Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Qiddiya City, the world’s first city designed entirely for play, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Geekay Group, a leading name in the Middle East’s gaming and entertainment industry. This collaboration aims to establish Qiddiya as the premier global destination for gaming and esports, combining cutting-edge digital and physical experiences to create an unparalleled “phygital” environment.
The partnership, officially signed at the New Global Sport Conference, outlines a comprehensive strategy for integrating Geekay’s expertise across multiple sectors within the gaming ecosystem. This includes the creation of a flagship store by Geekay Retail, which will merge physical and digital realms, offering visitors a curated selection of gaming merchandise and collectibles. Additionally, immersive fan zones will be developed within the Qiddiya Gaming & Esports District, further enhancing the city’s reputation as a hub for innovation and entertainment.
Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “This partnership represents a pivotal step in our quest to make Qiddiya the world’s leading gaming and esports destination. By merging our expertise and resources, we aim to develop a world-class gaming and esports district that will attract global visitors, gamers, and professionals, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global leader in entertainment and innovation. Together, we will set a new benchmark for fan experiences while advancing athlete and talent development.”
Kishan Palija, CEO of Geekay Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the venture: “We are excited to join forces with Qiddiya in this groundbreaking venture. This collaboration will significantly enhance the gaming and esports landscape in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Our shared vision will drive the evolution of the industry, and we are eager to explore these opportunities and contribute to Qiddiya’s rise as a global leader in esports and entertainment.”
The collaboration also involves Geekay Distribution, which will establish key distribution channels for software, hardware, merchandise, and intellectual properties (IPs) within the Qiddiya Gaming & Esports District. By leveraging its extensive regional expertise, Geekay will partner with manufacturers and retailers to ensure that Qiddiya becomes a central hub for the latest and most sought-after gaming products across the Middle East.
In addition, K2S Media, a subsidiary of Geekay Group, will set up a dedicated marketing hub within Qiddiya. This hub will play a critical role in promoting high-profile gaming and esports events, such as the Esports World Cup (EWC), as well as facilitating new product launches. K2S Media will collaborate with global and regional companies, further positioning Qiddiya as the ultimate destination for gaming and esports enthusiasts.
This partnership between Qiddiya and Geekay is poised to transform the gaming and esports industry, not just in Saudi Arabia, but on a global scale, setting new standards for fan engagement, product availability, and event management in the digital age.
