Power League Gaming (PLG), a leading esports marketing agency in the MENA region, has teamed up with market research firm Ipsos to deliver insights into the gaming habits and preferences of players in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The report, based on a December 2024 survey of 300 respondents from each country, sheds light on how these two gaming hubs are evolving.

Gaming Cultures In UAE And KSA

The gaming landscapes in the UAE and Saudi Arabia have distinct characteristics: In the UAE, gamers dedicate an average of 1.2 hours per day to their hobby, while in Saudi Arabia, daily gaming time is slightly lower at one hour.

However, Saudi Arabia boasts a younger and increasingly diverse player base, with 59% aged 15-24 and 27% identifying as female. In contrast, the UAE’s gaming audience is more mature and multicultural, with 62% being expatriates and 36% aged 30 or older.

Mobile Dominates, But Other Platforms Remain Popular

Across both nations, mobile gaming is the most popular platform: In the UAE, 77% of gamers play on mobile devices, while 71% in Saudi Arabia do the same. Console gaming, however, has a stronger foothold in Saudi Arabia, with 50% of players opting for consoles compared to 46% in the UAE.

Meanwhile, the UAE leads in PC gaming, with 45% of gamers choosing desktops or laptops, compared to 34% in Saudi Arabia. These variations reflect differences in accessibility, affordability, and gaming culture in each country.

Diverse Tastes And The Role Of Localized Content

Game preferences also show distinct trends. In Saudi Arabia, Fortnite is a top choice, particularly among younger players and women. Meanwhile, PUBG and EAFC (EA Sports FC) appeal more to male gamers. In the UAE, game engagement is spread across popular titles like Minecraft, PUBG, and Fortnite, catering to a wider audience. Across both markets, localized content — including culturally relevant themes and language options — plays a key role in keeping gamers engaged.

Spending Habits And Brand Influence

In-game purchases are an integral part of the gaming ecosystem in both countries. In Saudi Arabia, 67% of gamers spend on virtual items, with an average monthly expenditure of SAR 87, while 66% of UAE gamers spend an average of AED 92. Purchasing decisions are often influenced by online reviews, social media, and discounts, presenting a clear opportunity for brands to connect with gamers through targeted marketing strategies.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia Unveils World’s First Gaming And eSport District

Gaming As Part Of Daily Life

Gaming has become more than just entertainment — it’s now a lifestyle. In Saudi Arabia, six in ten gamers report eating or drinking while playing, illustrating how gaming blends into daily routines. Both UAE and Saudi gamers also actively engage with gaming-related content on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, reinforcing gaming’s role as a social and cultural passtime.

The findings from Ipsos underscore the thriving gaming culture in both countries, each with distinct opportunities for growth. While the UAE’s gaming scene is shaped by its diverse and tech-savvy population, Saudi Arabia’s younger and increasingly inclusive gaming community signals a strong future for the industry.