The Saudi Esports Federation has announced a wide-ranging partnership with Yalla Group, naming the Dubai-based gaming and social networking firm as the Official Event Partner for the Saudi eLeague 2026. The agreement is backed by two Memorandums of Understanding aimed at expanding national talent pathways, strengthening inclusivity, and accelerating the Kingdom’s broader esports ambitions.
Yalla Group Named Official Event Partner For Saudi eLeague 2026
Under the first agreement, Yalla Group becomes the Official Event Partner for the Saudi eLeague 2026. The competition is positioned as Saudi Arabia’s flagship esports league and a primary testing ground for identifying and developing domestic talent across multiple titles.
Saudi eLeague was launched by the federation in October 2020 and has since evolved into a central pillar of the national esports ecosystem. In recent seasons, the league expanded its calendar, increased game support, and introduced dedicated competitions for women, reinforcing its role as a bridge between grassroots play and elite competition.
Focus On Women’s Saudi eLeague And Inclusivity
A key priority of the partnership is the continued development of the Women’s Saudi eLeague. The Saudi Esports Federation and Yalla Group have stated that supporting this division is central to fostering a more inclusive competitive environment and encouraging greater female participation in esports across the Kingdom.
The Women’s Saudi eLeague was formally introduced in 2025, alongside broader structural changes that included support for additional game titles and an expanded national competition schedule.
Talent Development Program With Saudi Esports Academy
The second Memorandum of Understanding establishes a Talent Development Program in partnership with the Saudi Esports Academy. The programme is designed to provide structured training, hands-on experience, and mentorship for aspiring Saudi esports athletes.
According to the announcement, the initiative aims to empower emerging players, enhance professional readiness, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s competitive presence on the international stage.
Leadership Comments Highlight Strategic Importance
Ibrahim Alsheddi, Chief Shared Services Officer at the Saudi Esports Federation, said partnering with Yalla Group brings valuable regional expertise to the Saudi eLeague and is crucial for elevating the league’s prestige and delivering a world-class experience for players and fans.
Yalla Group President Saifi Ismail described the agreement as an important step in the company’s engagement with Saudi Arabia’s esports sector, emphasising its commitment to supporting both national competitions and long-term talent development.
Saudi eLeague’s Competitive Scope And Game Titles
The Saudi eLeague features competitions across several major esports titles, including PUBG Mobile, Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, League of Legends, Valorant, and Overwatch. The league functions as a national pathway, enabling players and clubs to progress from local competition to international exposure.
Vision 2030 Alignment And Broader Context
The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which aim to establish the Kingdom as a global hub for gaming and esports. The Saudi Esports Federation is funded by the Public Investment Fund and is led by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud.
As with many government-backed sports and entertainment initiatives in the region, Saudi esports projects have drawn scrutiny from international watchdogs. Organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have previously criticised Saudi-backed sporting ventures, raising concerns around the use of high-profile events to deflect attention from human rights issues.
Looking ahead to the Saudi eLeague 2026 season, the federation’s partnership with Yalla Group signals a continued push to scale the league’s profile, deepen talent pipelines, and position Saudi Arabia as a central player in the global esports industry.