Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS SAU PD 2208

The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia, through the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, offered a discretionary grant opportunity titled "eSports and Game Development Skills Training and Capacity Building" (Funding Opportunity Number: DOS SAU PD 2208; CFDA: 19.040). The program was designed to strengthen the knowledge, practical skills, professional capabilities, and collaborative networks of Saudi youth, with a strong emphasis on game development and broader STEAM-related fields. A central focus is on engaging "Emerging Voices" participants, especially those ages 18 to 30, and aligning program activities with key U.S. government public diplomacy priorities such as STEM education, gender equality, and English language learning. The opportunity also explicitly encourages exposure to U.S. higher education pathways by promoting gaming-related college majors in the United States, while simultaneously helping expand and professionalize eSports culture inside Saudi Arabia.

At the core of the concept is hands-on, immersive training and capacity building led primarily by U.S. experts. The Embassy aimed for projects that do more than basic instruction by creating sustained learning environments where participants can build portfolios, practice real-world workflows, and develop industry-relevant competencies. Beyond technical training (such as coding and development), the program highlights the importance of communications, leadership, teamwork, and community building, treating the gaming ecosystem as a gateway into the creative economy. The Embassy also expressed a longer-term goal of connecting Saudi game developers with counterparts involved in production and distribution, supporting the broader infrastructure needed for a more independent Saudi gaming industry with regional leadership potential and global visibility.

A notable feature of the opportunity is the use of eSports and coding clubs as a structured platform for "game for good" engagement and leadership development. The program description envisions clubs where Saudi youth can take on defined responsibilities that mirror real industry roles, including content developers, creative directors, tournament organizers, shout casters, marketing directors, stream producers, and game designers. By rotating through or specializing in these roles, participants would gain practical experience not only in building games or competing in eSports, but also in organizing events, managing teams, producing broadcasts, and developing audiences. This approach is meant to help youth clarify career interests and aspirations, while also providing pathways to connect with U.S. gamers and experience U.S. eSports culture through collaborative or exchange-oriented components.

Eligibility and implementers were framed broadly, with Public Affairs inviting proposals from local and American nonprofit organizations as well as educational institutions. Competitive proposals were expected to deliver a mix of skills training, capacity building, and networking opportunities that link Saudi participants to U.S. businesses and U.S. educational institutions. The activities could also include community-building elements and other forms of educational or economic cooperation, as long as they support Saudi youth working in game development, eSports, STEAM disciplines, and related creative economy areas.

From an administrative standpoint, the funding instrument types listed were grant and cooperative agreement, with an anticipated single award. The award ceiling was USD 45,000. The opportunity was posted on Aug 14, 2022, with an original closing date of Sep 14, 2022.

  • The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "eSports and Game Development Skills Training and Capacity Building" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
  • This funding opportunity was created on Aug 14, 2022.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by Sep 14, 2022. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
  • Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $45,000.00 in funding.
  • The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
  • Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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