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Level Up Your Brand. Increase Sales.
Win Big in KSA & UAE?

· Pro-Level In-Store Gaming Promoters
· Visual Merch Masters for Epic Displays
· Tournament & Activation Squads
· Live Demo & Gameplay Experience Teams
· Go-To-Market Strategy & Retail Tech Stack
· Full Compliance Support

We handle the grind: hiring, deployment, visas, Iqamas, payroll, compliance, display setup, and engagement tracking.

Deploy Your A-Team in KSA & UAE—Start Hiring Today
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Channelplay’s Offerings

Fast Talent Deployment

Hire gaming-savvy promoters, merchandisers, or brand ambassadors in days. With access to a pre-screened talent pool, Channelplay ensures your retail presence is activated quickly, with staff who understand your audience and products.

Full Compliance Support

Entering KSA or UAE?
We handle everything—visa processing, Iqama, payroll, and HR compliance—so you can launch faster, stay fully legal, and focus on growing your brand without bureaucratic delays.

Gaming Retail Experts

We create immersive and impactful gaming zones, product demos, and promotions to enhance your visibility in key retail environments.

Gaming Retail Experts

Our teams know gaming culture inside out. Trained to engage customers, demo products, and drive sales, they speak your customers’ language—boosting in-store experience and turning casual browsers into loyal buyers.

End-to-End Execution

From hiring and onboarding to real-time reporting and retail audits, Channelplay delivers a full retail execution solution. We manage it all—so you see results, insights, and control without operational hassle.

Market Entry Strategy for Gaming Brands

Breaking into the GCC gaming market requires a nuanced approach that balances legal compliance, market readiness, and cultural sensitivity.

Business Registration & Setup

License: Secure a business license via the Gulf Cooperation Council authorities. In some markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, foreign investors can fully own businesses.

Legal Structure: Consider establishing an LLC (Limited Liability Company), registering with the Ministry of Commerce, and meeting tax obligations (e.g., 5% VAT in Saudi Arabia and UAE).

Regulatory Considerations

Capital Requirements: Capital investment may range between SAR 10M to 50M (~$2.5M - $13.3M) depending on the market. In markets like the UAE, joint ventures or partnerships with local distributors may ease the capital requirement.

Product Approvals: Product certification (e.g., CITC in Saudi Arabia for gaming consoles) is essential, as are compliance checks for hardware accessories and software. All gaming products should adhere to local guidelines, particularly with content approval.

Customs & Tariffs: Customs duties for gaming consoles range from 5% to 15%. Keep in mind that tariffs can fluctuate based on the product type and country of origin, so plan your pricing and logistics accordingly.

Saudization & Local Talent Strategy

Saudization: In Saudi Arabia, Saudization quotas require gaming brands to hire a set percentage of local employees. Ensure you partner with compliant staffing agencies like Channelplay for smooth HR management.

Talent Pool: Engage local influencers, streamers, and e-sports personalities who resonate with the target market, while maintaining compliance with the Saudization policies.

Retail Distribution & Channels

Physical Retail: Distribute through prominent retail chains like Virgin Megastore, Carrefour, and Extra Stores. Additionally, consider premium outlets and gaming-specialty retailers.

E-Commerce: Leverage regional platforms like Noon and Souq for direct-to-consumer sales. Platforms like Amazon.sa and Carrefour UAE offer further reach.

Gaming Cafes: Popular in regions like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, gaming cafes serve as prime venues for product demos and immersive experiences.

Events & Promotions

Participate in GCC’s biggest gaming expos such as Games Con, Middle East Games Conference, and GCC e-sports tournaments.

Use local gaming events to showcase new consoles, accessories, and even exclusive, region-specific content.

GCC Gaming Industry Overview

The GCC region is quickly becoming a global hub for gaming and e-sports, driven by its tech-savvy youth, rising disposable income, and governments heavily investing in the digital entertainment sector.

Market Size & Growth

In 2024, the GCC gaming market was valued at approximately US$2.1 billion, with 15% annual growth, and it is expected to reach US$3.5 billion by 2027. The region’s mobile gaming sector alone is booming, spurred by high internet penetration.

Consumer Base

With over 20 million active gamers, the region has one of the world’s highest penetration rates of gamers per capita. This includes hardcore console gamers, casual mobile players, and competitive e-sports enthusiasts.

E-Sports Surge

The GCC is home to major e-sports events like the Gulf Cup, Saudi e-League, and regional qualifiers for international tournaments. Saudi Arabia, in particular, is investing over $38 billion through the Savvy Games Group to further establish itself as a global leader in gaming.

Cultural Considerations for Gaming Brands

To successfully connect with the GCC gaming audience, brands must navigate cultural sensitivities, consumer behavior, and market preferences.
Youth & Digital Engagement
The GCC’s young demographic (majority under 35) spends considerable time on gaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Discord.

Focus on mobile gaming as many younger consumers engage with their smartphones more than traditional consoles.
Communication Style
Messaging should be Arabic-first with local nuances and humor. Engaging with local influencers is a key strategy.

Localized content like Arabic subtitles or region-specific skins in popular games adds tremendous value for consumers.
Religious & Cultural Sensitivity
Modesty in Marketing: Keep in mind local preferences for modesty—avoid any inappropriate imagery, and be mindful of gender representation in ads and products.

Localized Products: Offer localized skins, character names, and even content based on regional folklore or local icons.
E-Sports Focus
Sponsorship of local e-sports events and collaboration with Saudi-backed tournaments or leagues (e.g., Saudi e-League) will elevate your brand’s visibility.

Abbas Ali

Co-Founder & Co-CEO

Why Channelplay?

We simplify the complexities of market entry and growth in the GCC region, helping your brand leverage the fast-growing gaming ecosystem.
Contact Us - Let’s unlock the next level of gaming in the GCC!