Saudi, Japanese firms forge strategic gaming and esports partnership

This partnership is designed to foster the growth and expansion of the gaming and esports industries in both Saudi Arabia and Japan. Shutterstock
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Updated 09 April 2025
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Saudi, Japanese firms forge strategic gaming and esports partnership

 

DUBAI: Tokyo-based GLOE Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hawk Gaming Group, a Saudi gaming and esports company.

This partnership is designed to foster the growth and expansion of the gaming and esports industries in both Saudi Arabia and Japan.

Through its Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia has strategically positioned itself as a global leader in these sectors, making substantial investments in entertainment.

As part of this effort, the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, introduced in 2022 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to establish the sector as a key driver of the national economy.

Hawk Gaming Group chairman and CEO Turki Faisal said: “Gamers are the driving force behind future economies. They are the center of innovation, culture, and growth. Through our partnership with GLOE, we aim to unlock the full potential of Japan’s world-class content and talent, not only within Saudi Arabia but on a global scale. Together, we’ll create new economic opportunities, strengthen industry connections, and contribute to realizing Vision 2030.”

In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry generated approximately $7.2 billion in revenue, with 23.5 million active gamers. The country is also preparing to host its inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Riyadh in 2027. By 2030, the Saudi esports sector is projected to contribute $13.3 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product and create 39,000 new jobs.

According to a press release from GLOE Inc., Hawk Gaming Group is leading the charge in this transformative movement, providing cutting-edge solutions in game development, esports infrastructure, AI applications, and talent development and scouting.

The recently signed memorandum of understanding between GLOE and Hawk Gaming Group outlines a collaboration focused on leveraging the strengths of both nations, ranging from intellectual property and human resources to business opportunities.

Akihito Furusawa, GLOE Inc.’s co-CEO, said: “While Japan has a wealth of exceptional game content, localization and cultural adaptation in the Middle East have been limited.

“With global interest in Saudi Arabia’s esports scene at an all-time high, this is the perfect opportunity to bring Japanese games to the region. Together with Hawk Gaming Group, we will promote and expand Japanese gaming content across the Middle East.”


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 10,414 

Updated 17 December 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 10,414 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index closed lower on Wednesday, shedding 38.85 points, or 0.37 percent, to finish at 10,414.06. 

Total trading turnover on the benchmark index reached SR3.46 billion ($920 million), with 123 stocks advancing and 134 declining. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also shed 41.61 points, or 0.18 percent, to close at 23,428.67. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index edged down 0.45 percent to 1,368.36. 

Arabian Drilling Co. was the best-performing stock on the main market, with its share price rising 6.8 percent to SR102.90. 

Naqi Water Co. gained 4.30 percent to SR58.25, while Saudi Ground Services Co. advanced 3.78 percent to SR38.42. 

Tihama Advertising, Public Relations and Marketing Co. saw its share price fall 4.95 percent to SR16.31. 

AlAhli REIT Fund 1 also declined 3.53 percent to SR6.29. 

On the announcements front, United Mining Industries Co., listed on the parallel market, said it has begun commercial production of gypsum board at its plant in Yanbu. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company said the financial impact of the project’s commercial production will be reflected in the first quarter of 2026. 

United Mining Industries Co.’s share price was unchanged, closing at SR42.54.  

Dkhoun National Trading Co. said its shareholders approved the board’s recommendation to distribute interim dividends on a semi-annual or quarterly basis for 2025. 

According to a Tadawul statement, shareholders also approved transferring the balance of the company’s statutory reserve, valued at SR2.43 million, to retained earnings. 

Dkhoun National Trading Co.’s shares saw no trades and closed at SR65.