MENA-focused full-service gaming and esports agency Power League Gaming (PLG), in partnership with Ipsos, has released a report offering a deep dive into the gaming ecosystems of the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The report, which draws insights from more than 300 respondents in each of these countries, selected through Ipsos’ online panel, reveals the habits, preferences, and motivations of gamers in the region. It also shines a spotlight on how gaming is shaping entertainment culture across the two thriving markets.
Mathew Pickering, CEO of Power League Gaming, said, “The Ipsos report offers fascinating insight into the behaviour and motivators of players in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. From platform affinities to their demand for localised content, it’s incredible to uncover what drives gamers.”
Pickering added, “The report also highlights immense opportunities for brands to connect with this audience through tailored campaigns and culturally relevant content.”
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Here are 5 top gaming trends revealed in the report.
1. A tale of two gaming powerhouses
According to the report, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are at the forefront of the Middle East’s gaming evolution, each bringing its own dynamic identity to the industry.
In the UAE, 100 per cent of surveyed gamers actively play video games, dedicating an average of 1.2 hours daily to game, while their Saudi counterparts spend 1 hour per day.
However, Saudi gamers demonstrate their enthusiasm through widespread adoption, with 59 per cent aged 15-24 and 27 per cent being female – an indication of growing inclusivity in the Kingdom.
In contrast, the UAE’s esports audience reflects a multicultural blend, with 62 per cent of participants being expats and 36 per cent aged 30 or older, indicating a mature and diverse player base.
2. Mobile is king, but platforms tell unique stories
Across both markets, mobile gaming reigns supreme. In the UAE, 77 per cent of gamers play on smartphones, closely followed by 71 per cent in KSA.
Saudi Arabia, however, leads in console gaming, with 50 per cent of gamers favouring consoles compared to 46 per cent in the UAE.
Meanwhile, the UAE sees stronger adoption of PC gaming, where 45 per cent of players turn to desktops and laptops compared to 34 per cent in KSA.
These preferences reflect how accessibility, affordability, and cultural nuances uniquely shape gaming habits in each market.
3. Unique stories, diverse gaming tastes drive engagement
The types of games players gravitate towards highlight the diversity in gaming interests. In Saudi Arabia, Fortnite enjoys strong usage among 3 in 5 gamers, primarily driven by younger and female players, while PubG and EAFC (EA Sports FC) attract a predominantly male audience.
Meanwhile, UAE gamers show a balanced engagement with popular games such as Minecraft, PUBG, and Fortnite, catering to a wide demographic range.
Localised content such as culturally relevant themes, language settings, and storylines tailored to the region, remains a critical factor for both markets, as players increasingly seek culturally relevant stories and settings in the games they play.
4. In-game spending soars across the region
In-game purchases are a significant part of gaming culture, with 67% of Saudi gamers investing in virtual items, closely matched by UAE players at 66 per cent.
On average, Saudi gamers spend SAR 87 monthly, while UAE gamers spend AED 92. Spending decisions are largely influenced by recommendations, online reviews, discounts, and social media influencers offering brands a clear opportunity to connect with audiences through targeted campaigns and value-driven offerings.
5. Gaming as a lifestyle
Gaming has evolved beyond the screen to become a lifestyle activity, blending seamlessly into daily routines.
In Saudi Arabia, six in ten gamers report eating or drinking while playing, and both markets indicate high engagement with platforms such as YouTube and Twitch for consuming such content.
This integration of esports into everyday life reflects its growing role as a cultural and social connector.
The Ipsos report also revealed a vibrant gaming ecosystem in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, each offering unique opportunities for growth.
The UAE’s technologically advanced and diverse player base highlights the appeal of a broad spectrum of gaming experiences, while Saudi Arabia’s youthful, inclusive audience positions the Kingdom as a rising global powerhouse in gaming.
