Global Games Show Riyadh 2026

Global Games Show Riyadh 2026 is a leading B2B gaming industry summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, taking place at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention. Positioned as the Kingdom’s premier business-of-gaming event, it connects game developers, publishers, investors, studios, esports organisations, and technology providers under one roof.

The event is organised by VAP Group and builds on earlier Global Games Show editions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, expanding the series into Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing gaming and esports market.

Global Games Show Riyadh 2026 is tailored for professionals and organisations active across gaming, esports, Web3, and related technology verticals. It welcomes all experience levels while focusing strongly on decision makers and growth-focused teams.

Roles and organisations that gain particular value include:

• Game developers and studios seeking to showcase projects, learn about emerging technologies, and connect with publishers and investors for funding or publishing deals
• Publishers and distributors looking to scout new titles, identify regional partners, and expand portfolios across Saudi Arabia, the GCC, and global markets
• Esports teams and tournament organisers aiming to engage sponsors, platforms, and regulators and understand Saudi Arabia’s evolving esports infrastructure and events landscape
• Investors, VCs, and funds accessing pipelines of gaming and Web3 opportunities and joining curated investment discussions
• Ad tech and marketing professionals exploring gaming as a marketing channel, in-game advertising, influencer-driven campaigns, and esports sponsorship opportunities
• Web3, metaverse, and blockchain projects interested in integrating with gaming ecosystems, exploring digital asset models, and building partnerships with studios and platforms
• Technology and hardware providers presenting infrastructure, cloud, engine, and hardware solutions tailored to game developers, studios, and esports venues

Global Games Show Riyadh combines expert-led conference sessions with a global gaming expo and structured networking. The programme is designed around high-impact keynotes, panels, investor meetings, and exhibition showcases that support commercial growth and market expansion in gaming and digital entertainment.

Attendees can expect:

• Visionary keynotes from game studios, publishers, platforms, and tech innovators
• High-impact panels on game development, monetization, publishing, Web3 gaming, AI in games, esports growth, and regulation
• A dedicated investor lounge connecting founders, studios, publishers, VCs, investors, and strategic partners
• Exhibition areas featuring games, platforms, engines, hardware, esports solutions, AR/VR, and gaming technologies

The Riyadh edition is framed as the Kingdom’s premier B2B gaming event, aligning closely with national ambitions for gaming, esports, and digital entertainment. It offers direct access to global decision makers, including founders, CXOs, investors, policymakers, and innovators, making it an effective entry point into Saudi Arabia, GCC, and wider Middle East markets.

Testimonials from previous Global Games Show editions highlight its value in showcasing the future of interactive entertainment, bringing together creators, marketers, and game builders, and creating meaningful discussions around gaming, marketing, and AI. For companies targeting Saudi Vision 2030-related opportunities in gaming and immersive media, the Riyadh event provides a focused environment for learning, partnership building, and strategic positioning.