Saudi Esports Federation and Merak Capital sign MoU to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s games and esports sector

• Deal builds on the $80m Merak Gaming Fund under the Gaming and Esports Financing Programme.
• Fund drives investment and innovation in line with Vision 2030’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy.
• Federation and Merak aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that fosters talent, startups, and innovation.

Merak Capital and Saudi Esports Federation have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the growth of Saudi Arabia’s games and esports sector. 

The MOU expands collaboration across the gaming value chain, including training programmes, global partnerships, and event participation, while attracting international studios to Saudi Arabia. 

The partnership builds on the $80 million Merak Gaming Fund, part of the Gaming and Esports Financing Programme led by the National Development Fund with the Social Development Bank and the Saudi Esports Federation.

Since the fund was announced, the NDF has supported key sectors like gaming and esports through a financing ecosystem, with the Merak Gaming Fund driving investment as part of Vision 2030. 

A step forward 

The Saudi Esports Federation and Merak Capital aim to build a sustainable, scalable ecosystem that fosters innovation and creates economic opportunities to make the Kingdom a global games hub. 

“Our goal at the federation has always been clear, to nurture elite athletes while building a world-class industry," said Saudi Esports Federation CEO Rawan AlButairi. 

“Our partnership with Merak Capital accelerates that vision, providing the strategic investment needed to foster homegrown talent and transform innovative ideas into reality, building a lasting national economic legacy for our Kingdom and elevate its position as a global hub for gaming and esports.”

Merak Capital founder and CEO Abdullah Altamami commented: “Our partnership with the Saudi Esports Federation marks an important step in supporting the goals of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. 

“By aligning our investment expertise with the Federation’s leadership, we will empower Saudi entrepreneurs and developers while enhancing the Kingdom’s global presence in the gaming industry.”

Elsewhere, seventeen MENA studios graduated from the first Exel by Merak accelerator, each securing $300,000, mentorship, and global network access. 

Launched in January 2025 with $80m backing, the 14-week programne selected 17 teams from hundreds of applicants to connect with publishers, investors, and industry leaders.