HRH Prince Faisal Privately Assures IESF Members That the Kingdom is Safe for Visitors

Following Tuesday’s statement from the International Esports Federation (IESF) assuring the public that LGTBTQ+ players, staff, and visitors participating in its annual esports games, the World Esports Championship (taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November) would be safe to attend, HRH Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Sultan Al Saud (or, HRH Prince Faisal) privately assured federation members that any concerns about the issue of safety are unwarranted.

The statement obtained by The Esports Advocate on Wednesday morning is important, as Prince Faisal is the president and founder of the Saudi Esports Federation, a member of the ruling royal family, and the current president of the IESF.

In the letter, Prince Faisal notes that Saudi Arabia has a low violent crime rate, is open to other cultures, “adheres to fundamental standard of decency that applies to individuals of all nationalities akin to prevailing norms in many countries worldwide,” and points to past events that have occurred in the country without incident including “Gamers8, Formula 1, Formula E, Dakar, boxing matches, and numerous music concerts and entertainment activities.”

More importantly, Prince Faisal claims that “violence in any form is unequivocally condemned and any behavior that threatens the safety or dignity of our visitors or residents is not allowed.”

Finally, Prince Faisal noted that, while “extending a warm welcome to all visitors to Saudi Arabia, we kindly request respect for the Saudi culture and values, as one would in any foreign land.”

We have included the entire letter below:

Dear Esteemed Members,

First and foremost, I want to personally extend my sincere appreciation to all members for their steadfast cooperation in advancing the international esports community and industry. Together we have achieved remarkable progress, and I am confident in our collective ability to further strengthen our collaboration in the years ahead.

Addressing concerns raised regarding the safety and well-being of visitors to Saudi Arabia, I wish to provide assurances directly. There is no cause for apprehension regarding the safety of teams, talent, or fans traveling to the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia stands as one of the safest countries globally, boasting the lowest rates of violent crime. Law enforcement agencies are dedicated to ensuring the equitable protection of all individuals, irrespective of their background. Moreover, Saudi Arabia embraces diversity, welcoming people from diverse ideological, and racial backgrounds. Violence in any form is unequivocally condemned and any behavior that threatens the safety or dignity of our visitors or residents is not allowed.  

The entire IESF team encourages you to explore the multitude of events hosted in Saudi Arabia over the past year. From Gamers8, Formula 1, Formula E, Dakar, boxing matches, and numerous music concerts and entertainment activities, each event has been executed seamlessly, setting a global standard unmatched elsewhere.

It is crucial to understand that Saudi Arabia adheres to a fundamental standard of decency that applies to individuals of all nationalities akin to prevailing norms in many countries worldwide. While extending a warm welcome to all visitors to Saudi Arabia, we kindly request respect for the Saudi culture and values, as one would in any foreign land. We reciprocate this respect to visitors, fostering an environment of mutual understanding and cooperation.

IESF is confident that athletes, talents, and staff will find their experience in Saudi Arabia to be enriching and memorable. We eagerly anticipate welcoming everyone and collaborating on what promises to be the highlight of the esports world. 

Warm regards,

HRH Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Sultan Al Saud 

IESF President