Oman has taken a major step to strengthen its digital economy through a new partnership that will grow its esports and gaming sector. The Oman Esports and Gaming Committee has established a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nova Technology & Investment LLC to develop fresh possibilities for players, entrepreneurs, and creators based in the region.
The global esports sector now has 900 million users who play League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike, and Valorant, among other popular titles. The worldwide esports betting market will achieve $2.8 billion in value by 2025 while generating 58% of total industry revenue. While other countries have established esports as their main commercial focus through sponsorship, tournaments, broadcast and streaming services, as well as betting in Oman, the region dedicates its efforts to developing talent and creating a sustainable digital strategy.
Nova Technology will lead three main projects under the new agreement over the next 12 to 18 months. The WAJH Platform serves as a digital hub to identify, rank, and certify Omani players. The association will create opportunities between local and international markets, which will establish new competition opportunities for professional development.
The Esports Academy will offer training programs for players and their coaches, referees, and broadcast team members. The program will begin with online classes before transitioning to in-person bootcamps to meet international standards. The academy provides training to develop professional-level skills, which allows participants to compete and work at their best while supporting players at all stages from entry to elite levels.
Oman also plans to host a range of esports events, from local tournaments to major regional and international competitions. The main objective is to establish Oman as a leading esports destination, which will draw international interest to the country. The upcoming events will create opportunities for tourism growth and local business expansion through event management services, media production, and content creation activities.
The projects work together to establish an esports network that allows Omani gamers to develop their professional esports careers in the expanding digital sector. The government expects these initiatives to create new job opportunities, which will stimulate business growth across the technology, media, and gaming industries. Nova Technology will partner with startups to boost content development and draw private funding. The program develops digital and creative competencies for Omani youth while creating sustainable economic expansion.
The online gaming market in Oman will reach $6.9 billion, according to analyst projections for 2028. The gaming industry in the Middle East shows increasing growth because Gulf Cooperation Council nations have started investing in digital economy development through gaming initiatives. Across the Middle East, the gaming market is projected to grow from $17 billion in 2024 to more than $42 billion by 2033, according to data from IMARC Group.
The government has developed an organized system that continues to evolve for regulatory oversight. The government has started licensing mobile game development, and it is analyzing international models that include blockchain and cryptocurrency applications. The process establishes a protected space that enables developers and investors to work with full visibility while following both cultural and legal requirements of Oman.
Eng. Saba al Busaidy said in a recent statement that the agreement shows Oman’s commitment to empowering youth and building digital capacity across multiple industries. She explained that esports serves as an industry that provides entertainment to viewers and establishes professional development opportunities for skill development.
Nova Technology & Investment LLC operates under Gulf entrepreneur ownership to develop digital-media projects throughout the Middle East region. Co-founder Saba al Sinani stated that the partnership will establish international gaming standards that match the local gaming goals. The strategic position of Oman between Asia and Africa enables the country to connect with both regional and worldwide gaming markets.
The investment in organized esports by Oman will attract international tournament organizers and media firms who want to enter new markets. Supported by Vision 2040, the initiative aligns with the country’s broader efforts to create new industries beyond oil and gas. By promoting digital industries such as gaming, media production, and esports management, the country aims to attract young professionals and build a skilled workforce ready for future challenges.
