Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June, 2026: HUAWEI AppGallery, in partnership with Cenomi Centers and supported by STC Bank, has successfully concluded the first edition of the Cenomi Centers x AppGallery Esports Carnival KSA 2026, held on May 15–16 at View Mall, Riyadh.
Marking the first AppGallery Gamers Cup (AGC) activation of its kind inside a mall in Riyadh, the two-day carnival transformed a high-footfall retail destination into a vibrant gaming and entertainment hub, bringing together mobile gamers, casual players, digital artists, and families under one roof.
The event was designed to appeal to players of all skill levels and interests. The live esports tournament followed two weeks of online qualifiers, culminating in on-ground finals featuring multiple game genres, from battle royale and strategy titles to casual favourites available on AppGallery. Finalists competed for a total prize pool valued at SAR 100,000, along with a range of Huawei devices.
Beyond competitive gaming, the Carnival introduced interactive experiences that broadened participation and engagement. The GoPaint digital art competition invited attendees to create artwork using Huawei tablets, blending gaming culture with creative expression. Meanwhile, the Play & Win zone offered an accessible, casual gaming experience open to all mall visitors, encouraging AppGallery discovery through instant gameplay and rewards.
The event also showcased popular casual games, including the widely recognised Yalla Ludo. With an inclusive competition format open to everyone, the activity attracted significant visitor engagement, drawing large crowds and creating a lively atmosphere throughout the venue.
The event also featured live music, DJ performances, and food and beverage stations, contributing to strong footfall and sustained audience engagement across both days, while reinforcing its positioning as a lifestyle-led entertainment experience.
William Hu, Managing Director of Huawei Consumer Business Group Cloud Service, Middle East and Africa, said, “The strong response in Riyadh highlights the scale, diversity, and passion of Saudi Arabia’s gaming community. This first edition represents an important milestone for AppGallery as we bring gaming experiences closer to users in everyday spaces. We are grateful for the support of our partners and the community, and we look forward to expanding this platform across the Kingdom throughout 2026.”
Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO of Cenomi Centers, added, “The event delivered strong footfall and consistent engagement at View Mall, demonstrating the value of integrating immersive experiences within retail environments. The combination of gaming, creativity, and entertainment resonated strongly with visitors, and we look forward to building on this momentum in future editions.”
The Riyadh edition marks Season 1 (S1) of the AppGallery Gamers Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia, with additional activations planned across multiple cities throughout the year, further strengthening AppGallery’s role in supporting the Kingdom’s growing gaming ecosystem.
About AppGallery Gamers Cup AGC:
AppGallery Gamers Cup (AGC) is a leading esports initiative supported by HUAWEI AppGallery, providing a platform for gamers to showcase their skills and compete in E-sports tournaments. AGC is committed to promoting inclusivity and equality within the gaming community, fostering a vibrant and supportive environment for all gamers across the region.
About Cenomi Centers:
Cenomi Centers is the leading owner, operator, and developer of lifestyle and retail destinations in Saudi Arabia. The company is at the forefront of an evolution in the Kingdom’s retail sector that is seeing malls transform from traditional shopping venues into integrated lifestyle destinations that shape how people live, socialize, and spend their time.
With a portfolio of 20 assets across 9 major cities, over 4,250 stores, and nearly 1.3 million square meters of leasable area, Cenomi Centers sits alone in the sheer scale and scope of its offerings. Its portfolio includes some of the country’s most iconic destinations, including Mall of Arabia in Jeddah and Nakheel Mall in Riyadh.
Through its transformation of the retail experience, Cenomi Centers is helping advance Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of fostering a vibrant society, diversifying the economy, and strengthening the Kingdom’s international standing.
