights the capital city’s commitment to blending cutting-edge technology with a vibrant gaming culture. By creating an exceptional environment for both players and fans, Riyadh has set a new standard for global esports, proving that innovation and passion can transform any city into a hub for digital excellence.

“The second edition of the New Global Sport Conference was also another prime example of this. My panel appearance with Magnus Carlsen, the chess grandmaster and five-time World Champion, showed precisely the vast potential of merging traditional games and sports with their digital futures.”

In addition to Carlsen, the former Manchester United and France international footballer Patrice Evra was another celebrity attendee at NGSC. Evra shared his thoughts on a panel called ‘Becoming a Modern Sports Hero – Sports, Gaming and the Relentless Pursuit of Excellence’ alongside Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo, the Brazilian national Counter-Strike II player for FURIA Esports. Carlsen appeared with Reichert on a fascinating panel session entitled entitled ‘Chess, Esports: Strategy Redefined Together – From the Chessboard to the Digital Arena’.

Esports World Cup 2024 in numbers

• Total Hours Watched: More than 250 million across all platforms
• Highest Peak Concurrent Viewership: 3.5 million (League of Legends)
• Total Viewers: 500 million
• Tickets Sold: More than 175,000
• Boulevard Riyadh City Visits: More than 2 million
• Clubs: More than 200
• Players: More than 1,500

The Future is Bright: Our Ambitions Are Limitless

His Royal Highness Prince Faisal said: “The success of the Esports World Cup and New Global Sport Conference is just the beginning. Our ambition to become a global hub for gaming and esports knows no bounds. The Kingdom’s involvement at regional and international levels will become even more influential over the next few years. Recent strategic initiatives and investments in gaming and esports have galvanized the ecosystem, helping to create today’s vibrant and opportunistic landscape.

“With continued support and investment, Saudi Arabia is poised to become the world’s go-to destination for gaming and esports by 2030. We are actively seeking and establishing partnerships with international esports organizations, companies, and influencers to facilitate knowledge transfer, expertise, and global integration.”

This is Just the Beginning

His Royal Highness Prince Faisal added: “As we look to the future, it’s clear that the best is yet to come. The Esports World Cup’s success, coupled with the insights and innovations shared at the New Global Sport Conference, proves that we are on the right path. Together, we will continue to elevate the sector, contribute meaningfully to its development, and shape its future on a global scale.
“To everyone who contributed to the success of the Esports World Cup and the New Global Sport Conference, thank you. Your dedication and passion have set a new standard for the industry, and we look forward to what the future holds. Together, we will build a brighter, more connected world through the power of esports and gaming.”

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, August 23, 2024—The New Global Sport Conference (NGSC) 2024 will shine a global spotlight on the recent announcement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to partner with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia for 12 years to host the Olympic Esports Games.

The conference, which will welcome 60 global speakers and more than 1,200 visionary leaders from the esports, gaming, business, entertainment, and mainstream esports realms, including over 200 of the world’s most prominent CEOs, will feature a groundbreaking panel discussion titled ‘A Historic Convergence of Esports,’ which will explore the transformative integration of esports into the Olympic movement.

The panel will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Ser Miang Ng, Vice President of the International Olympic Committee; David Lappartient, IOC Member & Chair of the IOC Esports Commission, President of Union Cycliste Internationale; Abdulaziz Baeshen, Secretary General and CEO of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee; and Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation.

Ser Miang Ng, Vice President of the International Olympic Committee, said: “The decision to create the Olympic Esports Games marks a historic moment that will profoundly impact both the Olympics and the world of esports. This is a recognition of the skill, dedication, and athleticism of esports players, who will have the opportunity to write their names in history as the first winners of the Olympic Esports Games next year in Saudi Arabia. The world will witness esports’ true impact as players across the globe come together to compete at the highest level, showcasing their talents on the grandest stage.”

David Lappartient, IOC Member & Chair of the IOC Esports Commission, President of Union Cycliste Internationale, said: “I look forward to speaking at the New Global Sport Conference to discuss the historic decision to create the Olympic Esports Games. This decision reflects our commitment to innovation while upholding the values the Olympics have always stood for. Esports is a rapidly growing field that resonates deeply with younger generations worldwide, and it is only fitting that it takes its place on the Olympic stage, where the world’s best athletes come together in the spirit of excellence and fair play.”

“Our Commission has worked tirelessly to design a program that honors the interests of the esports community while staying true to Olympic values. We are thrilled to have Saudi Arabia as the host of this groundbreaking event, especially when looking at the Kingdom’s remarkable growth in esports, sports, and entertainment, which is a testament to its readiness to host such a spectacular event,” added Lappartient.

Abdulaziz Baeshen, Secretary General and CEO of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said: “The creation of the Olympic Esports Games represents a monumental opportunity in sports and gaming and marks a historic step forward for the Olympic movement, with Saudi Arabia at the forefront as an important driving force. It also aligns perfectly with the Kingdom’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, launched in 2022, and is set to continue the sector’s rapid growth within the country. Beyond giving esports athletes a chance to represent something much bigger than themselves by competing for their countries in 2025, this is also an opportunity for Olympic values to reach and inspire an entirely new audience.”

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “The recent announcement of the Olympic Esports Games is a true testament to the global impact of esports and its status as a new and serious global sport. This historic milestone gives our players the recognition they deserve and provides fans another thrilling global championship to support their countries and teams.”
“The first New Global Sport Conference in 2023 proudly unveiled the Esports World Cup – currently being hosted to global acclaim in Riyadh –, so it is fitting that this year’s edition provides another momentous step on Saudi Arabia’s esports journey. I look forward to hearing our speakers discuss this exciting future during the New Global Sport Conference”, added Reichert.

The announcement of the Olympic Esports Games last month made headline news worldwide, and the second edition of NGSC will provide the perfect opportunity for the global gaming community to converge in Riyadh for impactful creativity and discussion. The session will explore the profound implications of this convergence, celebrating the athletes redefining what it means to compete at the highest levels and shaping the future of global sports culture.

The discussion will highlight Saudi Arabia’s pioneering role in hosting the inaugural Olympic Esports Games, a milestone that signals a new direction for traditional and digital sports. The panelists will also address the strategic vision behind integrating esports into the Olympics and the opportunities and challenges of merging the dynamic world of esports with the storied tradition of the Olympic Games. This session represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of global sports culture as esports and the Olympics redefine the future of athletic achievement.

Hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh At Kingdom Centre on August 24-25, NGSC’s second edition, The Future of Fandom,’ is the ideal platform to discuss the work achieved and what is still required for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games. The conference will focus on critical themes such as fan engagement in sports and esports and explore the latest trends and strategies in fan engagement.

Riyadh, KSA, 8 August 2024 — Writer Relocations, a leading global player in the relocation industry, highlights Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a pioneering force in the global industrial sector. The Kingdom’s major industrial cities, such as Jubail and Yanbu, are central to this development, attracting a significant influx of professionals from Europe and America.

Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector experienced a 63% increase in new investments in 2023, amounting to SR15 billion ($3.99 billion). The number of industrial units also surged by 10%, reaching 11,549 in 2023. These developments align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing dependency on oil by fostering industrial growth and innovation.

Anoop Bosco, Regional Head Middle East at Writer Relocations, remarked: “Saudi Arabia’s swift ascent as a key industrial hub is showcased by its world-class cities like Jubail and Yanbu. These cities are driving industrial innovation and development, making the Kingdom a sought-after destination for top talent from Europe and North America. Writer Relocations is honoured to facilitate this influx of skilled professionals by ensuring seamless relocations for individuals and their families moving to the Kingdom. Our mission is to provide a smooth transition and comprehensive support, enabling professionals to effectively contribute to Saudi Arabia’s industrial growth.”

For over 75 years, Writer Relocations has been at the forefront of the global relocation industry, offering comprehensive end-to-end services in the people and asset mobility sector. Handling more than 8,000 relocations annually, the company caters to the needs of employees and executives from over 3,000 global companies, solidifying its position as a premier mobility partner.
Jubail and Yanbu are exemplars of industrial success, featuring state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced facilities, and a commitment to sustainable development. These cities play a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependency on oil by fostering industrial growth and innovation.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 15 July 2024: The Saudi Pro League (SPL) Competitions Department announced on Sunday the fixtures for the 2024-25 Roshn Saudi League (RSL) season, with the new campaign beginning on August 22, 2024.

In planning the 306-match long journey, FIFA days, AFC competitions and Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) competitions were considered, while it was also decided that no fixtures would take place during the last 10 days of the holy month of Ramadan.

Other factors taken into consideration when establishing the calendar included allowing a minimum of two days of rest between matches.

Fixture List mechanism:

• Season layout: The second half of the season mirrors the first half.
• Home and away fixtures: Each team shall play nine matches at home and eight away, or vice versa, in each half of the season.
• Consecutive home and away fixtures: No team shall play more than two consecutive matches at home or away in each half of the season.
• Maximum consecutive matches: Each team shall play two consecutive matches at home or away, a maximum of twice per half of the season.
• Pairing of clubs from the same city: Clubs from the same city or metropolitan area are paired so that, when one plays at home, the other plays away.
• Start and end of the season: A team that plays at home in Matchweek 1 shall play away in Matchweek 34 and vice versa.
• First two matchweeks: A team that plays at home in Matchweek 1 shall play away in Matchweek 2 and vice versa.
• The final four matchweeks: Each team will play two home matches and two away matches in the final four matchweeks.
• The final two matchweeks: Each team will play one home match and one away match in the final two rounds.
  Winter reseeding: Winter reseeding of stadiums was taken into consideration.

Matchweek 1:

Every matchweek of the 2024-25 season will be played over the course of three days – except Matchweek 34, in which all matches will be played simultaneously.

The opening round of games takes place from August 22-24, with reigning RSL champions Al Hilal beginning their title defence at Al Okhdood, while Al Shabab welcome Al Ettifaq, and 2023-24 runners-up Al Nassr host Al Raed. Newly promoted Al Orobah travel to Jeddah to face Al Ahli, with Al Taawoun hosting Al Fayha, and Al Ittihad taking on newcomers Al Kholood in Ar Rass. Meanwhile, 2023-24 First Division League champions Al Qadsiah welcome Al Fateh, while Damac kick-off their campaign at home to Al Khaleej, and Al Riyadh travel to Mecca to meet Al Wehda.

Magic Rounds:

Also, the newly introduced “Magic Rounds”, aimed at providing an exhilarating experience over the course of a single weekend, will feature derbies across Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province in Matchweeks 9 and 26, with Al Ahli playing Al Ittihad, Al Hilal facing Al Nassr, and Al Ettifaq locking horns with Al Qadsiah.

Announcement of match dates and kick-off times will follow the below schedule:

• July 18: Announcing breakdown of dates and times for Matchweeks 1 and 2.
• August 18: (Subject to AFC draw date) – Breakdown of Matchweeks 3 to 8.
• September 30: (Subject to King’s Cup Round of 16 draw date) – Breakdown of Matchweeks 9 to 13.
• October 31: (Subject to King’s Cup quarter-final draw date) – Breakdown of Matchweeks 14 to 22.
• February 22: (Subject to AFC Round of 16 draw date) – Breakdown of Matchweeks 23 to 34.