A contract valued at around $700 million has been awarded to China’s CSCEC; the new arena will seat 5,155 spectators and form part of a district designed to host major global esports tournaments

Riyadh | BETH

The construction contract for the gaming and esports arena in Qiddiya City has been awarded to China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), at an estimated value of around $700 million, as part of the development of Qiddiya’s Gaming and Esports District.

The arena will have a planned capacity of 5,155 seats, placing it among the world’s largest dedicated esports venues, according to information published by Qiddiya about the district, which includes four major arenas and facilities designed for international clubs and companies.

The arena forms part of a gaming and esports district spanning more than 183,000 square meters, which Qiddiya is developing as a future home for the Esports World Cup, alongside regional headquarters for more than 30 specialized companies and facilities capable of hosting professional clubs.

From Tournament to Industry

The value of the contract reflects more than the scale of a single venue; it shows the size of the investment being directed toward transforming esports from seasonal events into permanent infrastructure.

Qiddiya is not simply building an arena for watching matches; it is developing an integrated district designed to bring together competitions, clubs, companies, audiences, and the gaming industry in one location.

This is consistent with Saudi Arabia’s expansion in esports after hosting major international tournaments and developing the Esports World Cup, with the next phase moving from hosting the event to building a permanent home for it.

Qiddiya Builds the Market

What stands out is that the investment is not directed only toward audiences, but toward the ecosystem that creates the market itself.

World-class arenas, corporate headquarters, professional clubs, and continuous events mean the objective goes beyond entertainment to attracting investment, localizing jobs and expertise, and building an economy linked to gaming and esports.

Qiddiya is therefore gradually evolving from a major entertainment project into a platform seeking an advanced position in a fast-growing global industry.

The clearest message is this: Saudi Arabia is no longer content with hosting gaming tournaments; it is building the infrastructure that allows the industry itself to establish a permanent presence.