Dr. Sultan Almasoud, managing partner of Morgan Lewis’s Riyadh office, has been closely involved in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s rapid evolution into a global hub for innovation. His insights on the questions below shed light on the trends reshaping technology and esports—and the opportunities they unlock for investors and operators entering the market.
Q&A: SULTAN ALMASOUD
1. What are the most significant technology trends currently driving growth in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is undergoing one of the most ambitious digital transformation journeys in the world. The most significant trend is the rapid adoption of AI across government, financial services, healthcare, and industrial sectors. Vision 2030 has accelerated investment in AI-ready infrastructure, digital identity, automation, and data platforms that support new digital services at scale.
We also are seeing strong momentum in cloud migration, driven by hyperscaler expansions, data localization policies, and new solutions that make it easier for public and private entities to adopt cloud-native technologies. In parallel, fintech innovation, digital payments, and open banking are creating a dynamic ecosystem of startups, investors, and regulators working together to modernize the financial landscape.
In addition, Saudi Arabia’s giga projects are acting as large-scale accelerators for advanced technologies, while strong regulatory frameworks around data, cloud, and cybersecurity are providing international investors with clarity and confidence. Combined with significant investment in digital talent and localization, this is enabling sustainable, long-term technology-driven growth across the Kingdom.
2. How is Saudi Arabia positioning itself as a global hub for esports?
Saudi Arabia has made esports a national priority, fundamentally reshaping the sector. The launch of the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) and the Esports World Cup, supported by major public investment commitments, has placed the Kingdom at the center of global competitive gaming.
But the strategy extends beyond events. The country is developing training academies, production studios, esports arenas, and digital platforms that sustain year-round player and audience engagement. This ecosystem-driven approach is drawing global publishers, teams, and content creators who now view Saudi Arabia as a foundational market for long-term esports growth.
3. What opportunities do you see emerging for investors and companies entering the Saudi tech and esports market?
There is tremendous opportunity at the intersection of technology, entertainment, and digital infrastructure. For technology companies, opportunities are especially strong in AI solutions, cybersecurity, cloud services, digital identity, and smart city platforms.
In esports, the most compelling opportunities lie in content creation, talent development, gaming studios, tournament production, and technologies supporting broadcasting, analytics, and community engagement. Investors who understand the regulatory environment and align with the Kingdom’s long-term vision will find a market eager for strategic partnerships.
4. What challenges should companies keep in mind when operating in these fast-evolving sectors?
These sectors are evolving quickly, which makes regulatory navigation an important challenge. Companies need to stay aligned with requirements around licensing, content regulation, data protection, and foreign investment—areas that are developing alongside the industry itself.
Another key challenge is specialized talent. Whether it's game design, AI engineering, or esports event management, building local capability is essential. Companies that invest early in training programs, knowledge transfer, and local partnerships will be best positioned for sustainable growth.
Ultimately, success requires a long-term commitment to the market, strong local relationships, and an understanding of national priorities as the Kingdom advances its digital transformation goals.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of global innovation, with technology and esports playing central roles in the nation’s economic transformation. As investment accelerates and new digital ecosystems emerge, companies that build strategic partnerships and engage deeply with local priorities will be poised to lead. Morgan Lewis is committed to helping clients navigate this dynamic landscape and capture the opportunities shaping the Kingdom’s digital future.