Yalla Group Partners With Saudi Esports Federation to Grow Gaming and Esports Talent in Saudi Arabia

Yalla Group Limited ("Yalla" or the "Company") (NYSE:YALA), the largest Middle East and North Africa (MENA)-based online social networking and gaming company, today announced a strategic partnership with the Saudi Esports Federation ("SEF") to drive the continued expansion of Saudi Arabia's national esports ecosystem, broaden opportunities for local talent, and promote greater inclusivity in competitive gaming. The partnership represents a key element of Yalla's strategy to deepen engagement in Saudi Arabia, one of the region's most important growth markets.

Supporting the aims of Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, SEF and Yalla Group signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to further develop esports within the Kingdom and establish new pathways for aspiring talent to develop key skills and experience.

Under the partnership agreements, Yalla has been appointed Official Event Partner of the Saudi eLeague (SEL) 2026, the Kingdom's premier national esports competition. Support for the Women's Saudi eLeague will be a key focus of the partnership, aligning with Yalla's dedication to promote inclusion, community development and broader participation in digital entertainment. By cultivating female talent and establishing structured pathways for women's participation in competitive esports, Yalla aims to contribute to the growth and vitality of Saudi Arabia's gaming sector.

In addition, Yalla will launch a talent development program in collaboration with the SEF's Saudi Esports Academy, designed to foster local esports talent through training, mentorship, and competitive experience. The initiative aims to strengthen foundational talent pipelines and improve the long-term competitiveness of Saudi Arabia's esports ecosystem.