The Stinger Report #1238 - Entertainment’s New Territories

LBX Collective

The amusement and attraction sector is experiencing a dynamic shift towards social and immersive entertainment, driven by significant developments in the Middle East, notably Saudi Arabia, and the broader MENA region. The recent SEA’25 Expo highlighted burgeoning investment, including new FEC openings in Qatar, and major projects like Disney’s planned theme park on Yas Island, signaling a strategic push to position the region as a global tourism and entertainment hub. Meanwhile, the region’s evolving infrastructure includes ambitious projects such as Abu Dhabi’s “Las Vegas Sphere” twin and substantial eSports investments like True Gamers’ $15m funding aimed at capturing a significant share of the global gaming café market. The industry’s shifting landscape is also marked by major trade events, licensing collaborations, and IP-driven content, with companies like SEGA, SNK, and KONAMI expanding their footprint across arcades, licensing, and location-based entertainment. These developments suggest a promising outlook for regional growth, strategic partnerships, and innovative entertainment experiences aligned with global trends.

Chapters

1. Trade Expos & Middle East Developments (00:00:00)

2. Saudi Show & Gaming Market Growth (00:03:45)

3. Trade Show Calendar Conflicts (00:05:42)

4. Disney's Abu Dhabi Theme Park Plans (00:06:30)

5. Licensing Expo & Gaming Brands (00:08:43)

6. Konami's Arcade Gaming Developments (00:11:26)