Rawan AlButairi Named Saudi Esports Federation CEO

The Saudi Esports Federation has appointed Rawan AlButairi as its Chief Executive Officer, with the role effective from August 2025 and continuing into 2026. Based in Riyadh, she succeeds former CEO Turki Alfawzan following his departure from the position in mid-2025.

Alongside leading the Federation, AlButairi holds two additional regional roles in 2026: Secretary-General of the Arab Esports Federation and Secretary-General of the GCC Esports Federation, positioning her at the center of the sector's coordination across the wider region.

As CEO, one of her central responsibilities is leading the implementation of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. The strategy targets around 13.3 billion SAR-equivalent in GDP contribution and roughly 39,000 jobs in the Kingdom's gaming and esports sector by 2030.

Building talent and partnerships

AlButairi regularly represents the Federation in sector agreements and partnerships focused on talent development, esports academies, and youth-oriented leagues. This includes memorandums of understanding signed through the Saudi Esports Academy with both domestic and international teams and organizations.

Her background before the appointment spans senior roles in finance, government policy, technology, and communications. Within the Federation between 2023 and 2025, she held leadership posts including Executive Director of International Affairs, Acting Chief Financial Officer, and Chief of Partnerships and Corporate Affairs.

The appointment matters to the Kingdom's growing gaming community, as esports continues to expand as a career path and an economic sector for young Saudis and residents alike, with new academies, leagues, and international partnerships taking shape.

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