Saudi Arabia's MCIT launches Code Nine66 game jam and incubator programme
Delivered through a partnership with Savvy Games Group and Exel by Merak
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has launched Code Nine66, a game development programme targeting Saudi nationals who want to build commercially viable games and studios.
The programme runs from September 2026 to January 2027 at Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah. It is delivered in partnership with Savvy Games Group and Exel by Merak, and is hosted under CODE, the ministry's entrepreneurship centre.
Participants begin with a three-day game jam from September 17th to 19th, where teams form and build playable prototypes around a set theme.
The top ten teams then advance into a three-month incubator starting October 11th, receiving mentorship, specialised workshops, and strategic guidance to develop market-ready MVPs.
Open to Saudi nationals only
The programme closes with a playtesting day on January 6th 2027, followed by a demo day on January 6th 2027, where teams pitch to investors and publishers.
Tracks are open to game programmers, artists, designers, marketers, and entrepreneurs. All participants must be Saudi citizens aged 18 or older, hold advanced English proficiency, and commit to in-person attendance at key milestones.
Teams range from two to five members. There are no participation fees, and teams retain full intellectual property rights over their work.
Registration closes August 29th 2026, and interested developers can register here.
