nabd-alhadath – Ahmed Bin Abdulqader
Power League Gaming (PLG), the MENA region’s leading full-service gaming and esports agency, has unveiled an exciting new report in partnership with Ipsos, the global leader in market research, offering a deep dive into the gaming ecosystems of the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This comprehensive study reveals the habits, preferences, and motivations of gamers in the region, shining a spotlight on how gaming is shaping entertainment culture across two unique and thriving markets.
The survey report, conducted in December 2024, draws insights from 300 respondents in each of these countries, selected through Ipsos’ robust online panel.
A Tale of Two Gaming Powerhouses
According to the report, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are at the forefront of the Middle East’s gaming evolution, each bringing its own dynamic identity to the industry. In the UAE, 100% of surveyed gamers actively play video games, dedicating an average of 1.2 hours daily to gaming, while their Saudi counterparts spend 1 hour per day. However, Saudi gamers demonstrate their enthusiasm through widespread adoption, with 59% aged 15-24 and 27% being female – an indication of growing inclusivity in the Kingdom. In contrast, the UAE’s gaming audience reflects a multicultural blend, with 62% of participants being expats and 36% aged 30 or older, indicating a mature and diverse player base.
Mobile is King, but Platforms Tell Unique Stories
Across both markets, mobile gaming reigns supreme. In the UAE, 77% of gamers play on smartphones, closely followed by 71% in KSA. Saudi Arabia, however, leads in console gaming, with 50% of gamers favouring consoles compared to 46% in the UAE. Meanwhile, the UAE sees stronger adoption of PC gaming, where 45% of players turn to desktops and laptops compared to 34% in KSA. These preferences reflect how accessibility, affordability, and cultural nuances uniquely shape gaming habits in each market.
Unique Stories, Diverse Gaming Tastes Drive Engagement
The types of games players gravitate towards highlight the diversity in gaming interests. In Saudi Arabia, Fortnite enjoys strong usage among 3 in 5 gamers, primarily driven by younger and female players, while PubG and EAFC (EA Sports FC) attract a predominantly male audience. Meanwhile, UAE gamers show a balanced engagement with popular games such as Minecraft, PUBG, and Fortnite, catering to a wide demographic range. Localised content such as culturally relevant themes, language settings, and storylines tailored to the region, remains a critical factor for both markets, as players increasingly seek culturally relevant stories and settings in the games they play.
In-Game Spending Soars Across the Region
In-game purchases are a significant part of gaming culture, with 67% of Saudi gamers investing in virtual items, closely matched by UAE players at 66%. On average, Saudi gamers spend SAR 87 monthly, while UAE gamers spend AED 92. Spending decisions are largely influenced by recommendations, online reviews, discounts, and social media influencers offering brands a clear opportunity to connect with audiences through targeted campaigns and value-driven offerings.
Gaming as a Lifestyle
Gaming has evolved beyond the screen to become a lifestyle activity, blending seamlessly into daily routines. In Saudi Arabia, six in ten gamers report eating or drinking while playing, and both markets indicate high engagement with platforms like YouTube and Twitch for consuming gaming content. This integration of gaming into everyday life reflects its growing role as a cultural and social connector.
Mathew Pickering, CEO of Power League Gaming, said: “The Ipsos report offers fascinating insight into the behaviour and motivators of players in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. From platform affinities to their demand for localised content, it’s incredible to uncover what drives gamers. The report also highlights immense opportunities for brands to connect with this audience through tailored campaigns and culturally relevant content. At Power League Gaming, we’re proud to lead innovation in the region, helping brands and publishers forge authentic connections in the gaming world and this study helps us advise our partners with further clarity and confidence.”
The Ipsos report reveals a vibrant gaming ecosystem in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, each offering unique opportunities for growth. The UAE’s technologically advanced and diverse player base highlights the appeal of a broad spectrum of gaming experiences, while Saudi Arabia’s youthful, inclusive audience positions the Kingdom as a rising global powerhouse in gaming.
Power League Gaming is proud to be at the forefront of this evolution, empowering gamers, brands, and developers to engage with these dynamic markets. As the gaming industry in the Middle East continues to thrive, Power League Gaming remains committed to driving innovation and meaningful connections in the gaming world.
For more information on Power League Gaming, visit https://powerleaguegaming.com/
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