The widely anticipated Next World Forum, which will be attended by gamers and esports experts from around the world, kicks off in Riyadh on the seventh of September and runs for two days.
Next World Forum begins with a panel discussion entitled Saudi Spotlight: What Now, What Next, in which the Kingdom’s extensive gaming and esports aspirations, as well as plans for nurturing local talents and developing the sector nationally, will be highlighted.
It will be attended by several prominent figures, including Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Esports Federation Chairman Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Communications and Information Technology Commission Governor Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi, NEOM project CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr, Qiddiya Investments Managing Director Abdullah Al-Dawood, Savvy Gaming Group CEO Brian Ward.
Over the two days, the Forum will host discussions and lectures moderated by gaming and esports experts from around the world. The topics of discussion include virtual and enhanced reality, the metaverse, health and safety in the digital world, and the roles governments can play in strengthening esports.
For his part, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan said: “The Next World Forum is a platform for shaping the future of esports and gaming, both in Saudi Arabia and at a global level. Having such a unique event in Riyadh is a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s gaming and esports journey, and the ideas and inspiration that emanate from gathering people in such a setting should not be underestimated.”
The first day includes, among others, a panel entitled Gaming and Esports as the Next Frontier of Media, which will be attended by administrators and executives from various sectors and institutions tied to esports.
It will be moderated by Dr. Alex Schudey, Managing Director and Partner of the Boston Consulting Group. He will be joined by speakers Chester King, the CEO of British Esports and Vice President of the Global Esports Federation; Stephan Fox, President, United Through Sports and Vice President, GAISF; and Vlad Marinescu, President of the International Esports Federation. The session will zero in on how gaming is shaping entertainment.
The second day will also see several panels, including Gaming my Life: Dark Side, Light Side. It will include Joana Pérez Martorell, the Chief of Partnerships at UNICEF; Houssam Chahine, Chief of Private Sector Partnerships and Philanthropy for MENA at UNHCR; Désiré Koussawo, an international esports consultant; and Vlad Marinescu, the President of the International Esports Federation.
Far from the only big hitters at the Next World Forum, they will be joined by over 1,200 other senior figures, including sports ministers of leading countries, major investors, video game developers, sport federation representatives, professional gamers, public sector representatives, prominent advertisers, publishers, and media figures.
