Sony Middle East and Africa collaborated with Fnatic, one of the world’s leading esports organizations, to deliver an immersive, fan-first experience at the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh.
With Saudi Arabia’s gaming market surpassing SR7.88 billion ($2.1 billion) in 2024 and esports alone generating more than SR83.28 million, this event further elevated the region’s gaming boom. From July 8–13, fans visited the INZONE x Fnatic booth at the Content Creator Park to meet their players including Jake “Boaster” Howlett, Austin “Crashies” Roberts, Kajetan ‘Haremski,” Timofey “Chronicle” Khromov, and Emir Ali “Alfajer” Beder. Visitors also tried cutting-edge gaming gear while being part of this rapidly expanding global phenomenon.
The Sony INZONE booth offered fans an exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity with Fnatic’s team, alongside exciting giveaways and interactive gaming zones.
Beyond this, gaming enthusiasts had the chance to experience the INZONE range, including the newly launched INZONE M10S gaming monitor along with the INZONE H5 and INZONE H9 wireless headset, all developed in close collaboration with Fnatic’s pro players. These products are built for competitive performance, designed to deliver next-level audio and visual fidelity for both casual and elite gamers.
Jobin Joejoe, managing director, Sony Middle East and Africa, said: “With more than 33 million gamers across the GCC, and nearly 62 percent of the total gaming population in Saudi Arabia, this experience taps into a deeply passionate and fast‑growing audience. Creating this memorable experience allows fans to engage with the Fnatic team in a real gaming environment.”
Sam Mathews, founder and CEO, Fnatic, added: “We’ve always believed in being right where our fans are, and this partnership with Sony INZONE is all about creating special moments that bring us closer together. We’re proud to be here in Riyadh, connecting with our fans.”
In addition to the booth at the Esports World Cup, fans in Riyadh also had the chance for an exclusive meet and greet with the Fnatic Valorant Team at Sony World, Granada Mall, Riyadh, on July 10. This in-store experience allowed fans to test the Inzone range and meet their favorite players all while exchanging tips and tricks with their fellow players.
The collaboration took place alongside Fnatic’s participation in the Valorant tournament, part of the Esports World Cup’s debut of Riot Games’ flagship tactical shooter, where 16 top teams battled live on a local area network in front of fans for a SR4.69 million prize pool.
Sony INZONE and Fnatic team up for Esports World Cup
https://arab.news/nvbbe
Sony INZONE and Fnatic team up for Esports World Cup
Schneider Electric launches academy in Saudi Arabia to build future-ready talent
Schneider Electric has announced the launch of the Energy Tech Academy Middle East and Africa in Saudi Arabia, a regional capability platform dedicated to skilling, upskilling, and knowledge sharing.
The launch comes at a critical moment as the Kingdom accelerates energy transition, industrial localization, and human capability development under Vision 2030. The academy reinforces the Kingdom’s leadership role in building future-ready talent while supporting industrial and energy transformation across the wider Middle East and Africa region.
The Energy Tech Academy Middle East and Africa is not a traditional training center; it is a regional platform translating Schneider Electric’s global energy technology expertise into applied capability for Saudi Arabia and the broader region. Anchored in Riyadh, the academy is designed to serve as a benchmark for skills development and enablement across the MEA.
The launch reflects Schneider Electric’s long-term commitment to investing in people and capabilities, and to supporting national priorities across energy, industry, and digital infrastructure.
Mohamed Shaheen, cluster president of Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia and Yemen, said: “This launch reflects our long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia and to building capability that lasts. After more than 40 years in the Kingdom, we continue to invest where impact matters most: in people. Launching the Energy Tech Academy Middle East and Africa from Riyadh underscores our belief that sustainable transformation is built on local capability and trusted partnerships.”
The academy directly supports Saudi Arabia’s focus on human capability development, localization, and Saudi-made outcomes by enabling the skills behind advanced energy systems, industrial automation, and digital infrastructure. Capabilities developed through the academy will support Saudi manufacturing, national projects, and resilient supply chains, while also strengthening regional industrial ecosystems.
“The Energy Tech Academy Middle East and Africa is designed to enable real outcomes,” said Walid Sheta, zone president for the MEA at Schneider Electric. “By equipping talent with future-ready skills across electrification, automation, and digital intelligence, we are strengthening Saudi and regional capability to design, operate, and lead the energy and industrial systems of the future.”
The launch event in Riyadh brought together senior government representatives, industry partners, customers, and Schneider Electric’s leadership, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in aligning education, skills development, and labor market needs.
Designed as a long-term platform, the Energy Tech Academy Middle East and Africa will continue to evolve through partnerships, programs, and continuous capability development, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional hub for skills, knowledge, and industrial enablement.
