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Saudi Arabia Unveils World’s First Gaming And eSport District
The site at Qiddiya will host global events and attract 10 million visitors annually with gaming-themed accommodation and 100,000 sqm of entertainment.
Saudi Arabia has revealed plans to create the world’s first dedicated gaming and eSports district at Qiddiya City. The project aims to propel the Kingdom into the thriving professional eSports scene.
In the heart of Qiddiya City — 40 km from the capital Riyadh — the new gaming district will be centered around four eSports venues designed to host prominent events and attract up to 10 million visitors yearly, the state news agency SPA announced.
The Gaming & eSports District launch comes after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s support for the sector demonstrated through a “National Strategy” and initiatives, including talent development programs and targeted investments. The district, with its widespread appeal to over two-thirds of the Saudi population, aims to “engage and inspire”.
Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood, the Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, explained: “The gaming and eSports sector is experiencing rapid growth, and we observe the ambitious plans to propel it forward. Our responsibility will be to host major events and tournaments by enhancing the infrastructure, enabling Qiddiya City to invite the world to live, learn, and compete in gaming and eSports. The gaming and eSports district in Qiddiya City caters to eSports professionals and gaming enthusiasts of all levels and ages. This district transforms the gaming world into a tangible reality, serving as a welcoming space for the gaming community”.
Also Read: The Middle East Is Rapidly Becoming An eSports Hub
The 500,000 square meter site will boast four gaming arenas with a total capacity of 73,000 seats. The largest of the venues is planned to have a capacity of 5,300, making it one of the biggest eSports stadiums in the world. The district will also be home to up to 25 eSports clubs, with 100,000 square meters allocated to retail, dining, and entertainment. When completed, Qiddiya City will allow gamers to live, work, and play, even offering gaming-themed apartments and hotels.
News
Samsung Smart Glasses Teased For January, Software Reveal Imminent
According to Korean sources, the new wearable will launch alongside the Galaxy S25, with the accompanying software platform unveiled this December.
Samsung appears poised to introduce its highly anticipated smart glasses in January 2025, alongside the launch of the Galaxy S25. According to sources in Korea, the company will first reveal the accompanying software platform later this month.
As per a report from Yonhap News, Samsung’s unveiling strategy for the smart glasses echoes its approach with the Galaxy Ring earlier this year. The January showcase won’t constitute a full product launch but will likely feature teaser visuals at the Galaxy S25 event. A more detailed rollout could follow in subsequent months.
Just in: Samsung is set to unveil a prototype of its augmented reality (AR) glasses, currently in development, during the Galaxy S25 Unpacked event early next year, likely in the form of videos or images.
Additionally, prior to revealing the prototype, Samsung plans to introduce…
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The Galaxy Ring, for example, debuted in January via a short presentation during Samsung’s Unpacked event. The full product unveiling came later at MWC in February, and the final release followed in July. Samsung seems to be adopting a similar phased approach with its smart glasses, which are expected to hit the market in the third quarter of 2025.
A Collaborative Software Effort
Samsung’s partnership with Google has played a key role in developing the smart glasses’ software. This collaboration was first announced in February 2023, with the device set to run on an Android-based platform. In July, the companies reiterated their plans to deliver an extended reality (XR) platform by the end of the year. The software specifics for the XR device are expected to be unveiled before the end of December.
Reports suggest that the smart glasses will resemble Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in functionality. They won’t include a display but will weigh approximately 50 grams, emphasizing a lightweight, user-friendly design.
Feature Set And Compatibility
The glasses are rumored to integrate Google’s Gemini technology, alongside features like gesture recognition and potential payment capabilities. Samsung aims to create a seamless user experience by integrating the glasses with its broader Galaxy ecosystem, starting with the Galaxy S25, slated for release on January 22.
Samsung Smart Glasses Teased For January, Software Reveal Imminent
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