Middle East Media & Entertainment Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 42.72 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 66.99 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 9.41 % |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Middle East Media & Entertainment Market Analysis
The Middle East Media And Entertainment Market size is estimated at USD 42.72 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 66.99 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 9.41% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The media and entertainment industry of the region is undergoing significant transformation. Cultural shifts among the region's young people have spawned considerable traction, and untapped demand for local Arabic content will spur regional media to grow considerably.
- The media and entertainment (M&E) industry has been one of the first business sectors to steer digital disruption, and its transformation is far from over. As critical networks and studios continue to unveil their direct-to-consumer streaming facilities in 2021, players are likely to scramble to propose content libraries wide enough to both attract and hold customers, permitting and generating chances and opportunities for media and entertainment companies to re-aggregate their content libraries with a comprehensive collection of offerings, from music, video, and gaming services to ad-supported content.
- The increasing penetration of mobile internet services further supports the studied market's growth. For instance, according to GSMA, in 2021, the number of mobile internet users in MENA exceeded 300 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, a trend of interest to agencies, brands, and media companies alike for advertisements. For instance, according to the World Association of News Publishers, people in the MENA region spend a lot of time on social media, averaging about 3.5 hours a day, across platforms.
- Moreover, paid and digital media evolutions have created new rationales for investments. These changes give regional media players a chance to reset their business models, explore investments in high-quality local content, and offer global players, in particular, a reason to re-evaluate their presence in the region.
- Furthermore, the new pay-tv and OTT players are increasingly populating the market dominated by free-to-air, direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting until now. GCC countries are significantly investing in upgrading technology due to various nations' broadband initiatives to support OTT platforms. An increasing number of broadcasting networks such as influx, Starz Play, Istikana, and Netflix, operating globally and locally, offer subscription-based VOD services for viewers in the region.
- However, the region is relatively more restricted compared to other parts of the world. It's still traditionally set up as carriage-only deals, which means 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.
- Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the media and entertainment industry in the region suffered significantly. Although the consumption of media and entertainment content in digital mediums witnessed an upward trend as people were spending more time at home. However, the restriction on outdoor activities significantly impacted the business of a section of the media & entertainment industry, such as movie theaters.
Middle East Media & Entertainment Market Trends
SVOD to Witness the Market Growth
- The use of a full collection of content is made possible via subscription video-on-demand (SVOD), which charges a set subscription fee, usually once per month. This business model is similar to an "all-you-can-eat" buffet where subscribers have access to an endless amount of ad-free content.
- The greatest portion of the OTT business, SVOD now ranks as the most lucrative monetization strategy. The SVOD model is used by the top OTT providers, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and newcomers like Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, etc.
- Telecom companies have introduced a solution that provides information regarding the amount of data used while streaming video over a mobile network. For instance, Vodacom introduced Video Play Time, Video Play Time bundles, a unique, world-first solution that takes the guesswork out of data usage when streaming video over a mobile network and aids customers in utilizing their data effectively.
- Subscribers to Apple TV channels can watch on-demand content online or download their favorite shows for offline viewing on the Apple TV app. Up to six friends or family members can share Apple TV channel subscriptions through Family Sharing by using just their Apple ID and password. It is anticipated that by including such perks in the subscription, more consumers will choose the service, increasing market share for SVOD providers like STARZPLAY.
Saudi Arabia to Hold Significant Market Share
- Digital formats are widely used in Saudi Arabia for media consumption. Users now have the opportunity to access the media material of their choosing thanks to the increase in the number of devices that can handle OTT platforms and digital media, as well as faster internet access. The nation's media consumption has dramatically increased and shifted from traditional media to digital media. The expansion of this industry is fueled by the emergence of OTT and digital media companies like Netflix, Amazon, and Intigral, among others.
- As customers want to gain a true sense of movies through home theatre and other audio systems as their inclination to watch movies through OTT platforms grows, this will help the market sector under study grow over the coming years.
- The growth of the internet uasge has had a disruptive effect on the channels used for digital media distribution and consumption. The nation's data usage has increased as a result of enhanced network coverage and cutting-edge communication technology (5G/LTE).
- Through Jawwy TV and Dawri Plus, the Saudi public has some key options for the digital entertainment generation. These digital media products cater to a large millennial user base and offer welcoming user interfaces and distinctive digital content that is accessible via numerous platforms. In the upcoming years, these people are searching for enriched entertainment content that is easily available.
- By supporting the country's entertainment sector's growth, digital media content players are considered a major pillar of the Vision 2030 plan of Saudi Arabia, which will eventually contribute to building a knowledge-based economy.
Middle East Media & Entertainment Industry Overview
The Middle East Media and Entertainment Market is highly competitive, with the presence of significant regional and international players. During the anticipated time frame, the industry will likely experience growth, which will likely increase competition. The market has a discernible degree of consolidation because just a small number of firms control a sizable portion. Arab Media Group, Abu Dhabi Media, Orbit Showtime Network, and Intigral Inc. are a few of the key companies active in the business.
In April 2023, the Authority of Social Contribution Ma'an created a new mobile app, Abu Dhabi MAAN, which can be downloaded on both Apple and Android smartphones. The app allows contributors to swiftly and simply make their pledges to their preferred projects. It is a part of the Abu Dhabi Gives Back initiative, which calls on the Abu Dhabi community to dig deep during Ramadan and create a lasting social effect by assisting social goals that are most consistent with their priorities and values.
In March 2023 - OSN announced that it had strengthened its market-leading position with its unbeatable range of programming and best-in-class offerings by extending and expanding its partnership with Warner Brosa with a multi-year licensing agreement. Discovery with a number of components, including an exclusive licensing agreement with HBO, establishing OSN as the only home for HBO programming throughout the MENA region.
Middle East Media & Entertainment Market Leaders
Orbit Showtime Network
MBC Group
Abu Dhabi Media
Arab Media Group
beIN Media Group
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Middle East Media & Entertainment Market News
- May 2023: Abu Dhabi Mediah made public the use of Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service in its partnership with Microsoft to improve customer experiences. Using the Azure OpenAI Service, the business enhances the capabilities of its chatbots and offers individualized guidance and information to visitors to Yas Island's theme parks and experiences. The company will do this as the first organization in the MENA region to use generative AI to enhance customer experiences within the entertainment and leisure sector.
- May 2023: ITV Studios, the production unit of the British television network ITV, and Orbit Showtime Network (OSN) expanded their collaboration. With the addition of a broad slate of scripted and unscripted programming to OSN+ and OSN TV exclusively, the new partnership is expected to increase OSN's entertainment options.
Middle East Media & Entertainment Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.2.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.2.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
4.2.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.2.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.2.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
4.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis
4.4 Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 on the Market
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
5.1 Market Drivers
5.1.1 Growing Trends Around Personalization and Increased Digitalization
5.1.2 Significant Growth in Online Gaming, OTT, and Internet Advertising
5.2 Market Restraints
5.2.1 Significant Increase in Piracy Leading to Loss of Revenue
6. MIDDLE EAST SOCIAL MEDIA LANDSCAPE
6.1 Market Overview and Key Growth Areas
6.2 Outlook of Social Media Platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Messaging Apps)
6.3 Key Social Media Advertising Statistics
6.4 Regulatory Landscape and Censorship
7. MARKET SEGMENTATION
7.1 By Type
7.1.1 Digital Music
7.1.1.1 Music Downloads
7.1.1.2 Music Streaming
7.1.2 Video Games
7.1.3 Video-on-demand
7.1.3.1 SvoD
7.1.3.2 TVoD
7.1.3.3 Video Downloads
7.1.4 e-Publishing
7.1.5 Advertising
7.1.5.1 Digital Advertising
7.1.5.2 Newspaper
7.1.5.3 Magazine
7.1.5.4 Television
7.1.5.5 Radio
7.1.5.6 Outdoor Advertising
7.1.6 Internet Access
7.2 By Country
7.2.1 Saudi Arabia
7.2.2 United Arab Emirates
7.2.3 Qatar
7.2.4 Rest of Middle East
8. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
8.1 Company Profiles
8.1.1 MBC Group
8.1.2 Orbit Showtime Network
8.1.3 Arab Media Group
8.1.4 Abu Dhabi Media
8.1.5 beIN Media Group
8.1.6 Zawya Ltd (Refinitiv)
8.1.7 Intigral Inc.
8.1.8 Eye Media LLC
8.1.9 Qudurat Media
8.1.10 CMT Technologies
- *List Not Exhaustive
9. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
10. FUTURE OF THE MARKET
Middle East Media & Entertainment Industry Segmentation
The market study is focused on the trends affecting the media and entertainment industry in the major countries of the Middle Eastern region. The study tracks the key market parameters, underlying growth influencers, and major vendors operating in the industry. The study also tracks the impact of COVID-19 on the region's overall media and entertainment industry.
The Middle East Media and Entertainment Market is Segmented by Type (Digital Music (Music Downloads and Music Streaming), Video Games, Video-on-Demand (SvoD and TVoD), e-Publishing, Advertising (Digital Advertising, Newspaper, Magazine, Television, Radio, and Outdoor Advertising), and Internet Access) and Country (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and the Rest of Middle East). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.
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| Internet Access |
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| Saudi Arabia | |
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| Rest of Middle East |
Middle East Media & Entertainment Market Research FAQs
How big is the Middle East Media And Entertainment Market?
The Middle East Media And Entertainment Market size is expected to reach USD 42.72 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 9.41% to reach USD 66.99 billion by 2029.
What is the current Middle East Media And Entertainment Market size?
In 2024, the Middle East Media And Entertainment Market size is expected to reach USD 42.72 billion.
Who are the key players in Middle East Media And Entertainment Market?
Orbit Showtime Network, MBC Group, Abu Dhabi Media, Arab Media Group and beIN Media Group are the major companies operating in the Middle East Media And Entertainment Market.
What years does this Middle East Media And Entertainment Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Middle East Media And Entertainment Market size was estimated at USD 39.05 billion. The report covers the Middle East Media And Entertainment Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Middle East Media And Entertainment Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Middle East Media and Entertainment Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Middle East Media And Entertainment market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Middle East Media And Entertainment analysis includes a market forecast outlook to for 2024 to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
