Saudi Esports Federation and Mastercard team up with Saudi National Bank

The Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) and Mastercard have announced a new strategic partnership with Saudi National Bank (SNB). The partnership is aimed at growing Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation and enhancing its gaming and esports infrastructure.

SNB will work with the SEF and Mastercard to work on new opportunities and build “innovative financial products and offerings” that will add value and enhance the gamers’ experience. The partnership builds on Mastercard’s current deal with the SEF as they work towards promoting Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry.

The SEF, Mastercard and SNB will also develop and unlock new experiences that will be powered by Web3 technology and will provide the gamers a chance to access exclusive benefits and unique experiences across the physical and digital worlds. 

Saud Abdulaziz Bajbair, Head of Retail Business Group at SNB, commented:

“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.“

Ahmed Al Bishri, Chief Operations Officer Saudi Esports Federation, said:

“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.”

Mete Güney, Executive Vice President of Services, EEMEA at Mastercard, added:

“We are delighted to collaborate with SNB and SEF – two like-minded organisations driven by a shared commitment towards accelerating digital transformation, realising 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.“