Why MENA is the next frontier for global e-game developers?

Author: Mohammed Al-Mulla, Head of Asia at Invest Qatar

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is rapidly emerging as one of the most dynamic frontiers in the global gaming industry. Once seen primarily as a consumer market, the region is now transforming into a hub for innovation, investment and growth opportunities for developers worldwide. According to a recent report by Modor Intelligence, the global gaming market is projected to reach $435.44 billion by 2030, up from 269.06 billion in 2025, reflecting a strong 10.37% CAGR.

Within this broader surge, the Middle East region is expected to post the fastest growth at 12.9% CAGR, supported by significant investments in esports parks, publishing hubs and innovation infrastructure. Governments across the region view gaming not only as an entertainment sector, but as a strategic catalyst for economic diversification.

Across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), countries are advancing ambitious gaming strategies. Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy aims to generate $13.3 billion in GDP and 39,000 jobs by 2030, while Dubai’s Gaming Program 2033 targets $1 billion in GDP and 30,000 jobs.

Global industry leaders landing in Qatar

Attracting world-class players in the gaming sector is central to Qatar’s ambition of building a globally competitive creative economy. A recent milestone in this journey is the entry of Tencent’s global gaming brand, Level Infinite, through a strategic partnership with Invest Qatar, the country’s investment promotion agency.

As one of the world’s leading technology and entertainment conglomerates, Tencent oversees more than three dozen game studios worldwide and recorded revenues exceeding $25.7 billion in Q2 2025, a 15% increase YoY driven by strong gaming performance and accelerated AI investments. Its decision to anchor a presence in Qatar signals more than just commercial expansion. It underscores the country’s growing relevance as a hub for digital innovation and a gateway to the region’s fast-evolving creative economy.

At the same time, Qatar is bridging the gap between international gaming giants and the Arabic-speaking market. It is actively supporting gaming publishers, such as Digital Dunes, as well as gaming studios, including Mezan Studios, Digit Ink and COREGAME. From attracting global gaming brands to funding Arabic-language game development, Qatar is steadily building an ecosystem where developers, publishers and professional players can thrive.

Addressing challenges to accelerate momentum in gaming sector

As with any emerging industry, the gaming sector is navigating a set of challenges, that will shape its future trajectory, from evolving regulatory frameworks to the rising costs of digital infrastructure. However, these challenges are not unique; they are characteristic of new industries worldwide. When addressed proactively, they can serve as catalysts for accelerated growth.

Qatar is seizing this opportunity by building one of the region’s most compelling ecosystems for gaming and digital content. Key strengths include:

• World-class infrastructure and connectivity: Qatar ranks 1st globally in mobile internet speed (Internet Speed Index 2024), 2nd worldwide in general infrastructure (AI Readiness Index 2023), with near 100% mobile penetration and rapid adoption of 5G.
• Robust IP protection frameworks that safeguard creativity and innovation.
• High quality of life: Qatar ranks 2nd globally for safety and security (Numbeo Quality of Life Index 2025) and 2nd globally for healthcare and wellbeing (Expat Insider City Ranking 2024).
• A diverse and skilled talent pipeline, supported by leading universities and accelerators, with Qatar ranked 1st globally in talent attraction (INSEAD Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2024).
• Tailored support programmes: Startup Qatar, launched by Invest Qatar, serves as a one-stop platform connecting entrepreneurs to support services, funding, and incubators. As part of this initiative, Qatar Development Bank’s Startup Qatar Investment Program provides up to $500,000 in seed funding and $5 million for expansion. The first cohort received $12 million in total funding, including successful gaming applicant, SEKGames, a hybrid casual mobile games developer and publisher.

Taken together, these efforts not only strengthen Qatar’s domestic gaming ecosystem but also position the country as a regional benchmark for innovation and sectoral growth. With its young, tech-savvy population, ambitious national visions and expanding collaborative platforms, Qatar offers fertile ground for those ready to create, invest and innovate.