1. What inspired you to enter the world of technology and build digital communities?
That’s a great question. I’ve always had a passion for building things — especially communities. I believe that, as human beings, we all seek a sense of belonging, appreciation, and support. My journey began with exploring various ventures, such as bicycle sharing and hospitality projects, and eventually led to developing a short video platform in South Asia and the Middle East.
My overarching goal has always been to build digital economies. That’s why I joined BIGO Technology — a company that leverages artificial intelligence to foster meaningful connections among people. Whether it’s through talent showcases like Likee, or real-time live streaming via Bigo Live, our aim is to create digital spaces where people can connect. Today, our platforms serve millions of users across more than 150 countries — and I’m proud to be part of that journey.
2. As the Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at BIGO Technology, what are the key challenges you face in this market?
The MENA region is one of our largest and most dynamic markets. One of BIGO Technology’s core pillars is “glocalization” — operating globally while tailoring our services to each local market. What works in the Levant might not work in the GCC, and vice versa. Understanding these local nuances is essential.
To overcome these challenges, we’ve built strong local teams that truly understand their communities. We have offices in Jordan, Egypt, Dubai, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. These teams address market-specific needs. For example, in markets where privacy is a concern, we offer voice rooms for users who may prefer not to show their faces. This localized approach has significantly reduced challenges and enabled us to grow successfully in the region.
3. What makes the audience in the MENA region unique when it comes to Bigo Live?
The MENA region has one of the youngest and most mobile-first populations in the world. Surprisingly, many global social media companies haven’t prioritized this region. However, we recognized early on that there is a strong demand for platforms that enable expression and community building.
Through our localization strategy, we’ve been able to meet these needs with Bigo Live and Likee. Whether through voice rooms, live video, or gaming features, we offer spaces where young users can express themselves, connect with others, and build gaming communities. This is also why we’re heavily involved in the Esports World Cup — because we understand the region’s deep passion for gaming.
4. What motivated Bigo Live to renew its partnership with the Esports World Cup 2025 for a second consecutive year?
Our collaboration with the Esports World Cup reflects what Bigo truly stands for. We’re not just aiming to gain users or increase views, we’re focused on building real communities.
Gamers want a platform where they can stream, play, and grow together. Our platform supports this through initiatives like Bigo Mobile Masters, Bigo Women’s International, and Bigo Victory — mini competitions that serve as stepping stones to major events like the EWC. Think of them as warm-up tournaments, while the Esports World Cup is like the Grand Slam of gaming.
For many of our users from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Southeast Asia participating in such a prestigious event is a dream come true. And we’re proud to make that possible.
5. In your opinion, what makes this partnership “more than just a livestream”?
It’s more than just streaming because we’re building an entire ecosystem. Our users are not only viewers; they are content creators, gamers, and community leaders. Through the support and opportunities we provide, many evolve from casual streamers to leading their own esports teams.
Bigo is not just about broadcasting content. It’s about enabling growth, fostering genuine connections, and creating real opportunities — particularly in the world of gaming.
6. What is your opinion on Saudi Arabia hosting the Esports World Cup this year? And how do you view its role in shaping the future of the gaming and esports industry regionally and globally?
Saudi Arabia is incredibly forward-thinking. Vision 2030 is a bold and progressive roadmap. The transformation I’ve witnessed between my visit two years ago and today is remarkable. The country is investing heavily in esports — approximately $38 billion — and is committed to nurturing the next generation.
A decade ago, winning $3 million through gaming would have been unimaginable. Today, it’s a reality. Saudi Arabia is not only supporting gaming but also fostering innovation and community. At BIGO Technology, we align with this vision. We’ve committed to investing $500 million over five years, creating 500 jobs for Saudi nationals, and helping content creators grow into community leaders.
7. In your view, what makes Saudi Arabia an ideal environment to host a global event of this scale? And how would you assess the impact of this hosting on the development of the esports scene in the region?
Saudi Arabia’s rapid development, visionary leadership, and strategic investments in esports make it an ideal host for such a major event. The country’s infrastructure, ambition, and commitment to innovation are unmatched.
Hosting the Esports World Cup elevates the entire regional esports ecosystem, giving local players a global stage and inspiring the next generation of gamers and creators across the MENA region.
