PUBG Mobile has launched the Map the Kingdom initiative in Saudi Arabia, a nationwide program that combines cultural storytelling with game design and education. Supported by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Saudi Esports Federation, the initiative invites university students to create custom maps inspired by Saudi heritage, identity, and future ambitions.
The program is built around PUBG Mobile’s WOW Mode, a sandbox feature that allows players to design and share custom maps, game modes, and creative experiences. Students will use these tools to build interactive virtual spaces that showcase elements of Saudi culture, from historical landmarks to modern innovation, all while developing practical skills in design and digital creativity.
The initiative will take place across eight major universities in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar, including King Saud University, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Alfaisal University, Prince Sultan University, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, King Abdulaziz University, the University of Jeddah, and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.
Rawan AlButairi, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation, said the program reflects the Federation’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of Saudi gaming talent. She explained that Map the Kingdom strengthens the grassroots ecosystem by enabling students to enhance their creativity and technical skills while contributing to the Kingdom’s esports industry.
Abdullah A. Aldhalaan, General Manager of Digital Capabilities Development at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, highlighted that the initiative supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by transforming the country from a consumer of games to a developer and innovator. He emphasized that it helps young people build practical capabilities in game development while embedding Saudi identity and cultural values into digital creations.
Students will compete in inner-university tournaments for a total prize pool of SAR 5,000, with winning teams advancing to an inter-university final at the Saudi Esports Federation Arena. The national-level event will feature a larger prize pool of SAR 40,000 and be judged by a panel of content creators and PUBG Mobile representatives.
Participants will also have access to a dedicated curriculum that includes workshops, mentorship sessions, and guidance from professional game developers and local PUBG Mobile WOW creators. The goal is to provide both creative freedom and career-oriented learning opportunities for Saudi students interested in the gaming and technology sectors.
Joe Zoghbi, Game Publishing Lead for PUBG Mobile MENA, described the initiative as a fusion of creativity and cultural pride, noting that Map the Kingdom brings together global gaming innovation and Saudi Arabia’s distinct artistic voice.
By aligning with the broader objectives of Vision 2030, the program demonstrates how gaming can serve as a platform for education, digital innovation, and cultural representation. For PUBG Mobile, it continues the company’s focus on supporting emerging creative communities and nurturing new talent within the region’s rapidly growing esports ecosystem.
PUBG Mobile is available to download for free on the App Store and Google Play Store.
