This year's gathering on August 30 and 31 is expected to be attended by sector leaders from across the world, with main stage sessions including an examination of the relationship between esports and the Olympics, challenges for women in gaming leadership and an analysis of esports players' mental and physical health.

Prince Faisal outlined his hopes for the Forum.

"The Next World Forum is an important event on the global calendar for the gaming and esports industry," he said.

"It provides a unique platform for leading industry figures to engage in challenging conversations and sessions, asking tough questions that contribute to shaping the future of the sector.

"By bringing together leaders and experts from around the world, the event is fostering a culture of enquiry, collaboration and knowledge sharing, and creating an environment where new models of working can be debated, discussed and developed to create a positive impact on the industry.

"It is evident that esports and gaming are becoming valid career paths for many, not just in Saudi but globally.

"The Next World Forum will generate dialogue and offer insights that enable these individuals - from across the industry - to better understand the landscape as it grows and evolves."

Saudi Arabia has carved out an increasing influence in esports, and this year's edition of the Forum at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Center is set to be the second following on from last year.

It is due to host this year's Global Esports Games in Riyadh in December, and a stake of more than eight per cent in Japanese video game giant Nintendo is reported to be among the Saudi Public Investment Fund's portfolio.

This rise has mirrored its growing significance as a destination for sports events, having already secured hosting rights for the 2034 Asian Games and 2029 Asian Winter Games.

This has prompted criticism for what opponents view as an attempt to sportswash the Mohammed bin Salman regime's record on human rights.

Homosexuality and same-sex marriage are both outlawed according to Saudi Arabia's uncodified Islamic law, and its record on women's rights continues to be heavily criticised despite some recent reforms.

The Saudi leadership has also been criticised for the alleged state-ordered assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, its role in the bombing of Yemen and its use of the death penalty.