Qiddiya gaming executive highlights Saudi esports potential at Saudi Media Forum

SPA

RIYADH, February 4, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Qiddiya’s executive head of gaming and esports, Mike Milanov, told a Saudi Media Forum session in Riyadh that Saudi Arabia is positioned for growth in the global gaming sector, citing local esports talent and what he described as strong creative capacity to build partnerships domestically and internationally.

Milanov pointed to Qiddiya City’s planned footprint of around 330 square kilometres and said more than 86% of Saudis identify as gamers, describing the Kingdom as one of the largest and fastest-growing gaming and esports markets.

In the same session, Shelley Williams, vice president of sales at F1 Arcade, described gaming as driven by participation and community, linking that to broader infrastructure development and extended media experiences.

Williams said future growth will be led by interactive, collective formats rather than purely individual play, and highlighted what she described as a positive social dimension as players increasingly engage in shared experiences.