RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The Global Games Show (GGS) 2026 is set to take place June 29–30 in Riyadh, bringing together thousands of gaming professionals, developers, investors and industry leaders for one of the region’s largest business-to-business gaming events.
Organized by VAP Group and powered by Times of Games, the two-day event is expected to attract more than 10,000 attendees, alongside over 100 speakers, exhibitors and sponsors from across the global gaming ecosystem.
Positioned as a premier platform for collaboration and innovation, the Global Games Show aims to connect key stakeholders across game development, publishing, esports, Web3 and emerging technologies.
The event will feature a combination of expert-led sessions, live demonstrations and networking opportunities designed to foster partnerships and explore new growth avenues in the gaming industry.
Attendees will have access to a wide range of programming, including panels on game development trends, esports expansion, artificial intelligence integration and monetization strategies. The show will also highlight advancements in immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, offering hands-on experiences with next-generation gaming innovations.
According to organizers, the event is structured around two key themes. The first day will focus on the future of gaming technology, exploring Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global esports hub, innovations in game engines and emerging concepts such as AI-driven design and brain-computer interfaces.
The second day will shift toward the business side of gaming, addressing topics such as crowdfunding, mobile gaming ecosystems, investor-developer partnerships and community-driven growth models.
Beyond conference sessions, GGS 2026 will emphasize networking and deal-making opportunities. Dedicated networking lounges, matchmaking sessions and pre-arranged meetings are expected to facilitate collaboration between startups, established companies and investors.
A startup showcase will also provide early-stage companies with a platform to present innovative gaming solutions to potential partners and investors, highlighting the growing role of entrepreneurship within the global gaming industry.
Industry leaders and executives from major gaming and technology companies are scheduled to participate, sharing insights on the intersection of gaming, GameFi, blockchain, esports and digital economies. Previous editions have featured prominent figures from companies involved in Web3 gaming and immersive technologies.
The event is part of a broader effort to position Saudi Arabia as a key hub for gaming and esports, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and invest in digital industries. Organizers say the show will provide attendees with access to regional investment opportunities and insights into large-scale gaming initiatives in the Middle East.
In addition to its business focus, the Global Games Show will include interactive elements such as live game demonstrations and immersive experiences, offering participants a preview of future trends shaping the gaming landscape.
With its combination of thought leadership, technology showcases and networking opportunities, GGS 2026 is expected to serve as a major gathering point for professionals seeking to understand and influence the future of gaming.
The event will take place in Riyadh, with additional editions scheduled later in 2026 in Abu Dhabi, further expanding its reach across the Middle East gaming ecosystem.
