Saudi Esports Federation signs agreement with Global Esports Federation

Saudi Esports Federation’s chief executive officer Turki Alfawzan and the Global Esports Federation’s chief executive officer Paul J. Foster (supplied)
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Updated 02 November 2021
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Saudi Esports Federation signs agreement with Global Esports Federation

Saudi Arabia’s Esports Federation (SEF) has joined forces with its global counterpart to develop the gaming sector within the Kingdom.

The SAFEIS’s signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Global Esports Federation’s (GEF) boss Paul J. Foster.

Under the agreement, each federation will use its assets to contribute to the global gaming and esports industry's prosperity.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, President of the SEF and board member of the GEF, led the signing of the MOU at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention in Riyadh.

“We will work together in this strategic partnership to accomplish and fulfill the plans and visions of the Saudi gaming and esports industry. In the interest of the community and the esports scene, we look forward to a productive and mutually beneficial partnership," he said.

Egaming is an increasingly popular activity in Saudi Arabia, with a recent study suggesting that 50 percent of the population consider themselves regular gamers.

In an interview with Arab News at the Future Investment Initiative Forum in Riyadh in October, the Prince predicted the sector will contribute about 1 percent of Saudi GDP by 2030 — equating to SR80 billion ($21 billion).


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 10,917 

Updated 19 January 2026
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 10,917 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Monday, gaining 4.86 points, or 0.04 percent, to close at 10,917.04. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR3.95 billion ($1.05 billion), as 102 of the listed stocks advanced, while 147 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index increased, up 0.54 points, or 0.04 percent, to close at 1,467.06. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 85.41 points, or 0.36 percent, to close at 23,357.50. This comes as 19 of the listed stocks advanced, while 46 retreated. 

The best-performing stock was Tourism Enterprise Co., with its share price surging by 10 percent to SR13.53. 

Other top performers included Al Yamamah Steel Industries Co., which saw its share price rise by 8.64 percent to SR39.22, and Anaam International Holding Group, which saw a 4.05 percent increase to SR12.59. 

Alramz Real Estate Co. saw its share price rising by 3.95 percent to close at SR61.85, while Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Co. closed at SR18.08, marking a 3.67 percent increase in share price. 

On the downside, the worst performer of the day was Saudi Industrial Export Co., whose share price fell by 3.72 percent to SR2.59. 

ACWA Power Co. saw its share price fall 3.54 percent to SR177.20, while Naseej International Trading Co. declined 3.08 percent to SR29.56. 

Moreover, the share price of Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Co. dropped 2.95 percent to close at SR6.57, while Nice One Beauty Digital Marketing Co. saw its share price dropping 2.65 percent to SR17.97. 

On the announcement front, Alinma Capital has declared a cash dividend distribution totaling SR6.55 million for unitholders of the Alinma Saudi Government Sukuk ETF Fund.  

The dividend, covering the period from July to December, amounts to SR0.162 per unit and represents approximately 1.56 percent of the fund’s net asset value as of Jan. 15.  

Its share price closed at SR10.42 on the main market, marking a 0.1 percent increase. 

Also, Itmam Consultancy Co. has been awarded a significant project by the Digital Government Authority to develop digital investment skills within the public sector.  

The contract, officially granted on Jan. 19, is valued at more than 5 percent of the company’s total 2024 revenue.  

According to a statement, the program aims to equip government employees with the expertise needed to enhance digital government investment efficiency, focusing on software license development aligned with legal and technical standards.  

Its share price remained unchanged on Nomu at SR16.40.