RIYADH: UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton has lauded a Saudi Esports Federation cooperation agreement with its British counterpart, which said the landmark partnership “will set new standards of excellence, education and innovation in the world of esports.”
The SEF signed the memorandum of cooperation with the British Esports Federation in the presence of Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the board of directors of the SEF, and the UK ambassador this week.
Commenting on the partnership, the UK ambassador said on Wednesday: “I am excited to witness the MoU signing between the British and Saudi esports federations this week. Looking forward to what they can achieve together in this booming industry.”
The SEF commented: “We are happy to cooperate with the British Esports Federation, an important step in which we seek to develop and advance the esports sector in the Kingdom.”
Prince Faisal said that the SEF is “constantly evolving and creating new pathways for players to gain new experience, and our cooperation with the BEF will play a key role in fostering talents and uniting the esports community.”
He added: “By joining forces, I am sure that we can create a platform that empowers players, cultivates innovation, and paves the way for a thriving esports industry in both nations and beyond.”
The agreement includes jointly organizing and developing esports through cultural exchange programs, unifying the esports community, and collaborating on educational programs.
It also aims to enhance players’ skills through the development of training programs, and to promote knowledge among players, coaches and enthusiasts in the sector.
Describing it a “historic partnership” that will set new standards of excellence, education and innovation in the world of esports, the BEF in a statement said: “British Esports, the national body for esports in the UK, announces a historic partnership with the SEF, the regulating body in charge of nurturing elite gaming athletes and developing the gaming community and industry in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step toward advancing the global esports industry.”
The landmark collaboration has been signed at the same time as the UK Department for Business and Trade takes its first Esports Trade Mission to Saudi Arabia with the aim of fostering connections and exploring opportunities in the Saudi Arabian esports landscape.
Both federations have committed to working together to elevate esports to new heights under the agreement.
The partnership was launched alongside a reception in Riyadh hosted by the UK ambassador with Prince Faisal and British Esports CEO Chester King.
As part of the agreement, the BEF and SEF will host home and away matches with leading UK and Saudi esports players at the National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland and at Gamers8 in 2024.
