Sheba Joy, a mobile game studio founded in Dubai in 2021, has raised USD 293,000 (SAR 1.1 million) in a pre-seed round led by Saudi venture capital firm Merak Capital.
The funding comes as Sheba Joy relocates its headquarters from Dubai Silicon Oasis to Riyadh, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to become a global gaming hub. The company will maintain its Dubai office and India-based creative game studio.
Scaling for Saudi’s Gaming Ambitions
Since its founding, Sheba Joy has published two mobile games and plans to launch four more titles in 2025. The new capital will be used to expand production capabilities, attract top talent, and develop commercially successful games that balance accessibility with immersive gameplay.
“The MENA gaming industry is growing at an unprecedented pace, but there is still a shortage of content that truly represents our region while appealing to global audiences.
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“With Merak Capital’s support, we are scaling our operations in Riyadh to deliver world-class titles that can compete internationally and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a global gaming powerhouse,” said Ebrahim Al Hussam, CEO of Sheba Joy.
Merak Capital’s Gaming Push
For Merak Capital, the investment aligns with its strategy to strengthen the gaming and entertainment ecosystem in the MENA region. With one of the world’s youngest populations and rapidly rising smartphone penetration, the region presents a fertile market for gaming growth.
By backing Sheba Joy, Merak Capital aims to support a new wave of studios creating culturally grounded yet globally appealing gaming experiences.
Engagement
