Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) is set to visit Japan from 20 to 23 May, marking his first trip to the East Asian country since 2019. The Crown Prince will meet Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his visit, where discussions will focus on enhancing bilateral relations and exploring cooperation in various sectors including West Asian issues and global affairs.
Japan, a significant importer of Saudi oil, has deep economic ties with the kingdom, which extends into the entertainment sector. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund holds a significant stake in Nintendo, evidencing the MbS’s strategy to diversify the Saudi economy through investments in non-oil sectors like gaming—a field where the prince himself is known to be an avid enthusiast, particularly of the game “Call of Duty.”
This visit will also spotlight the broader “Saudi-Japan Vision 2030” initiative, aimed at fostering Japanese investments in Saudi Arabia across multiple industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure. The partnership underscores both countries’ commitment to reducing reliance on oil revenues and boosting economic diversification.
Amidst these discussions, Saudi Arabia continues to make substantial investments in the gaming industry, aiming to transform into a global hub for gaming and esports. This ambition is part of MbS’s broader Vision 2030 plan, which seeks to reshape the Saudi economy and improve its international image through strategic investments in various high-tech industries.
