ESL FACEIT Group has signed a five-year partnership agreement with Qiddiya City, as the two aim to engage their respective sets of supporters and invite them to share the common vision and “help shape the future global Gaming & Esports District in Qiddiya City”.

As per the agreement, ESL will work on developing “immersive experiences”, in-game missions, and stage takeovers during global events, and all gamers and fans will have access to the developments during DreamHack festivals, ESL and IEM competitions, and on EFG’s digital esports platform, FACEIT. 

Qiddiya’s Gaming & Esports District will also be the first mix-use gaming and esports district in the world as ESL aims to make it “an epicentre for esports fandom and the development of professional gamers and also as regional headquarters for leading video game companies and esports organisations.”

Craig Levine, Co-CEO, ESL FACEIT Group, commented:

“Qiddiya is a city built for and inspired by the global esports and gaming community in one of the industry’s fastest-growing markets. As a pioneering global destination for gaming and esports, Qiddiya City will grow and develop in collaboration with the community, an important cornerstone for a more sustainable future. We’re confident and honoured that EFG’s decades of experience will create value for the city’s scalable, fan-first vision.“

Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director, Qiddiya Investment Company, said:

“As a global Capital of Play, Qiddiya City will host a critical component of Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, and help power the next generation of esports. Our partnership with ESL FACEIT Group ensures that players, fans, and creators worldwide will play a central role in building this unprecedented hub of entertainment and innovation. We will be setting a new benchmark for fan experiences in parallel with athlete and talent development.“

Franck Guignery, SVP Middle East and Africa, ESL FACEIT Group, added:

“The growth of gaming in the Kingdom has transformed its young and progressive esports scene into a powerhouse that will fuel the global community. This partnership brings us parity that pushes the landscape forward through compelling narratives and must-watch global events. Together with Qiddiya, we’re inviting the community to own and shape the future home of esports and gaming and create a positive impact in the industry.”