HADO Launches in Saudi Arabia, Expanding from Riyadh Base

Driving AR Sports Adoption in the Middle East through Schools, Academies, and Community Partnerships
meleap Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Hiroshi Fukuda), the developer of the AR sport “HADO,” announces the official launch of HADO in Saudi Arabia in partnership with local company X Square.
Under Saudi Arabia’s national strategy “Vision 2030,” investment in sports, esports, and entertainment continues to accelerate, increasing demand for next-generation experiences. HADO, a Japan-born AR sport, has already attracted strong interest through previous event activations in the region.
Expanding Through Education and Community
In Saudi Arabia, HADO will collaborate with schools, academies, and local communities to promote adoption. Beyond entertainment, HADO will be introduced as an educational program that fosters teamwork, focus, and initiative.
As a sport suited for digital-native generations, HADO also aims to contribute to the development of next-generation athletes.

A Growing Global Sport Across 40+ Countries
HADO is currently played in over 40 countries worldwide and continues to grow as a global competitive sport through international tournaments. The development of leagues and official competitions is accelerating the expansion of its ecosystem.
The launch in Saudi Arabia marks a significant step in further global expansion.

An Inclusive Sport for Everyone
HADO is designed as an inclusive sport, accessible regardless of age, gender, experience, or physical ability. It can be implemented in schools and community programs, including participation by wheelchair users and players with diverse needs.
Beyond physical activity, HADO contributes to improving concentration, decision-making, teamwork, and self-efficacy—creating new value through sport.


The Next-Generation Sport: Physical × Digital
HADO is a physical AR sport that blends real-world movement with digital gameplay. Players wear headsets and arm sensors and compete in teams of up to 3 vs 3.
Combining strategy, teamwork, and strong spectator appeal, HADO represents a new category that merges the excitement of sports and esports.
Moving forward, meleap will continue working with local partners to expand access through events and permanent venues, while contributing to the growth of international competitions.
Under its vision, “Bringing Dreams and Excitement to the World through Techno Sports,” meleap will continue accelerating HADO’s global expansion.


Recent Highlights from meleap
- January 2026: Released a report on the HADO competition at “The Games of the Future 2025” held in Abu Dhabi, with continued participation planned for Astana 2026.
- February 2026: HADO initiatives in Shikokuchuo City were recognized as part of the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Award at the 8th Japan ICT Education Awards.
- March 2026: Published a report on “The Future of Physical Education,” showcasing advanced use of ICT, XR, and HADO in four schools.
HADO continues to expand globally across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. In 2026, it also launched in the Philippines and Taiwan, accelerating growth in Asia.
Additionally, meleap has been selected for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s startup program “SusHi Tech Tokyo,” recognizing its impact in both global expansion and social implementation.
