In a significant move to bolster the region’s burgeoning gaming sector, Playbook, the global leadership and networking platform, has announced a strategic partnership with the Arab Esport Federation. This collaboration is set to create a unified pathway for aspiring gaming professionals across 20 Arab nations, connecting them with world-class education, mentorship, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
A Strategic Play For A Booming Market
The partnership lands at a pivotal moment for the MENA gaming industry, with Saudi Arabia at its epicenter. Backed by a colossal $38 billion in planned investments through the Savvy Games Group, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, the Kingdom is aggressively pursuing its National Gaming and Esports Strategy. The strategy aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a global gaming hub by 2030, contributing SAR 50 billion to the national GDP and creating tens of thousands of jobs.
This ambitious vision is transforming the Arab world into a formidable market of nearly 90 million players. The collaboration between Playbook and the Arab Esport Federation directly supports this momentum by equipping rising talent with the necessary knowledge and networks to build sustainable and influential careers.
Fostering Entrepreneurship in Esports
Through the partnership, esports talent will gain access to Playbook’s suite of resources, including expert-led masterclasses, entrepreneurial learning modules, and leadership development programs. Crucially, it also opens doors to a global network of founders, investors, technologists, and industry leaders, bridging the gap between gaming passion and professional success.
The initiative aims to strengthen the link between esports and entrepreneurship, providing gamers with the mindset and visibility required to build careers not just in competitive gaming but also in adjacent fields like digital media, content creation, and emerging technologies.
Wafa Al Obaidat, Founder and CEO of Playbook, highlighted the immense potential of the region. “The gaming industry in the Arab world is moving at incredible speed. Talent is rising, investment is rising — and the opportunity is enormous. Through this partnership, we’re giving emerging gamers access to the learning, networks, and pathways they need to shape meaningful careers and build influence within this global industry.”
Rawan Albutairi, Secretary General of the Arab Esports Federation, echoed this sentiment. “Empowering the next generation of esports players across the Arab world is central to our mission. Through our collaboration with Playbook, we are equipping emerging talent with the skills, exposure and networks they need to thrive in a global industry. Together, we are building a unified pathway that helps transform passion for esports into sustainable careers and elevates the Arab region’s role in the global industry.”
The agreement formalizes a successful one-year collaboration and sets the stage for future expansion, aligning with the region’s long-term gaming ambitions.
About Playbook
PLAYBOOK is a powerful global networking and mentorship platform for women leaders. With an award-winning leadership team that is fully-female founded, the network has been making waves regionally and internationally with its high-quality production masterclasses, robust community, networking potential, workshops, events and mentorship programs.
Source: Zawya
