HP and Exel by Merak—the gaming accelerator supported by the Merak Gaming Fund—have announced a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the gaming and esports ecosystem in the Kingdom. The collaboration, which was formalized during The New Global Sport Conference (NGSC 2025), will focus on talent development, enabling access to experts, and implementing joint initiatives.
Key Highlights
The partnership creates a powerful new pipeline for developing local gaming talent:
- Strategic Partnership: A collaboration between HP and Exel by Merak.
- Core Initiative: The integration of HP’s Gaming Garage learning programs into the Exel Gaming Accelerator.
- Focus Areas: The program will train Saudi entrepreneurs in esports game design, coding, AI, cybersecurity, and blockchain technologies.
- Vision 2030 Alignment: The collaboration directly supports the National Gaming and Esports Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.
A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Ecosystem Building
The partnership will roll out a series of pilot programs designed to equip Saudi youth with market-ready skills and nurture an entrepreneurial spirit. These initiatives will feature hackathons, industry showcases, and joint projects with renowned global studios, blending classroom learning with hands-on experience. HP will integrate its HP Gaming Garage learning programs into the Exel Gaming Accelerator, and the partnership will also include joint promotions, support for competitions, and a shared mentor pool.
Empowering the Next Generation of Digital Creators
“Our collaboration with Exel by Merak is about more than skills development, it is about creating pathways for young Saudis to turn their passion for gaming into real professional careers,” said Fadle Saad, Managing Director, HP Saudi Arabia. “By strengthening the local gaming ecosystem and empowering the next generation of digital creators to train and excel, HP is contributing to the country’s Future of Work.”.
Faisal Sedrani, VP of Innovation Platform at Merak Capital and Head of Exel by Merak, commented, “The partnership with HP marks a pivotal step in our journey to position Saudi Arabia as a global powerhouse in gaming and esports. By merging HP’s innovative programs with the Exel Gaming Accelerator, we are creating unprecedented opportunities for Saudi talent to learn, experiment, and innovate.”.
Source: Zawya
