Insights Report – Powering Tomorrow: Gaming, Esports and Edtech in the GCC

Powering Tomorrow: Gaming, Esports and Edtech in the GCC

22 May 2025

 

Explore how the GCC is swiftly emerging as a global leader in gaming, esports, and edtech! The region’s gaming market is projected to reach $135 million in revenue by 2025, with Saudi Arabia alone committing $38 billion to secure its status as an esports hub, hosting prestigious events like the Esports World Cup, which draws in 500 million viewers and boasts a record $60 million prize pool. Meanwhile, the GCC’s edtech industry is on course to nearly double in value, increasing from $3.7 billion in 2024 to $7.2 billion by 2035, driven by government and private sector efforts to incorporate game-based learning and digital skills into education. 

The gaming sector now surpasses both music and film combined, with expectations to exceed $300 billion in revenue by 2026. This dynamic industry is rapidly expanding, forming partnerships with educational institutions, governments, and corporations, positioning itself to create a significant positive impact in the Mena region, particularly in the major markets of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Gaming has become a key economic driver, projected to generate over $17 billion this year. With 17 million gamers in the Mena region, that number is anticipated to grow to 86 million next year. This remarkable growth is largely supported by various government initiatives, including Dubai’s Gaming 2033 South Division, which are making considerable investments in gaming, esports, infrastructure, and talent development. With this momentum, the region is poised to become a global hub for gaming, investment, education, and innovation. 

Expert Speakers:

Dr Adil Alzarooni, Leader of Entrepreneurial Teams, Entrepreneur, Investment Office, Author. Dr Adil leads several groups primarily centred on healthcare, education, financial services, real estate, and food and beverage. One of these groups is a venture studio dedicated to supporting companies that offer products and services aimed at improving quality of life.

Lucy Chow, Entrepreneur & Author “Changing the Game” Gaming & Esport Investor

She serves as an ambassador for Women and Games in the UK, where she promotes gender equality in gaming. Additionally, she is an investor and sits on the board of the American School of Dubai. With her diverse roles, Lucy will help illuminate the significance of this sector for everyone, regardless of the perspective they bring.

Javier Bernal, Co-Founder of Gosu Academy, a leading global institution in esports and gaming education. His company has educated over 20,000 students worldwide, with operations in the GCC, the Americas, and Europe. Their platform not only provides coaching for esports players but also collaborates with governments on educational initiatives. Additionally, they assist universities and schools in incorporating gaming and esports into their academic programs.

Basil Moftah, Managing Partner at Key Capital. For the past ten years, he has focused on early-stage primary investments across a variety of sectors, including education, health, gaming, fintech, and e-commerce. He recently shifted his strategy to focus on secondary investments, with the aim to purchase shares from angel investors, VCs, and employees who have devoted significant time and effort to create value but have yet to achieve liquidity on their holdings.

Mokhliss Barriol, Tech Entrepreneur; Founder & MD, Quivver SA. Mokhliss is a founder of an esports team in Europe and a tech entrepreneur. He operates a coffee business focused on robotics and collaborates with the education sector to enhance gaming skills. Additionally, he is the owner of a startup at the EPFL Incubator in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he is based.

Moderator: Lara Sif Hrafnkelsdottir, Vikingur Management-MENA, Private Funds, SMEs, Family Offices, Founder, Managing Partner

Lara Sif Hrafnkelsdottir: Can you give a brief insight into how gaming is reshaping industries and society as a whole?

Lucy Chow: Significant investments are being made in the gaming and esports industry in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, driven by innovation and economic potential. Gaming is positively impacting sectors like healthcare, with examples such as simulation games for medical training and FDA-approved games for ADHD treatment. In education, games like Minecraft enhance learning experiences and outcomes, shifting away from traditional teaching methods. Additionally, “games for good” focus on social impact, teaching cultural awareness and promoting environmental efforts, such as planting trees through gameplay.

Lara Sif Hrafnkelsdottir: Innovations have the potential to revolutionize education. In your opinion, which educational technology tool could significantly change the traditional classroom setting?

Dr Adil Alzarooni: Traditional education and societal conditioning contribute to widespread stress and poor preparation for the future. There are two main concerns: whether education equips future generations for upcoming challenges and if it teaches them to understand and manage quality of life. Gaming as a powerful cultural force that triggers hormonal responses similar to addiction but also offers potential as an educational tool. Leveraging the gaming industry’s deep understanding of players is worth exploring, to develop purposeful games that build skills like leadership and communication, promote balanced mental health, and better prepare individuals for life. There should be more collaborations between gaming companies and educational initiatives.

Lara Sif Hrafnkelsdottir: Considering how rapidly the industry is growing, how well does the talent pool keep up with this expansion? Is it sufficiently developed or still lagging behind? Additionally, how does gamification tie into this and contribute to talent development? Lastly, gaming and esports are increasingly becoming viable career paths.

Javier Bernal: The esports and gaming industry in the GCC region is growing rapidly but faces a significant talent gap. The Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia showcased this challenge, as most event staff were foreign, indicating a lack of local talent. Similarly, game development studios are eager to hire locals, but the educational system isn’t producing enough trained professionals. However, strong growth is expected in the gaming sector, driven by a youthful demographic and government initiatives aimed at job creation. While positive steps are being taken, such as partnerships to train junior developers and elite esports players, traditional education must adapt to meet industry needs. Integrating gaming curricula into academic programs could close the talent gap and enhance educational innovation in the region.

Lara Sif Hrafnkelsdottir: The gaming industry is continually evolving, driven by emerging technologies that are transforming the landscape. How do you perceive this transformation? Is gaming being viewed as a force for good? Additionally, what are your thoughts on the integration of virtual reality and augmented reality? What developments are taking place in these areas, and how do you envision their potential to foster education, innovation, and positive societal impact?

Mokhliss Barriol: In the early 2010s, the gaming industry’s growth led to increased demand for advanced graphics cards, benefiting Nvidia and prompting TSMC to develop three-nanometer chip technology, which advanced AI. Gaming continues to drive innovation across various sectors, including healthcare and military, with a notable focus on augmented reality (AR) as a transformative trend for the future. While there are doubts about virtual reality (VR), AR is seen as key to creativity. Currently, AI is integral to gaming, with 90% of developers using AI tools, fostering growth in startups during this transitional period influenced by digital technology.

Lara Sif Hrafnkelsdottir: Both gaming companies and governments are making significant investments in the industry. Could you share some insights into the current investment landscape within the gaming sector? 

Basil Moftah: The convergence of sectors raises complex questions about private investment strategies, particularly in education and edtech. In the UAE, where education is primarily private, investment in this sector is often discouraged due to misaligned incentives. Meanwhile, the gaming industry has thrived due to effective monetization and consumer demand for engaging content, presenting a unique opportunity to blend gaming with education. However, challenges like localization and the need for local content development remain. While the investment landscape is still maturing, particularly in technology sectors like fintech and health tech, there is significant potential for growth. Accelerating tech investment is crucial, especially as gaming rises in prominence. 

Lara Sif Hrafnkelsdottir: Diversity and inclusion are essential for the growth of the industry. In what ways can the gaming sector enhance its support for and promotion of diversity and inclusion, particularly for women and other underrepresented groups?

Lucy Chow: There are several initiatives in the region focused on empowering girls in gaming. One notable organization is GCON in Saudi Arabia, which has been active since 2012 and aims to introduce coding and various career opportunities in the gaming and esports fields to young girls. However, we still have a significant journey ahead. The challenge of increasing female representation in leadership roles is present across all industries, including gaming. Whether in gaming studios, creative agencies, casting, or production, we need more women in decision-making positions. This issue is consistent with trends seen in many other sectors. Additionally, organizations such as Women in Games in the UK serve as advocacy groups, organizing career fairs and maintaining a matching database for job opportunities. Nevertheless, we need to multiply these initiatives by a hundred to make a real impact.

Javier Bernal: In Saudi Arabia, one of our programs focused on helping individuals become professional tech players. Among the participants was the only female in the program, organized by the Saudi Sports Academy. Initially shy, she gained confidence over the course of the program and was eventually scouted to represent Saudi Arabia in the Arab leagues, where she achieved second place. Today, she is regarded as a legend and serves as a role model for aspiring female players across the country. It’s essential that we see more women reaching these top levels and creating success stories that inspire the next generation.

Lara Sif Hrafnkelsdottir: Recently, there has been a ruling on incorporating AI into the K-12 curriculum, reflecting a strong commitment from the UAE government to drive innovation. What are your thoughts on this initiative? How do you envision the future of education as this change unfolds? It may serve as a gateway to further advancements in the educational landscape. 

Dr Adil Alzarooni: AI has greatly enhanced personal productivity, streamlining communication and project completion. Tasks that once took weeks can now be finished in minutes, benefiting various fields, including economic research. However, this efficiency must be accompanied by a strong ethical foundation, especially as access to technology increases the potential for misuse. Educational systems are adapting by introducing entrepreneurial curriculums early, enabling students to develop essential skills like business planning and market research. This approach aims to prepare them for real-world challenges and reduce the need for re-education in university, emphasizing the importance of fundamental concepts alongside innovative learning methods. 

Lara Sif Hrafnkelsdottir: There’s a new career opportunity emerging in esports and gaming. Could you provide a brief overview of that? Additionally, is there any evidence to support the effectiveness of incorporating gaming into education?

Javier Bernal:  Gaming has significant potential to revolutionize education by offering pathways for hard skill acquisition in fields like game development, design, and esports careers, and by utilizing gamification for subject learning. The focus is on four areas: game development, design, and esports, which foster technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving. Research indicates that gaming programs boost motivation and interest in STEM, notably in initiatives like Girls Who Code and Minecraft Code Arcade. Esports creates career opportunities in an expanding ecosystem, though standard certifications are lacking. Overall, gamification enhances student engagement and motivation, leading to improved academic performance.

Lara Sif Hrafnkelsdottir: The rapidly evolving nature of this industry has led to numerous collaborations. Notably, luxury brands like Gucci and Prada are partnering with gaming companies, which clearly demonstrates growth and the direction of capital investment. Could you shed some light on this trend?

Mokhliss Barriol:  The esports industry has transformed dramatically since 2018, when team values were low and interest in esports was minimal in France. After acquiring the esports team OG, which is now valued at around $2 million, the author attributes this shift to major brand interest, paralleling esports with Formula 1 in the automotive sector. League of Legends, with 350 million daily active players and significant global championships, has attracted substantial sponsorships, elevating esports athletes as brand ambassadors. As traditional TV declines in favour of platforms like Twitch, brands such as Gucci and Coca-Cola are keen to engage with the esports market. The landscape is evolving, with influencers purchasing esports teams and brands sponsoring events, reflecting the integration of gaming and marketing.

Dr Adil Alzarooni: We have a partnership with a company and a university to create a gaming experience at Dunkin’ Donuts, which connects customers’ purchases with gaming rewards. We aim to monetize the relationship between gaming and local economies while fostering a more positive attitude toward entrepreneurship among parents and teachers. The initiative includes developing educational curriculums that incorporate gaming from an early age to encourage innovation and economic contribution.

Lara Sif Hrafnkelsdottir: The UAE has around 250 gaming studios, and the industry is evolving rapidly, focusing on educating youth and informing parents and teachers. While funding challenges exist, numerous initiatives are fostering positive change. The discussion raises questions about shifting investment outlooks in the sector.

Basil Moftah:  Several funds, including a prominent one in Saudi Arabia and a private fund in Abu Dhabi, are investing in the early-stage gaming sector, which still lacks a sustainable growth framework. There are concerns among parents about the industry’s viability and the long-term career prospects for skills related to gaming, highlighting the importance of adaptability. As learning becomes more crucial than specific content knowledge, investors face challenges in navigating this landscape. While the venture capital community is currently focused on AI, leading to inflated valuations, there is still growth potential in gaming. Investing in gaming now may yield greater rewards compared to those concentrating solely on AI, given the differing valuation levels.

Lucy Chow: Gamers can be compared to Olympians, with only about 1% reaching the top of their field. What I want everyone to understand is that no matter your background, there is a place for you in this industry. The goal is to ensure that everyone feels their child has a viable career path. For instance, you’ll read about a lawyer in the book who, despite her legal career, has always been passionate about gaming. She runs an immigration law firm in San Francisco, specifically serving gamers. She conducts her contracts through Twitch, which is an incredible blend of her legal expertise and gaming interest. It’s a great example of how one can be successfully employed while being part of the gaming community.

Javier Bernal: It’s evident that many of our coaches on our platform are currently being recruited as air traffic controllers. The skills they’ve honed as professional players align perfectly with the demands of these positions. Moreover, air traffic controllers earn a substantial salary, which underscores the value of their experience. Additionally, there are studies indicating that surgeons who are gamers tend to perform better in their surgeries. This highlights the importance of recognizing the numerous advantages and soft skills that gaming can cultivate. 

Mokhliss Barriol: Recently, the G42 platform in Abu Dhabi, backed by Microsoft Azure researchers, launched what is now the largest AI infrastructure in the region. This milestone is significant, especially from a gaming perspective. Last year, G42 introduced the first large language model in Arabic, known as JS, designed for the 400 million Arabic speakers globally. This model leverages data from 400 Arabic streamers, including notable figures like Adel.

The initiative supports cloud sovereignty, which empowers indie game developers and small companies to innovate without the burden of expensive hardware. This development is crucial for fostering a creative ecosystem in gaming, particularly in a region where major gaming firms are less prevalent. While the landscape may currently be sparse, it’s poised for significant growth, presenting exciting opportunities for investors.

Audience Question: How much can iGaming education potentially hinder the creativity and satisfaction of young people, who are primarily targeted by this industry? Furthermore, to what degree is this a concern today? Is there genuine interest from investors in the iGaming sector?

Lucy Chow: Creativity plays a crucial role in the gaming industry and the broader world. If a game isn’t enjoyable or immersive, it doesn’t quite meet the mark. I believe that for artists and musicians, entering the video game industry can provide a more accessible path to recognition. This sector offers numerous opportunities for creatives. Ultimately, I see the gaming industry as fundamentally centred around creativity; rather than diminishing it, it truly enhances and celebrates it.

Dr Adil Alzarooni: In the realm of gaming, individuals experience true freedom. They are able to create, express themselves, and explore their creativity. However, we may feel uneasy about this because it’s unfamiliar and different from our own experiences. Restricting gaming is effectively discouraging our children from engaging in a valuable form of creativity.

Javier Bernal:  Balance is key in education. Rather than eliminating traditional tools like pencils and pens, we should consider adding to them. Personally, I struggle with drawing, which limits my creative expression. Instead, I tend to focus on subjects like math, where I feel more confident. However, modern tools in gaming allow for immense creativity; you can design characters and build worlds using AI, which can really spark the imagination. It’s essential to maintain traditional methods while also embracing the incredible benefits that gaming and innovative tools bring to education.

Basil Moftah: Minecraft has positively influenced a generation, highlighting the need for a clearer definition of gaming. In the tech sector, FOMO investing and hype-chasing hinder gaming as a significant investment area, especially in less developed markets compared to the US and Europe, where investment is more disciplined. Successful games like Minecraft create self-sustaining investment ecosystems, prompting the question of gaming’s role in societal development. To support growth, we need to encourage a cycle of investment and innovation, a stage not yet reached in the gaming sector or other industries.

Audience Question:  How can more stakeholders, including leaders, parents, and individual contributors get involved? 

Dr Adil Alzarooni: The main challenges I faced were resistance from parents and a lack of support from teachers, whom I view as mentors. The belief that education could shift entirely to home learning during the COVID pandemic was disproven, as many parents returned their children to school for social interaction and a well-rounded education. The role of teachers will evolve to focus on facilitating personal growth rather than just dispensing knowledge. When I introduced entrepreneurship programs, I encountered scepticism from mentors and parents, who often fear failure. To create meaningful learning experiences, we need collaboration among students, teachers, and parents. Our school now has 35 teams working on entrepreneurship projects, and a similar approach is needed to engage with the gaming culture that students are more familiar with than adults.

Lucy Chow:  If you manage a brand, consider exploring the reasons to incorporate your brand into gaming. For C-suite executives, it’s important to assess the friction points within your organization. Are you facing challenges with employees completing timesheets? Do you struggle to achieve specific KPIs or sales goals? Many innovative companies are leveraging gamification to motivate their employees to tackle tasks they often postpone.