During the SEF Awards, Saudi National Bank announced a strategic partnership agreement with Mastercard and the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) to accelerate Saudi Arabia's digital transformation and improve its gaming and esports infrastructure. Mastercard's ongoing relationship with SEF to promote the Kingdom's billion-dollar gaming industry will be leveraged in this collaboration.
The three entities will collaborate to investigate and develop innovative financial products and services that add value and improve the gaming experience.
The agreement will leverage the resources, expertise, and networks of all three partners to cater to Saudi Arabia's youth and gaming community, in line with Mastercard's commitment to creating priceless moments for consumers to enjoy.
On this occasion, Saud Abdulaziz Bajbair, Head of Retail Business Group at SNB, said: ”This partnership confirms the importance of the private sector’s role in supporting the overall development movement in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030. This agreement is an important step in the dissemination of new digital technologies that will contribute to making the Kingdom a leading hub for gaming and e-sports.”
The collaboration capitalises on the significance and rapid growth of Saudi Arabia's e-gaming industry. It intends to strengthen e-presence gaming's and capitalise on its potential and capabilities by encouraging innovation to drive further advancements in this sector. This step also demonstrates SNB's interest in the development of the Saudi e-gaming community and sector by assisting in the development of an e-gaming industry that is gaining traction among a significant segment of Saudi society.
“We understand just how impactful gaming is and can be. By partnering with Mastercard and SNB, we aim to bring the Kingdom’s gaming potential to bear, enhancing the country’s gaming landscape and spurring even greater innovation. This will benefit so many — for generations to come — setting the Kingdom apart as an attractive investment destination while delivering innovative gaming experiences,” said Ahmed Al Bishri, Chief Operations Officer Saudi Esports Federation.
“We are delighted to collaborate with SNB and SEF – two like-minded organizations driven by a shared commitment towards accelerating digital transformation, realizing Saudi Arabia’s tech potential, and achieving its Vision 2030. The historic agreement is well on its way to help showcase the new technologies that are playing important roles in transforming the Kingdom into a leading hub for gaming and esports, and – more broadly – for business, tourism, leisure, and innovation. Together, we seek to build on the efforts of the Saudi leadership to enhance the local gaming industry, bolstering it to deliver truly immersive and memorable experiences for gamers across the Kingdom and bridging these experiences across physical and digital realities,” said Mete Güney, Executive Vice President of Services, EEMEA at Mastercard.
Through this collaboration, SNB, SEF, and Mastercard will create and unlock new Web3-powered experiences that will provide gamers with exclusive benefits and immersive experiences in both the physical and digital worlds.
This new digital community and experience will be an open space for gamers, creators, and collectors to shape and own Saudi esports' future. Members of the community will be able to access virtual creations and use them in digital games and immersive experiences.