Holiday Inn launches Elite Gaming Pods across four Saudi hotels

Holiday Inn, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Essentials Collection, has partnered with global educational esports provider EStars to launch Elite Gaming Pods across four hotels in Saudi Arabia.

The initiative, launched during the Esports World Cup 2026, aims to tap into the Kingdom’s rapidly growing gaming and esports sector while creating new social experiences for families, friends and colleagues.

The gaming pods are available from August 16 through December 2026 at Holiday Inn Riyadh Business District, Holiday Inn Riyadh Al Malaz, Holiday Inn Jeddah Corniche and Holiday Inn & Suites Al Khobar.

Each hotel will feature two dedicated gaming spaces equipped with MSI gaming PCs, next-generation consoles, curved monitors, premium accessories and ergonomic seating. Guests will receive complimentary access to popular esports titles including Fortnite, Rocket League and Overwatch.

The hotels will also host gaming tournaments, community events, influencer activations and branded guest experiences.

Competitions will offer prizes including hotel stays, food and beverage vouchers and IHG One Rewards points.

The partnership with EStars is expected to expand beyond the initial gaming pods, drawing on its network across schools, gaming communities and the wider esports sector to deepen Holiday Inn’s engagement with Saudi Arabia’s growing gaming audience.

Maher Abou Nasr, Managing Director, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Holiday Inn has always been a brand that brings people together, and today we're evolving that experience to reflect how guests connect, socialise and spend their leisure time. From our Open Lobby concept to new experiences like the Holiday Inn Elite Gaming Pods, we're creating dynamic social spaces that encourage connection, shared experiences and a sense of community. Through our partnership with EStars, guests can enjoy a new way to play, unwind and engage during their stay, while IHG One Rewards helps make those experiences even more rewarding. We're proud to introduce an initiative that aligns with the interests of today's travellers and supports Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 goals.”

Mags Byrne, Founder and CEO of EStars, said: “We're proud to partner with Holiday Inn on an initiative that brings together hospitality and gaming in an exciting new way. The Elite Gaming Pods are more than just gaming spaces; they're designed to foster connection, community and engagement, while creating opportunities for future tournaments, educational programmes and esports initiatives.” -TradeArabia News Service