SAR 421M Approved for Saudi Gaming and Esports Sector

The Saudi National Development Fund has approved more than SAR 421 million (about USD 112 million) in financing to support the Kingdom's gaming and esports industry under the Esports and Gaming Financing Program by the end of the fourth quarter of 2025. The financing has so far benefited 82 entities and supported the development of more than 127 games.

The wider Gaming and Esports Sector Financing Program carries a total financing capacity of up to SAR 1.8 billion. It is delivered through development funds and banks affiliated with the National Development Fund, in partnership with private financial institutions, and targets startups and small and medium enterprises across 33 fields spanning the gaming and esports value chain.

An earlier program to finance the sector was first launched with a budget of SAR 300 million, then expanded through associated portfolios and funds, including venture capital vehicles and dedicated bank products.

Financing options for businesses

Among these is the Gaming & Esports Product offered by the Social Development Bank in partnership with the National Development Fund. Financing ceilings range from up to SAR 2 million for micro enterprises to SAR 12 million for small enterprises and SAR 45 million for medium enterprises, while foreign companies can access up to SAR 30 million. The overall product ceiling reaches SAR 45 million, with financing periods of up to eight years and a grace period of up to 24 months.

Eligible beneficiaries include game studios and publishers, distributors, retailers and service providers, esports clubs, tournament and league organizers, and gaming and tournament centers, covering both Saudi and foreign companies. Applications are submitted fully online through the Social Development Bank's electronic portal, with no branch visit required.

The move offers a fresh boost for entrepreneurs and small businesses in a fast-growing sector, widening access to capital for local talent building games, running tournaments, and providing services across the Kingdom.

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