Saudi Arabia to host Global Games Show in June 2025

Saudi Arabia to host Global Games Show in June 2025

VAP Group in association with Times of Games is set to host The Global Games Show 2025 an exclusive event on 23-24th June, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that will bring together global gamers and enthusiasts with 5,000+ attendees, 200+ speakers, 300+ companies, and 250+ media representatives all under one roof to spearhead the gaming revolution with the latest gaming trends, innovations and tool and equipment.


The event comes at a time where unveiling Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Potential is creating significant strides in the gaming and digital entertainment sector as part of its Vision 2030 transformation.


Saudi Gaming Industry has some notable developments that includes The Saudi E-sports Federation’s (SEF) fostering growth in the gaming ecosystem by collaborating with global gaming giants and hosting major events to shape the future of e-sports in the region.
Additionally, The Kingdom has pledged substantial gaming investments to position itself as a leader in the gaming industry including support for local developers and partnerships with international gaming companies.


NEOM with its $1.5 trillion XVRS Metaverse platform, is all set to provide immersive digital experiences and an expansive space for the gaming community, encouraging investment and innovation in interactive entertainment will also be present.

Over the years, the Global Games Show has played a pivotal role in creating iconic leaders in the gaming arena and partnered with international gaming companies.

In 2025 edition attendees can expect to Interact with top creators, investors and gamers around the globe to create significant strides in the gaming and digital entertainment sector as part of its Vision 2030 transformation. Whether you’re an avid gamer, a tech leader, an investor or an entrepreneur looking to scale, this event is your gateway to the forefront of the gaming revolution.


Next-Gen Gaming & E-sports Hub – Discover the latest innovations driving the gaming industry forward.
A Platform for the Best in Gaming – Connect with developers, publishers, and creators.
Industry Insights from the Best – Hear from 200+ top speakers shaping the future of gaming and e-sports.
Unparalleled Networking – Build valuable connections with industry pioneers, gaming visionaries, and investors.
Tech Meets Gaming – Experience cutting-edge developments in game tech, AI, Web3 gaming, and immersive entertainment.

Saudi Ministry of IT partners with Blockchain accelerator Adaverse

Saudi Ministry of IT partners with Blockchain accelerator Adaverse

Adaverse, Venture Fund and Cardano Blockchain accelerator has partnered The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

As per the press release, the partnership aims to accelerate the development of Web 3 technologies and promote innovation in blockchains in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This collaboration will leverage the Ministry’s leadership in national digital transformation and Adaverse’s expertise in blockchain investments and technology infrastructure. It aims to equip local talent with access to the latest global advancements in this field.

Vincent Li, CEO of Adaverse Saudi Arabia, stated, “We take pride in contributing to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation by sharing our global expertise and resources. This partnership will help build a strong Web3 community in the Kingdom and drive innovation in blockchain technology.”

The partnership will include training and awareness programs to help local talent gain expertise in Web3 and Blockchain. It will also foster innovation with community meetups and hackathons and provide access to cutting edge technologies to support KSA’s tech ecosystem.

Additionally Adaverse will work with the Minsitry to establish startup accelerators in Web3 sector.

This announcement coincides with the new Web3 alliance that has been formed in KSA . Animoca Brands, SandBox, and Outlier Ventures announced that they have united key Blockchain and digital innovation players towards to goal of driving adoption and Web3 technologies aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

A new Web3 Alliance is formed in KSA

A new Web3 Alliance is formed in KSA

A new Web3 alliance has been formed in KSA . Animoca Brands, SandBox, and Outlier Ventures announced that they have united key Blockchain and digital innovation players towards to goal of driving adoption and Web3 technologies aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The non-profit association aims to create a collaborative ecosystem that empowers businesses and drives sustainable growth within Saudi Arabia by building on their previous initiatives and investments to advance the region’s digital landscape.

The alliance’s board is composed of industry leaders and experts based in Saudi Arabia, actively driving the Kingdom’s digital transformation. Supported by both international and local companies, these experts – including Dr. Abeer Al Humaimeedy, Yasser Alobaidan, Omar Elassar, Dr. Majid Almansouri, Wajd Badawi, Billal Yamak, Vincent Li, Bandar Altunisi, Ali Alasiri, and Stephan Apel – are deeply engaged in advancing innovation within the country.

“The Web3 Alliance of Saudi Arabia represents a crucial step forward in realizing the Kingdom’s vision for a digital future,” said Billal Yamak. “By bringing together expertise from both local and international leaders in the blockchain space, we’re creating a powerful platform for innovation and growth.”

On LinkedIn Bandar AlTunisi a Former Binance executive in MENA, stated, “Extremely excited to be a founding Board Member of the newly launched Web3 Alliance of Saudi Arabia (WASA)! WASA aims to accelerate the adoption and integration of blockchain technology and Web3 innovations in the Kingdom, through education, awareness, collaboration and policy support.”

The alliance will focus on four key pillars which include awareness and education, standards and best practice development, as well as research and development including networking and collaboration opportunities.

WASA will serve as the primary advocate for Web3 technology in the region, working independently to promote innovation rather than individual companies or entities.

The alliance’s governance structure includes a General Assembly and an Executive Committee, ensuring transparent and effective leadership. A comprehensive digital infrastructure and marketing strategy will support the alliance’s mission to connect and empower the Web3 community throughout Saudi Arabia.

Web3 enthusiasts, corporations, and industry leaders are invited to join the alliance and have a say in shaping the future of the Web3 ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.

NEOM and Outlier Ventures launched Web3 accelerator

In January of 2025, Neom, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city being built on the shores of the Red Sea partnered with Saudi Arabian NTDP ( National Technology Development Program) and Outlier Ventures, a global Web3 accelerator, to launch the first Web3 accelerator and the FutureSpark Base Camp Demo Day.

Naif Abu Saida, Director of Web3 at Neom stated in a LinkedIn post, ” The future is here, and it’s powered by Web3. Since the beginning of our Web3 journey at NEOM, we’ve been working tirelessly to bring innovation to the forefront, and today, we’re proud to unveil the Kingdom’s first Web3 accelerator!”

KSA based Oumla signs agreement with Saudi Bank SAB

KSA based Oumla signs agreement with Saudi Bank SAB

KSA based Oumla, a Layer 1 Blockchain platform for easy blockchain integration and digital asset storage, has signed an innovation agreement with Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB Bank), a Riyadh-based Saudi joint stock company in which global banking group HSBC owns a minority stake.

The collaboration agreement will seek to explore Blockchain technology and its application to advance financial innovation. As per the announcement on LinkedIn, the partnership reflects both parties’ commitment to driving digital transformation in the banking sector and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading hub for modern financial services.

This comes days after the Layer 1 blockchain company signed announced its partnership with Chainlink Blockchain, best known for solutions in onchain finance and cross-chain interoperability.

Major financial market infrastructures and institutions, such as Swift, Fidelity International, and ANZ Bank, as well as top DeFi protocols including Aave, GMX, and Lido, use Chainlink to power next-generation applications for banking, asset management, and other major sectors.

In an X post Oumla stated, “We are pleased to announce that Oumla is partnering with chainlink and adopting the Chainlink standard on OumlaChain, a compliance-focused, permissioned blockchain in Saudi Arabia.”

Saudi based Oumla Blockchain has partnered with Chainlink

Saudi based Oumla Blockchain has partnered with Chainlink

Oumla, a Layer 1 blockchain platform that allows applications to be built on any blockchain with ease, as well as offers a secure vault infrastructure for storing digital assets has announced its partnership with Chainlink.

Chainlink Labs is one of the primary contributing developers of Chainlink, the standard for onchain finance, verifiable data, and cross-chain interoperability. Chainlink is unifying liquidity across global markets and has enabled over $17 trillion in transaction value across the blockchain economy. Major financial market infrastructures and institutions, such as Swift, Fidelity International, and ANZ Bank, as well as top DeFi protocols including Aave, GMX, and Lido, use Chainlink to power next-generation applications for banking, asset management, and other major sectors.

In an X post Oumla stated, “We are pleased to announce that Oumla is partnering with chainlink and adopting the Chainlink standard on OumlaChain, a compliance-focused, permissioned blockchain in Saudi Arabia.”

The post adds, ” Bringing Chainlink SmartData to OumlaChain empowers enterprises, financial institutions, and government entities to move onchain, supporting the Kingdom’s blockchain innovation and digital transformation.”

Oumla in KSA, offers an intuitive infrastructure that caters to both businesses and government entities. The platform offers a suite of APIs and SDKs, enabling developers to build applications on top of any blockchain, including Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-based networks, without the need to master complex, low-level blockchain-specific protocols.

Oumla already partnered with Avalanche Blockchain

Prior to this announcement, Oumla partnered with Avalanche Blockchain to create Saudi Arabia’s first Layer on Blockchain fully hosted in the country.

At the time Oumla stated, “This collaboration will support startups and SMEs, driving technological innovation across Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. It will bring a secure, locally-hosted blockchain platform closer to home, we’re paving the way for growth and innovation aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. This partnership is part of our larger mission to develop the products the region needs to thrive in Web3 and blockchain technology, preparing the MENA market for a seamless transition into the digital future.
We’re excited to bring this vision to life and drive the next wave of technological transformation!”

Adaverce, the venture capital fund and Web3 accelerator with a base in KSA, invested in Oumla. In 2024 Adaverse published its first Web3 ecosystem report for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia showcasing growth, opportunities, as well as challenges. Since its inception, Adaverse has funded 54+ startups across Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

In addition Outlier Ventures has also chosen Oumla for its Spark accelerator program.

Chainlink has a presence in the UAE

In December 2024, Chainlink Labs, expanded its presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and set up an office and an entity in Abu Dhabi under the Registration Authority of ADGM.

At the same time, UAE Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, added a fifth council member of its Digital Asset Lab – Chainlink.

mCloudTech launches Blockchain, AI sustainability solution in Saudi Arabia

mCloudTech launches Blockchain, AI sustainability solution in Saudi Arabia

United States based, mCloudTech.ai Corp. (“mCloudTech.ai”), a provider of Web3 AI-enabled cloud applications optimizing the performance, reliability, and sustainability of energy-intensive assets has launched its Web3 Blockchain, AI, asset performance management platform on Google Cloud in 2025 in Saudi Arabia to track carbon emissions.

mCloudTech.ai, a MISA registered company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a key partner to deliver a decentralized experience that will empower the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to lead the way in effectively reducing carbon emissions by leveraging cloud solutions. mCloud plays a critical role in this vision, delivering exclusive digital sustainability applications built on Google Cloud.

This announcement marks a turning point in decarbonization efforts, positioning Saudi Arabia, mCloudTech.ai, and Google Cloud as leaders at the intersection of technology and sustainability.

AssetCare will integrate Web3 with blockchain and AI capabilities from Google Cloud to deliver a unified platform for carbon emissions tracking and digital measurement, reporting, and verification (DMRV). The solution enables full lifecycle management for carbon credits, from issuance to trading to retirement, ensuring transparency and accountability in decarbonization efforts. These innovations position AssetCare as the platform of choice for organizations on the path to net zero through asset performance optimization.

AssetCare’s Web3 capabilities will debut in Saudi Arabia, leveraging the Kingdom’s robust hyperscale infrastructure, data sovereign policies, and advanced AI ecosystem enabled by Google Cloud. Saudi Arabia, one of the largest global energy markets, provides an ideal launchpad for decarbonization and carbon trading activities. mCloudTech.ai and Google Cloud plan to expand globally, targeting energy-intensive economies with state-owned or national energy companies.

Russ McMeekin, mCloudTech.ai Co-Founder, President, and CEO said, “With mCloudTech.ai’s inception and our partnership with Google Cloud in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, AssetCare’s Web3 capabilities will be an excellent showcase of the Kingdom’s digital leadership. Saudi Arabia’s hyperscale compute, data sovereignty policies, and advanced AI capabilities enabled by Google Cloud underscore the Kingdom’s pivotal role in driving digital sustainability around the world. We are honored to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s success alongside organizations such as Aramco and their sustainability ambitions with the unparalleled capabilities of Google Cloud’s AI, LLM, and blockchain capabilities.”

Bader Almadi, Google Cloud Country Manager for Saudi Arabia added, “Today, mCloud provides valuable services that help global customers across industries improve their sustainability and streamline their operations. Now, these new capabilities in mCloud’s AssetCare platform, built on Google Cloud, can help customers even further track carbon emissions, streamline reporting, and manage carbon credits.”

In January 2025, mCloudTech signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Aramco. The MOU sees mCloud joining forces with Aramco to explore the co-development of a digital technology hub for delivering ESG solutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

UmrahCash and Saudi Hajj services to offer stablecoin payment solutions

UmrahCash and Saudi Hajj services to offer stablecoin payment solutions

Saudi based UmrahCash, a Blockchain fintech stablecoin issuer platform, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Muttawffys of Arabs Hajj Company (Ashraqat) aimed to revolutionize the pilgrimage experience for millions of Hajj and Umrah visitors to Saudi Arabia.

UmrahCash is a fintech platform dedicated to advancing Islamic financial inclusion. Using stablecoin technology, it simplifies currency exchange and payments for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, processing over $1 million in monthly transactions, less than a year since launch.

The partnerships will offer seamless, efficient, and innovative solutions for pilgrims allowing them to access local currency easily in Saudi Arabia, developing innovative solutions, joint marketing campaigns, and most importantly expanding the financial and logistical services available to pilgrims.

William Phelps, CEO and Founder of UmrahCash, remarked: “Pilgrimage is a sacred journey that should be enriching and seamless. Through our partnership with Ashraqat, we aim to eliminate barriers, providing pilgrims with financial and logistical support that is transparent, reliable, and in line with modern standards. Together, we are creating a future where pilgrims can focus solely on their spiritual journey.”

Founded nearly 40 years ago by royal decree, Ashraqat has revolutionized the service of Hajj pilgrims, transitioning from individual efforts to an institutionalized model.

Umrah Cash is supported by Cardano Accelerator

Cardano Blockchain accelerator Adaverse had invested and supported Umrah Cash among other startups in Saudi Arabia. Adaverse had published its first Web3 ecosystem report for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia showcasing growth, opportunities, as well as challenges. Since its inception, Adaverse has funded 54+ startups across Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

This announcement comes as Neom, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city being built on the shores of the Red Sea has partnered with Saudi Arabian NTDP ( National Technology Development Program) and Outlier Ventures, a global Web3 accelerator, to launch the first Web3 accelerator and the FutureSpark Base Camp Demo Day.

Neom and Outlier Ventures launch Web3 accelerator

Neom and Outlier Ventures launch Web3 accelerator

Neom, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city being built on the shores of the Red Sea has partnered with Saudi Arabian NTDP ( National Technology Development Program) and Outlier Ventures, a global Web3 accelerator, to launch the first Web3 accelerator and the FutureSpark Base Camp Demo Day.

Naif Abu Saida, Director of Web3 at Neom stated in a LinkedIn post, ” The future is here, and it’s powered by Web3.  Since the beginning of our Web3 journey at NEOM, we’ve been working tirelessly to bring innovation to the forefront, and today, we’re proud to unveil the Kingdom’s first Web3 accelerator!”
NEOM, in collaboration with NTDP and, Outlier Ventures, presented FutureSpark Base Camp Demo Day in Riyadh. This event featured nine cutting-edge startups from the local and global Web3 ecosystem, highlighting the talent and innovation shaping the future of technology.

The Demo Day took place on January 20th 2025, Abu Saida noted,” On Monday, we wrapped up an amazing day at the FutureSpark Base Camp Demo Day! The energy in the room was incredible as nine talented startups showcased their hard work and bold ideas. A huge shoutout to the teams for their inspiring presentations and for sharing how they’re breaking new ground in Web3 technology. It’s exciting to see how their innovations could shape the future of the digital world. We’re also deeply thankful to our partners, National Technology Development Program NTDP and Outlier Ventures, for their tremendous effort to make this program a success story.”

According to Abu Saida this is just the beginning. The FutureSpark Base Camp cohort is one of many cohorts to come, supporting Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing Web3 ecosystem and paving the way for more innovation.

Outlier Ventures developed Base Camp Program in KSA

This is not the first program that Outlier Ventures has participated in. In 2024 it announced the launch of its Riyadh KSA Base Camp Program. The Base Camp Program, will start in early September 2024 for a duration of 12 weeks. Investments will reach up to $100,000 to help startups who are accepted relocate to Saudi Arabia. As per Outlier Ventures website, the Riyadh-based program would take the strongest founders across the region’s most promising technology verticals, giving them the resources they need to build industry-defining startups.

Neom partnered with Animoca brands to build solid Web3 infrastructure

In 2024, Animoca Brands and Saudi Arabian NEOM Investment Fund signed a strategic partnership that included a $50 million convertible notes financing from NEOM into Animoca. In early January of 2025, Animoca Brands announced that the next step of the partnership is fast approaching and it includes building a solid web3 infrastructure using innovative technologies.

Kingdom Holdings will invest in crypto only in one case

Kingdom Holdings will invest in crypto only in one case

In an interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, the CEO of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), led by Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, Talal Ibrahim Al-Maiman noted that while they might invest in Tiktok If the USA or Trump invests in it, they will not invest in crypto as long as they cannot buy goods with cryptocurrencies.

Using Warren Buffet’s famous theory, ” You dont buy, you dont invest in what you cannot use to buy goods” . As such Al Maiman told Reuters that Kingdom Holdings has no immediate plans to invest in cryptocurrencies due to their limited adoption as a payment method.

CEO of Kingdom Holdings, Talal Ibrahim al-Maiman told Reuters that the company known for its traditional value investing strategy and its diversified portfolio of $13.6 billion in assets remains skeptical of the digital asset market.

Al-Maiman explained on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. “Since we can’t buy goods with cryptocurrencies, we’re not looking into them at this time.”

Although there has been ongoing speculation on social media about Saudi royal family investments in cryptocurrencies, Alwaleed has consistently expressed doubt. In 2017, the prince publicly stated that he believed bitcoin would eventually “implode.”

Kingdom Holding remains aligned with Alwaleed’s long-standing approach, favoring established sectors like finance, hospitality, healthcare, media, technology, and real estate over speculative digital assets.

However it recently invested in AI, taking part in the $6 billion Series B round of Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup “xAI”, at a valuation of $24 billion.

This comes as the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region ranks as the seventh-largest crypto market globally in 2024, with an estimated $338.7 billion in on-chain value received between July 2023 and June 2024, accounting for 7.5% of the world’s total transaction volume.

While the UAE got its first regulated AED (UAE Dirham) stablecoin approved by the Central Bank of the UAE and is set to launch soon according to AE Coin’s X post.

Saudi SpaceBelt awards SpaceChain for low earth orbit satellite encryption

Saudi SpaceBelt awards SpaceChain for low earth orbit satellite encryption

Saudi Arabian Space Belt Telecom Services, a privately owned entity in KSA, has awarded SpaceChain, a pioneering leader in space-as-a-service technologies, a transformative contract to spearhead the development, construction, and mission management of SpaceBelt Telecom Services’ patented technology platform, enabling the world’s first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite capable of generating in-orbit encryption keys and distributing them via existing LEO constellations to ground-based equipment.

This mission is slated to be the first of a larger constellation to progress SpaceBelt’s investment in data storage and earth observation imagery. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s in-orbit distributed transactional capabilities and showcases the nation’s commitment to driving innovation within the global space economy.

Leveraging its proven expertise in satellite technology and infrastructure development, SpaceChain will lead the end-to-end satellite construction and mission management, setting a new standard for space-based secure communication and data services.

Cliff Beek, CEO of SpaceChain, stated, “We are honored to partner with SpaceBelt Telecom Services in this transformative venture. This mission not only highlights the Kingdom’s growing role in the space sector but also demonstrates the potential of space technologies to deliver secure, scalable solutions for enterprises and governments worldwide.”

A spokesperson for SpaceBelt Telecom Services Co. KSA stated, “Partnering with SpaceChain allows us to contribute to the Kingdom’s 2030 vision. We are thrilled to bring this capability to the Kingdom, aiming to advance space-based data services and secure communications and positioning SpaceBelt Telecom Services as a leader in the evolving global space economy”

The satellite project will revolutionize secure communications, enable space-data storage, and support advanced satellite services. This contract strengthens SpaceChain’s leadership in satellite technology and mission management, reaffirming its commitment to space innovation.

This mission is the first in a planned constellation, and aims to launch in June 2025. More importantly, the mission advances Saudi Arabia’s space innovation and aligns with the Kingdom’s 2030 vision.

Leveraging its expertise, SpaceChain will lead the software design and end-to-end mission management, setting a new benchmark for space-based technologies.
In 2025, SpaceChain aims to pursue our niche market position by developing secure payment platforms within uncharted territories and transforming challenges into opportunities. The company intends to accelerate Space Commercialization: Expand payment applications across satellite networks and services to drive the adoption of decentralized fintech solutions.

In addition it will develop AI-powered applications for space data analysis, ensuring our clients stay ahead in decision-making, as well as launch education and outreach programs to inspire the next generation of innovators in blockchain and space exploration.