Playbook has entered the esports arena through a new strategic partnership with the Arab Esports Federation, aimed at developing gaming and esports talent across 20 Arab countries and connecting players to leadership and entrepreneurial learning programmes. Arabian Business The agreement links the federation, which brings together national esports bodies across the region, with Playbook’s digital network of founders, investors, technologists and creators so young gamers can see a clear path from competition into long term careers.

The partnership is framed as a one year collaboration with plans to expand in line with regional gaming and digital entertainment ambitions, according to the official announcement.  It comes at a time when gaming in the Arab world is growing quickly. Recent analysis based on research from IMARC Group values the wider Middle East gaming market at around 17 billion dollars in 2024, with potential to reach 42.6 billion dollars by 2033 if current trends continue. Other market studies place the broader Middle East and North Africa games sector at roughly 7.45 billion dollars in 2023, which confirms that the region is already a serious global player rather than an emerging niche. 

Saudi Arabia has become a focal point for this momentum, backed by a 38 billion dollar investment plan in gaming through Savvy Games Group under the Public Investment Fund, with a national strategy that targets adding around 50 billion Saudi riyals to GDP and creating tens of thousands of jobs by 2030. The federation’s partnership with Playbook plugs directly into that regional ambition while keeping the focus on talent, careers and entrepreneurship.

Wafa Al Obaidat, Founder and CEO of Playbook, framed the deal as a way to equip gamers with practical tools rather than headlines. “The gaming industry in the Arab world is moving at incredible speed. Talent is rising, investment is rising — and the opportunity is enormous,” she said. “Through this partnership, we’re giving emerging gamers access to the learning, networks, and pathways they need to shape meaningful careers and build influence within this global industry.” 

Rawan Albutairi, Secretary General of the Arab Esports Federation, underlined the focus on the next wave of players. “Empowering the next generation of esports players across the Arab world is central to our mission. Through our collaboration with Playbook, we are equipping emerging talent with the skills, exposure, and networks they need to thrive in a global industry.” Arabian Business+1

Through the Playbook platform, esports players will be able to join expert led masterclasses, leadership development sessions and entrepreneurial learning experiences while connecting with founders, investors and industry leaders inside and beyond the region. Together, the partners say they want to bridge esports and entrepreneurship so that Arab gamers can build lasting careers across gaming, content creation, digital media and emerging technology rather than treating tournaments as one off wins.

For Bahrain, the announcement lands in an ecosystem that is already leaning into gaming, digital content and youth focused industries. Labour Fund Tamkeen recently supported the participation of 14 Bahraini technology companies in the LEAP 2025 technology conference in Riyadh, one of the largest global gatherings for innovation and future tech, giving local founders direct access to investors, partners and new trends.  Thought leadership on the Arab games industry produced with the Bahrain Economic Development Board has also noted that only about 3 percent of online content is available in Arabic, leaving a significant gap for Arabic first gaming and esports products and platforms. 

Bahrain’s own Esports Federation is part of this wider regional network, and its president Hussain Al Kooheji also serves as a vice president of both the Arab and Gulf Esports Federations, giving local players and startups a direct line of sight into regional decision making. For founders and investors in Bahrain, the Playbook and Arab Esports Federation partnership signals that the region’s gaming story is shifting from pure entertainment toward a pipeline of careers, startups and intellectual property, which makes it a timely moment to watch for related programmes, events and accelerator opportunities that connect gaming talent with business building skills.