Geekay, video game and esports retailer and distributor, has opened its first store in Saudi Arabia in Riyadh’s Park Mall.
GamerinThe opening marks the beginning of the group’s expansion plans across the Middle East.
“We are delighted to finally announce our long-awaited entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Kishan Palija, CEO of the Geekay Group.
“Our first store in Riyadh promises to bring our fans the best of both casual and pro-level gaming and the latest in the world of pop culture and entertainment.
“The new store opening is also an opportunity for us to get closer to our customers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and find new channels through which we can serve them better.
“We look forward to engaging with everyone that has long supported our vision in the Gulf Cooperation Council market and together we hope to take our brand to even greater horizons.”
The Kingdom is home to 23.5 million gamers, amounting to 67 per cent of the national population, with 21.1 million playing in e-sports competitions on semi-professional and amateur levels, according to management firm Boston Consulting Group.
The gaming market was valued at $959 million last year and is estimated to progress at a compound annual growth rate of 22 per cent to value $6.8 billion by 2030.
“We have observed over the years and all the invaluable feedback we have been getting from our loyal customers points to a rich pool of talent in the Kingdom,” said Nimit Palija, COO of the Geekay Group.
“Gamers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are passionate and dedicated to their craft. We are pleased to finally be on the same playing field as them and look forward to working together on several unforgettable experiences.
“At Geekay, we say that there is always more to come and that it will always be exciting.”
In October of last year, Geekay Group’s e-sports division signed Emirati Valorant e-sports team.
The group supports the team logistically and financially, marking Geekay’s efforts to provide youth e-sport players opportunities to compete at higher levels and internationally.
Geekay Group also plans to host tournaments at universities and schools in the UAE to scout players for organised competitions.
Besides its newest in the Kingdom, Geekay Group operates 35 stores across the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, alongside its e-commerce site.
