H R H Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation and Arab Esports Federation, said that Saudi Arabia has recognised gaming was not just an entertainment but as a powerful platform for social cohesion, innovation, and empowerment.
In his key-note speech at the Outer Edge Riyadh conference held last month, he detailed the transformation that gaming has undergone in the last couple of years.
“Through strategic initiatives and investments, we are laying the foundation for Saudi Arabia to become a global hub for gaming and esports. Let us not underestimate the transformative power of gaming to affect positive change. Let us harness its potential to inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and build bridges across borders,” he said.
Outer Edge – Riyadh was organised in partnership with Animoca Brands and KACST King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, to play a pivotal role in ushering in the future of technology in the region and beyond. The “edutainment” forum welcomed over 700 guests from all around the world. It was a day filled with thought-provoking panel discussions, fireside chats, and priceless networking opportunities.
Dr Maryam Noah, Vice President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology’s Future Economics Sector, said that KACST, in its capacity as a national laboratory, plays a crucial role in accelerating technical development and fostering interest in modern technologies.
She added: “It spearheaded the establishment of an institute for immersive games and technologies and has forged numerous local and international strategic partnerships to localize these technologies, which have a significant impact on the national economy.”
Fall-out of Web3
Panel discussions focused on the implications of decentralized Web3 and AI technology on economic systems and society. With the goal of raising awareness and recognizing human potential, discussions revolved around the future of smart cities, esports and gaming, spatial computing and extended reality, financial services and their future impact in the region.
In addition, topics touched upon the creative shifts within culture in terms of art, collectibles and entertainment. The summit was adorned by unique artworks by Saudi emerging artists curated by Nuqtah, Saudi’s first NFT marketplace, and ended with an energetic musical performance by Saudi emerging artists, brother duo DISH DASH, one of the most successful DJs in the country.
In his address, Joshua Kriger, co-founder of Edge of Company and Outer Edge, and co-host of Edge of NFT Podcast, said that the soul of innovation lives within the DNA of the population of the Kingdom and those of you in the room.
This is not a conference, this is not a summit, this is a forum. A forum is a gathering where ideas and views are exchanged, he said.
Minh Do, COO of Animoca Brands said: “It is clear to me that Saudi Arabia is at this point, without a doubt, among the most ambitious countries in the world, and I really look forward to working with our local partners to further Web3 and human development in the region.” Yat Siu, co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Animoca Brands, spoke about the vibrant economic landscape of Saudi Arabia, made up mostly of digitally native youth, many of which are avid gamers and have a strong appreciation for digital culture.
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