Saudi National Bank partners with Mastercard, SEF to transform esports

Saudi National Bank (SNB) has announced a strategic partnership agreement with Mastercard and the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation and enhance its gaming and esports infrastructure.

The collaboration will build on Mastercard’s ongoing relationship with SEF to promote the kingdom’s gaming industry.

Together, the three entities will explore and develop innovative financial products and offerings that create added value and enhance gamers’ experience.

The agreement will leverage the resources, expertise and networks of all three partners to cater to Saudi Arabia’s youth and gaming community.

Through this partnership SNB, SEF and Mastercard will create and unlock new experiences powered by Web3 technology that will offer gamers the opportunity to access exclusive benefits and immersive experiences in the physical and digital world.

This new digital community and experience will be an inclusive space for gamers, creators and collectors to design and own the future of Saudi esports.

Community members will be able to access virtual creations and use in digital games and immersive experiences.

شراكة بين @MastercardMEA و @Saudi_Esportsو @snbalahliتستهدف تعزيز البنية التحتية للألعاب والرياضات الإلكترونية في المملكة، وبحث وتطوير منتجات وعروض مالية مبتكرة ترتقي بتجارب اللاعبين⁰⁰لمعرفة المزيد، https://t.co/sDfQ1rnOuW pic.twitter.com/RV4ku8b0jc

— Mastercard MEA (@MastercardMEA) January 23, 2023

“This partnership confirms the importance of the private sector’s role in supporting the overall development movement in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030. This agreement is an important step in the dissemination of new digital technologies that will contribute to making the Kingdom a leading hub for gaming and e-sports,” commented Saud Abdulaziz Bajbair, head of Retail Business Group at SNB.

“We understand just how impactful gaming is and can be. By partnering with Mastercard and SNB, we aim to bring the Kingdom’s gaming potential to bear, enhancing the country’s gaming landscape and spurring even greater innovation. This will benefit so many — for generations to come — setting the Kingdom apart as an attractive investment destination while delivering innovative gaming experiences,” said Ahmed Al Bishri, chief operations officer Saudi Esports Federation.

“The historic agreement is well on its way to help showcase the new technologies that are playing important roles in transforming the Kingdom into a leading hub for gaming and esports, and – more broadly – for business, tourism, leisure, and innovation.

Together, we seek to build on the efforts of the Saudi leadership to enhance the local gaming industry, bolstering it to deliver truly immersive and memorable experiences for gamers across the Kingdom and bridging these experiences across physical and digital realities,” said Mete Güney, executive vice president of Services, EEMEA at Mastercard.

Read: Saudi Crown Prince unveils National Gaming and Esports Strategy