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Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province, highlighted the importance of supporting initiatives that foster creativity and innovation among young people and provide them with opportunities to develop their skills and showcase their capabilities in emerging technology fields. His Highness noted that investing in and empowering national talent to develop innovative solutions and products contributes to building a knowledge- and innovation-based economy and strengthens the Kingdom’s competitiveness in future sectors, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Faraj, Chairman of the Eastern Chamber, delivered a speech emphasizing that the electronic gaming sector is one of the Kingdom’s promising and rapidly growing fields, driven by significant support under Saudi Vision 2030. The Vision aims to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP, create quality employment opportunities, and promote the growth of national companies in game development.
Al-Faraj explained that the hackathon is part of the Eastern Chamber’s efforts to support entrepreneurship and the digital economy ecosystem, in cooperation with the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at), the Digital Entrepreneurship Center (Code), InnoSoft, Kamalna Studio, SBI Middle East, and Merak Capital. The initiative aims to empower national talents to develop innovative ideas and solutions in the electronic gaming industry, enhance participants’ technical and creative skills, and encourage the establishment of promising and competitive ventures.
Al-Faraj noted that the 2026 Eastern Chamber E-Games Hackathon targeted developers, programmers, game designers, artists, animators, data analysts, students, and those interested in the sector. Total prizes exceeded SAR 200,000, with SAR 100,000 for first place, SAR 60,000 for second place, and SAR 40,000 for third place. More than 13 teams participated, with over 30 applications received and more than 111 contestants taking part, reflecting the growing interest in this promising sector and the increasing engagement of national talent in experiences that develop their capabilities and enhance their employment opportunities.
Al-Faraj expressed his thanks and appreciation to HRH the Governor for sponsoring and continuously supporting the award since its launch alongside the Entrepreneurship Forum and Exhibition “RAD 2025.” He affirmed that His Highness’s support has played a significant role in the initiative’s success and continuity, while encouraging the Chamber’s efforts to serve the business sector, support national priorities, and advance development.
