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National Development Fund to Partner with SDB in Two Agreements to establish $120 Million Venture Funds for the Gaming and Esports Industry

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In an innovative move to bolster the gaming and Esports industry within the Kingdom, the National Development Fund (NDF), in collaboration with the Social Development Bank (SDB), announced the signing of two agreements to establish two venture funds with a total size of 450 million SAR ($120 million). The announcement was made during the LEAP 2024 technology conference in Riyadh, marking a significant step towards nurturing the thriving gaming and Esports industry.

The initiative is part of the Gaming and Esports Financing Program cooperating with the Saudi Esports Federation. Merak Capital and IMPACT 46, the entities managing the two funds, will provide development financing for gaming and Esports companies through equity investments, in an effort to accelerate growth, enhances local content development, and amplifies the industry’s economic and social impact to achieve the objectives of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy and the Digital Content Program (Ignite).

Merak Capital is set to manage the first investment fund, with a size of 300 million SAR ($80 million), focusing on establishing a gaming accelerator backed by venture investment to spur growth and cultivate local talent in the gaming industry. The goal is to position Saudi companies as leaders in this vibrant sector.

The second fund, managed by IMPACT46 and totalling 150 million SAR ($40 million), seeks to stimulate private sector investment in the local gaming and Esports industry. Additionally, it seeks to attract international firms and studios to establish a more substantial presence in the Kingdom, further enriching the sector’s ecosystem.

Dr. Stephen Grove, Governor of NDF, stated, “The gaming and Esports industry has seen exponential growth globally, generating substantial revenue and job opportunities. With Saudi Arabia’s young demographic and other attractive investment components, NDF and our partners are prioritizing innovative financing solutions for this industry. We aim to ensure its financial sustainability and contribute to the Kingdom’s economic diversification and job creation efforts.”

Eng. Sultan Al-Humaidi, CEO of SDB, emphasized SDB’s commitment to supporting the gaming and e-sports industry, recognizing its potential for growth within the Kingdom. “Our objective is to cultivate the industry to self-sufficiency, positioning the Kingdom as a global hub. We provide the necessary support to ensure this venture succeeds, advancing the Saudi digital economy forward as a key component of the Kingdom’s digital transformation goals aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.”

This comes as part of NDF’s endeavors to develop the Saudi promising sectors and enhance their contribution to the national economy. All of this can be accomplished through empowerment and financial development support, to establish an environment that attracts local talent, deliver promising experiences, and target top-tier game production and development projects.

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NMK Interactive 2025 Sets a New Benchmark for AV Experiences in the Middle East

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NMK Interactive Event

NMK Electronics, a Midwich Group Company, hosted the latest edition of its flagship event NMK Interactive on September 25, 2025 – an annual event that brings together and celebrates technology, artistry, and industry leadership in the region.

Held at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, the event brought together over 600 system integrators and partners from across the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, the evening underscored NMK’s role not only as a leading value-added distributor, but as a regional enabler of innovation, connection, and growth.

An Immersive Celebration of Culture and Technology

Under the theme “Music from Around the World,” NMK Interactive 2025 transformed the ballroom into an immersive journey through global soundscapes, blending red-carpet elegance with the energy of live performances and the power of next-generation technology.

“NMK Interactive goes beyond showcasing technology, it’s about bringing people together, said Nicolas Cox, Managing Director at NMK Electronics. Every demo, every performance, and every conversation is part of a larger story: one of collaboration, community, and shared growth. Together with our partners, we are not only shaping projects, we are shaping the future of the AVLC industry.”

Nicolas Cox , Managing Director at NMK Electronics

Guests were welcomed into a pre-function area alive with interactive brand booths, miniature live stages, and engaging activations. The atmosphere was further elevated by orchestral ensembles and spirited cultural performances from India, Africa, and the Arab world, creating a rhythmic energy that set the perfect tone for the evening.

As the doors opened to the main hall, the space was transformed into a breathtaking canvas of light, sound, and laser effects. What followed was a series of captivating moments from high-energy water drum and dance performances to the prestigious awards ceremony and thrilling raffle draws, each keeping the excitement soaring and the audience fully immersed.

From the first note to the final applause, NMK Interactive 2025 was curated as a testament to NMK’s commitment to experience-driven engagement, setting a new benchmark for how technology events can inform, inspire, and entertain.

A Technology Ecosystem in Full View

At the heart of the event was NMK’s comprehensive technology portfolio, spanning audio, video, lighting, communication, infrastructure, and control. With live demos, branded activations, and global brand representatives on-site, the event provided hands-on access to the latest innovations from world-leading manufacturers, including:

  • Shure, Bose Professional, Q-SYS, Epson, L-Acoustics, Arthur Holm, Riedel Communications, Lightware, Infiled, Televic, Neat, Barco ClickShare, Surgex, Allen & Heath, Luminex, Neutrik, Chauvet professional, Milos, SRS Group, Microsoft, Avid, Turtle AV, Peerless AV & 7th Sense.

Each brand had a dedicated showcase zone, offering an opportunity for attendees to experience cutting-edge solutions and gain firsthand insights into emerging trends, applications, and collaboration opportunities.

Recognising Partnerships and Performance

A core highlight of the evening was the NMK Awards FY 24-25, which recognized outstanding projects delivered by system integrators across the region. Winners were selected based on the uniqueness of their projects, the strength of collaboration with NMK, the integration of multiple NMK portfolio brands, professional execution, and ultimately, the impact on end-user experience.

Winners included:

  • Meeting Room Solution of the YearIntegral Polymedia Systems LLC (UAE)
  • Custom Boardroom Integration of the YearDirect Source Technologies
  • Auditorium Project of the YearAVI-SPL
  • Hybrid Learning Solution of the YearScope Information Systems LLC
  • Background Music Solution of the YearRoyal Technology Solutions LLC
  • Foreground Music Solution of the YearAl Mahbara Digital AV Systems (Almoe Group)
  • Immersive Experience Solution of the YearAlec Technologies
  • Experience Center Solution of the YearIT Works

Sector Excellence Awards:

  • Government Sector Project of the YearAdvanced Integration Technology (AIT)
  • Corporate Sector Project of the YearOmnix International
  • Finance & Banking Project of the YearAVI-SPL
  • Hospitality Project of the YearOxford Systems Integration
  • Aviation Project of the YearAlpha Data PJSC
  • Real Estate Project of the YearAbsons IT

Congratulations to all winners for their remarkable achievements and collaborations, which continue to raise the bar for AV excellence across the Middle East.

The evening concluded with raffle draws sponsored by partner brands, featuring experiences such as skydiving, Yas Island adventures, luxury staycations, and premium tech gear.

With every handshake, demo, and performance, NMK Interactive 2025 reinforced what matters most: strong partnerships, shared knowledge, and a future shaped together.

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Shure MEA unveils sector-focused immersive audio at new Experience Zone

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Shure MEA's event

Shure MEA has launched its Experience Zone in Dubai, a dynamic and multi-faceted training hub designed to showcase how audio innovation can transform collaboration, government meetings, and education across the region. The new facility is poised to provide hands-on demonstrations in realistic settings, reflecting the Middle East’s ballooning preference for advanced AV technologies in response to meeting spaces, digital governance, and modern learning environments that require clear audio delivery.

Addressing Sector-specific Needs

The launch places strong emphasis on three sectors driving the region’s digital transformation. In Unified Communication, the focus is on seamless integration with leading conferencing platforms, supporting the Middle East’s meeting spaces. In Government, Shure highlights secure and resilient systems that ensure clarity and confidentiality for official proceedings and public addresses. In Education, advanced solutions empower classrooms and lecture halls, enabling interactive, technology-driven learning both in-person and online.

The Experience Zone is divided into four demo spaces that mirror real-world environments. In small rooms, Shure highlights compact, easy-to-deploy solutions that emphasize clarity and reliability. The facility will feature medium rooms to showcase scalable systems designed to grow with organizational needs, larger rooms to demonstrate robust setups that ensure coverage and flexibility in complex environments, while the auditorium will illustrate how high-performance solutions deliver clear, consistent audio to large audiences. These immersive setups allow visitors to not only hear the difference but also to experience how Shure’s innovations adapt seamlessly to varied applications.

“The Experience Zone will demonstrate how audio can empower sector-specific needs. By immersing visitors in real-world scenarios, we’re not just showcasing products – we’re demonstrating how Shure solutions are shaping communication experiences,” said Antony Lovell, Sales Director, Shure MEA.

Key Features

Shure MEA’s Experience Zone is designed to be more than a demo room. It serves as a regional resource for partners, customers, and IT decision-makers, providing a robust environment that combines interaction with knowledge-sharing. By creating this platform, Shure is reinforcing its role not only as an innovator but also as a trusted partner within the Middle East’s expanding technology ecosystem.

With Dubai’s position as a global innovation hub and the region’s rapid pace of digital transformation, the launch underscores Shure MEA’s long-term commitment to supporting sustainable growth. By combining immersive demos with sector-driven insights, the Experience Zone sets a new benchmark for how audio solutions are experienced in the Middle East.

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FORTES EDUCATION APPOINTS DR. SREEJIT CHAKRABARTY AS GROUP HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY, AI & INNOVATION

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Dr. Sreejit Chakrabarty, Group Head of Technology, AI & Innovation at Fortes Education, in professional attire at the Dubai office.Retry

Fortes Education, a global leader in delivering world-class, holistic education, has announced the appointment of Dr. Sreejit Chakrabarty as the Group Head, Technology, AI & Innovation, further strengthening its vision to integrate cutting-edge digital technologies into education and investments.

This appointment comes at a time when the UAE is accelerating its national agenda around AI adoption, digital learning, and future-ready skills development. With schools across the country being encouraged to embed technology into learning, Fortes Education aims to lead the way in shaping a progressive academic ecosystem that equips students with the tools of tomorrow.

Dr. Chakrabarty, a globally recognised voice in EdTech and emerging technologies, brings an exceptional academic and professional background. Holding a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, an MBA in Systems, and a Bachelor’s in Electronics Engineering, he has spearheaded transformative initiatives across K-12 education and beyond. His pioneering contributions include setting up laboratories on AI, robotics, extended reality, smart farming, and autonomous systems in schools, as well as leading one of the world’s first K-12 blockchain-based pilots for issuing digital passports and micro-credentials.

Speaking about his appointment, Dr. Sreejit Chakrabarty said, “I am deeply honoured to take on this role at Fortes Education. The UAE has demonstrated bold leadership in placing AI and digital learning at the core of its future vision, and I look forward to advancing this mission within Fortes Education. My focus will be on creating impactful innovations that will prepare students for the future and bridge the gap between technology and real-world problem-solving.”

His thought leadership has been showcased on CNN International, and he has been honoured with titles such as CIO of the Year and Education Influencer of the Year. As a sought-after keynote speaker, Dr. Chakrabarty has addressed global audiences at FORBES 30 Under 30, GITEX, GESS, BETT, and the World AI Show, cementing his reputation as a trailblazer at the intersection of innovation and education.

Commenting on the key appointment of the year, Dr. Neil Hopkin, Director of Education, Fortes Education said, “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Chakrabarty to the Fortes family. His global expertise, pioneering initiatives, and forward-looking mindset align seamlessly with our mission to nurture learners who are future-ready. With his leadership, we are confident of advancing our technology and AI-driven education strategies, empowering students and teachers alike to thrive in the digital age.”

With this appointment, Fortes Education reaffirms its commitment to being at the forefront of educational innovation, echoing the UAE’s national drive to champion AI, robotics, and digital transformation across sectors.

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