According to a report on The Peninsula, the Esports industry in Qatar is on track for impressive growth, with projected revenue expected to reach US$125.70 million in 2024. This figure is set to rise further as the market is projected to demonstrate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.75% from 2024 to 2027, culminating in a market volume of approximately $152.90 million by 2027.
In terms of user engagement, the number of gamers in Qatar is anticipated to soar to 436,400 by 2027, with a user penetration rate expected to increase from 12.7% in 2024 to 13.6% by 2027. Notably, mobile gaming will dominate the sector, projected to account for a significant share of the market with an estimated volume of $47.24 million in 2024.
Additionally, the average revenue per user (ARPU) in Qatar's video game market is projected to reach $323.20 in 2024. This growth trajectory highlights the increasing popularity of mobile gaming among the nation’s tech-savvy youth, setting the stage for a vibrant gaming ecosystem in the years to come.
The Qatar Esports Federation (QESF) has been instrumental in fostering the growth of the esports ecosystem. With government backing, the QESF has been actively organizing tournaments, supporting local talent, and collaborating with international e-sports organizations. The country’s robust infrastructure, including high-speed internet connectivity and world-class facilities, creates a conducive environment for esports to thrive. Investment in state-of-the-art e-sports arenas and training centers is further solidifying Qatar’s position as a regional esports hub.
Qatar’s strategic shift towards economic diversification has positioned esports as a promising avenue for growth.
“In a global comparison, the majority of revenue will be generated in China, with an estimated revenue of $94,490.00m in 2024. Furthermore, the average revenue per user (ARPU) in the esports market in Qatar is projected to amount to $323.20 in 2024. Qatar’s esports market is rapidly expanding, driven by the increasing popularity of mobile gaming among the tech-savvy youth population,” Statista noted.
In 2022, the global esports industry was worth $1.39bn, and is projected to expand by 16.7 percent annually from 2022 to 2030. The uptick in this projection offers a promising glimpse into the future of esports in the country.
Executive Director of QESF, Khalifa Al Haroon, said Qatar’s commitment to the esports industry through infrastructure and talent development is a testament to its vision of positioning the state as a global hub for competitive gaming and digital innovation.
“Qatar is nurturing local talent and solidifying its role in the global gaming and digital landscape. In the GCC, the mindset is about unity, collaboration and healthy competition. Through initiatives like GamersAid, we are joining forces to elevate the esports industry worldwide,” Al Haroon said during a recent interview on the “In The Game” podcast, Qatar’s leading sports podcast.
Recently, QESF and esports production company ESB signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to launch a $2.6m combined prize pool Dota 2 league. The first of the three events of the league took place in April in Doha.
“Qatar is actively positioning itself as a major player in the esports market, which is part of its vision of being a major force in global sports. The industry has experienced a tremendous rise over the years, and the country is keying in on the rapidly changing landscape of sports. With such strategic infrastructure as Qatar SportsTech and its accelerator programme, among others, the country has proved to the world that it is not a pushover in the global scheme of things, and the truth is that Qatar is just beginning—more are to come,” said Steve Mackie, the host and producer of the “In The Game” podcast.
Mackie noted that esports in Qatar are on an upward trajectory, driven by strategic investments, strong institutional support, and a passionate gaming community. “As Qatar continues to embrace and develop this burgeoning industry, it stands to become a significant player on the global stage,” he said.