Media and Entertainment - Industry - MEA Market, Share and Trends 2023-2028

Summary of Media and Entertainment

The MEA media and entertainment industry was valued at over USD 132 billion in 2023, making it one of the fastest growing regional markets globally. The MEA region has seen strong growth in the media industry, driven primarily by the Gulf markets of Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt. Streaming platforms in particular have found rapid adoption in these countries, led by global leaders supplementing local services better catered to regional content preferences.

Based on our estimates, we forecast that the regional media and entertainment industry within the MEA region will expand from $ 132 billion in 2023 to $ 182.64 billion in 2029 with a steady CAGR of 5.19 %.

Countries in the Gulf like: Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt collectively account for over 60 %— of regional revenues due to large populations and investments. Streaming video has seen rapid adoption in major markets led by global platforms and local services. Gaming, digital advertising and music are other fast growing segments.

The region is transforming with consolidation of traditional media companies and entry of tech giants bringing new distribution models. Mobile gaming also generates significant revenues across MEA, capitalizing on the youthful populations and popularity of titles from major publishers. Digital advertising is another fast growing segment for the region.

Saudi Arabia has undertaken major reforms in recent years to diversify its economy beyond oil, which has flowed investments into the media sector. The UAE too is transforming industries and regulations to attract creative businesses and talent.

Recent Trends and Insights

Streaming subscriptions have grown rapidly across major MEA markets such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and North Africa as more local and global platforms launch in the region. Fiber and 5G rollouts are enabling more immersive and mobile-first content and experiences.

Mobile gaming is also very popular and with titles from major publishers earning significant revenues as gaming participation increases. Esports too is gaining ground both for spectators and competitors.

Digital advertising is experiencing fast growth in the region and now accounts for over a quarter of total ad spending. This segment continues to be led by platforms with strong local presences. This segment is growing rapidly across MEA and now accounts for over 25 % of regional ad spend.

Paid music streaming through both global and local services is on the rise as the youth population becomes more accustomed to accessing media online and on-the-go. Investments into fiber and 5G infrastructure across MEA will help enable even more immersive and mobile-optimized content and experiences going forward.

Product Insights

Streaming video platforms in MEA region include global leaders like: Netflix, Disney+ alongside regional services such as OSN and Shahid that provide localized content. Mobile gaming generates significant revenues as major publishers like: Tencent, EA and Ubisoft have titles popular across the youthful populations.

Saudi Arabians are significant digital media consumers. Users may now access the media content of their choosing because more devices are becoming capable of handling OTT platforms and digital media, in addition to faster internet connectivity.

With a move from traditional to digital media, the nation’s media consumption has greatly increased. This industry is growing as a result of the emergence of over-the-top (OTT) and digital media businesses like Netflix, Amazon, and Intigral, among others.

Leading music streaming platforms include both international brands and local services such as: Anghami that cater to genres like Pop Arabic enjoyed widely. Digital advertising across MEA sees a strong presence of Google and Facebook continuing to grow their shares while regional players expand programmatic offerings.

YouTube, Snapchat and short-video apps have found high engagement from youth demographics across Middle East and Africa for entertainment and digital experiences.

Key Companies

Some major players within this vast domain of industry are

• beIN Media Group
• Zawya Ltd (Refinitiv)
• Intigral Inc.
• Eye Media LLC
• Qudurat Media
• Arab Media Group
• Abu Dhabi Media
• MBC Group
• Rotana Group
• Dubai Media Incorporated

Regional Analysis

The strengthening penetration of mobile internet services further supports the studied market’s growth. For instance— according to industry insights— the amount of mobile internet users in MEA exceeded 200 million, with penetration expected to reach 50% of the population by the end of 2022.

Social media usage has also been growing across Saudi Arabia which is of interest to a lot of interested parties which are: agencies, brands and media companies alike for advertisements. For instance— according to our analysis of industry norms— people in the MEA region spend a lot of time on social media— averaging about 2.7 hours a day— across platforms.

The region is relatively more restricted compared to other parts of the world. It’s still conventionally set up as carriage-only deals which indicates that broadcasters and operators do not have the full freedom to optimize revenues from areas such as – creativity – in terms of content creation and ad insertion.

Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE are transforming industries and driving new investments and reforms. Large opportunities. A developed market and cultural exporter with growing startups in sectors like music, gaming and digital media.

Countries like Morocco and Kenya present high-growth emerging markets for streaming, digital and mobile platforms.

Market Segmentation

By Type:

• Film & Music
• TV & Video
• Publishing
• Radio
• Video Games

By End User:

• Residential: SVOD, Pay TV, Online Streaming
• Commercial: Digital Signage, Cinema Advertising
• Institutional: Academic Media, Corporate Communications

By Enterprise Size:

• Large Industries
• Small & Medium Industries

By Country:

• Saudi Arabia
• Iran
• United Arab Emirates
• Israel
• Egypt
• Iraq
• Qatar

Our Methodology

We have offered a well-founded review of the Middle-east and Africa’s regional media and entertainment Industry market along with ongoing trends and upcoming projections to highlight proximate investment opportunities in this report. Moreover, an extensive analysis of any future prospects, challenges, competitors, or navigating aspects is also provided. A methodical detailed regional examination is presented.

Primary Research  

Our multi-pronged research approach includes interviews with industry leaders and a global survey of advanced manufacturing professionals to gain qualitative insights. We utilize our proprietary databases encompassing key performance indicators worldwide in order to collate relevant data points. A multivariate forecasting framework considering historical performance, current dynamics and qualitative factors are utilized to develop market sizing and growth projections through 2029.

We supplement our primary research with a careful examination of secondary materials such as– case studies, news stories and references from other sources. Organizations can benefit from the strategic advice and conclusions offered because they will be better equipped to respond to the dynamic nature of this industry and seize emerging possibilities.

We employ a comprehensive and iterative research methodology focused on minimizing deviation to provide the most accurate market estimates. Our research utilizes a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches across segments and utilizes databases, primary research insights and industry experts for analysis.

Raw data is obtained from multiple sources and thoroughly filtered to ensure only authenticated and validated sources are considered. We collect data from raw material suppliers, industry associations, technology providers, and buyers to gain a holistic perspective.

Quantitative Analysis

Our market estimates are derived through statistical models, beginning with collection of historical data and analysis of macro- and micro-economic factors influencing the market. Gathered information on market dynamics, technology and pricing trends are utilised to build the models.

Econometric and technological models are applied to project short- and long-term market potential respectively. A bottom-up approach is preferred to minimize errors. Key parameters considered include market drivers and restraints, material pricing trends, regulatory scenarios, and capacity additions.

Weights are assigned to these parameters based on impact analysis and market forecasting is performed via statistical tools and techniques. We believe this methodology results in an accurate and realistic market picture.