Cover-Credits:
Next World Forum
Next World Forum, a major global industry gathering created to shape the future of the rapidly evolving gaming and esports sector, has substantially helped drive business growth, organizers said on Thursday as the two-day conference concluded. Hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Center, the Next World Forum brought the global gaming and esports community together to discuss the development of this vibrant, economically flourishing, and collaborative ecosystem.
Over 2,500 delegates attended the Next World Forum
Organized by the Saudi Esports Federation, more than 2,500 delegates, including CEOs, government ministers, investors, gamers, developers, publishers, broadcasters, and leaders from gaming, entertainment, technology, and sports, were in attendance.
An agreement between the six GCC countries to establish the GCC Esports Federation and elevate athletes through annual eLeague tournaments was one of 14 MOUs signed across Wednesday and Thursday at the Next World Forum. Numerous other business deals were also agreed at the forum’s second edition, which has substantially built on the success of last year’s inaugural event.
Turki Alfawzan, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “The Next World Forum has provided the worldwide industry of gaming and esports an extensive platform for business growth and progression that further our aims of Saudi Arabia becoming a global hub for gaming and esports. Being part of the Next World Forum platform has proved a win for everyone. In our exceptionally rapid industry that is changing dramatically on a seemingly constant basis, the chance to converge in Riyadh instigates big ideas, meaningful discussions, and exceptional business opportunities.”
Signing sessions at the Next World Forum were also conducted by:
Saudi Esports Federation and Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business & Entrepreneurship (MBSC)
Saudi Esports Federation and Ministry of Education
Saudi Esports Federation and Kuwait Esports Federation
Saudi Esports Federation and Bahrain Esports Federation
Saudi Esports Federation and Qatar Esports Federation
Saudi Esports Federation and Kentucky Fried Chicken
Saudi Development Bank, STC play and LG
STC play and Geekay Esports; and the Saudi Tourism Authority.
Next World Forum also brought the curtain down on Gamers8: The Land of Heroes, the biggest gaming and esports festival worldwide, which began on 6th July at Boulevard Riyadh City featuring 16 elite tournaments from 13 top titles. The eight-week-long event also featured more than 30 live concert performances from global, regional, and local stars, and thousands of activities and attractions.
