British International School Riyadh Joins NES To Boost Esports Opportunities For Students

The British International School Riyadh (BISR) has embarked on an innovative journey by teaming up with NES, a subsidiary of Nesma Holding Company focused on digital gaming media. This collaboration aims to immerse BISR students in the dynamic realm of Esports, offering them practical experience in areas such as game development, coaching techniques, broadcasting, overseeing competitions, and analyzing data.

As Saudi Arabia strives to become a global hub for gaming and Esports by the year 2030, this partnership aligns perfectly with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy (NGES). Both initiatives seek to diversify the economy and spur job creation in new sectors, including the burgeoning field of Esports.

The introduction of an Esports-focused extracurricular skills academy at BISR represents a landmark step towards enriching Saudi Arabia's educational offerings. This program aims not only to hone students' abilities in various industry facets but also lays the groundwork for a potential formal BTEC qualification in the future.

Elie Honain, CEO at NES, emphasized the synergy between the partnership and Vision 2030's objectives to empower the Kingdom's youth. "Nesma is proud to partner with BISR in support of Vision 2030 to empower youth in KSA. This programme offers students an opportunity to develop teamwork, strategy, and leadership skills through competitive gaming. Esports fosters community and creativity, and we aim to create a supportive environment where all students can participate and grow. We encourage students to join this exciting initiative and help build a vibrant esports community that empowers our youth to thrive."

The significance of this partnership is highlighted by the industry's promising prospects within the Kingdom. It is expected that by 2030, the gaming and Esports sector will generate SAR 50 billion and create over 39,000 jobs, reflecting the high interest of more than 65% of the Saudi population in this area, according to the NGES.

A key component of this initiative is the development of advanced Esports gaming labs at BISR's Al Hamra campus. These labs will serve as a breeding ground for potential Esports professionals, providing them with a unique setting to explore various career paths within the industry. The program's introductory session on 19 October witnessed enthusiastic participation, showcasing its potential to captivate students from diverse disciplines.

Teslim Olomowewe, BTEC Lead at BISR, highlighted the transformative potential of this collaboration. "By partnering with NES, we are offering our students a unique opportunity to engage with the future of entertainment and technology. This partnership not only empowers our students with the skills they need for the future but also positions BISR at the forefront of educational innovation in Saudi Arabia. The initiative reflects BISR's dedication to providing students with a comprehensive education that meets the demands of modern industries."