Long confined to the role of spectators or casual players, Arab women are now at the center of the gaming scene.Streamers, e-sport competitors, content creators… They embody a new bold generation, breaking stereotypes and opening new paths in a sector long dominated by men.
From Riyadh to Cairo, via Dubai, the revolution is underway. And these are not mere passing trends: it’s a real social and cultural movement asserting itself throughout the MENA region.
A booming sector where women are making their mark
The video game industry in the Middle East and North Africa is experiencing a full explosion. According to a RedSeer Consulting report, the market could exceed $5 billion by 2025. An impressive figure, driven in part by the rise of female gaming. In Saudi Arabia, nearly 48% of gamers are now women. A figure that would have seemed improbable ten years ago.
This evolution reflects the increased accessibility of games (particularly on mobile, where women represent more than 60% of players), but also the commitment of institutions and private actors who invest in diversity and representation.
Game changing Initiatives
This change is not the result of chance. Pioneer organizations have invested in developing female talent in gaming. Galaxy Racer Esports, based in Dubai, launched one of the first exclusively female e-sport teams in the region, bringing together players from more than 20 countries.
Tournaments like the GirlGamer Esports Festival or the AppGallery Gamers Cup Emirates Women’s Championship actively support this rise to power. At the same time, events such as the Carry1st Africa Cup – MLBB Women’s Invitational, organized in Cairo, allow African and Arab female players to secure a spot for the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
These initiatives offer much more than competitions: they create networks, opportunities, and tight-knit communities. Inspiring figures who pave the way Behind these major initiatives, there are faces.
Women who inspire and embody the renewal of Arab gaming.
- Modhi Alkanhal, alias Madv, is one of the most striking figures. This Saudi woman has won the title of “Best Female Player of the Year” awarded by the Saudi Esports Federation three years in a row. For her, video games are not just entertainment, but a means of emancipation and expression.
- Meshael MR, also from Saudi Arabia, captivates a large audience on Twitch and YouTube thanks to her vibrant personality, mixing gaming, humor, and lifestyle.
- Maryam Maher, alias Mary Gaming, originally from Bahrain, became the first Gulf player to join an international e-sport team, at only 17 years old.
- Yasmine Abo El-Fotoh, better known as Yasmine O, combines her role as a streamer with that of a radio host to tell, without filter, the daily life of an Arab female gamer and build bridges with her community.
These women share the same mission: to show that video games can be an inclusive space, where talent and passion surpass stereotypes.
What’s next?
With the current dynamic, the prospects are promising. On one side, massive investments in the gaming sector in countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will continue to stimulate the creation of inclusive spaces.
On the other, the explosion of streaming platforms and social networks will allow female gamers to build international communities and access new opportunities.
Conclusion
More female representation in professional teams, more visibility in major tournaments, and above all, the creation of content that celebrates this diversity and inspires the public. In conclusion Arab female gamers are no longer on the margins: they are taking power.
Through streams, competitions, and community initiatives, they prove that video games can be a tool for emancipation, creativity, and impact. They no longer play just for pleasure. They play to change the game.
