The MENA media market is projected to grow from $17 billion in 2024 to $20.6 billion by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9 percent. According to the Dubai Press Club‘s recently launched Arab Media Outlook – Future Vision report, advertising remains the largest subsegment, accounting for 38 percent of the market by 2028, followed by video, both of which are undergoing rapid digitalization.
The report also revealed that growth is being led by digital-first formats: internet advertising is expected to grow at a 7.2 percent compound annual growth rate, and gaming at a 4.4 percent CAGR, while traditional media shows a decline. Over-the-Top (OTT) video and music streaming are scaling steadily, while podcasting and esports are emerging as new growth frontiers.
Rapid digital disruption marks major shifts in MENA media market
The report, which was launched during the Arab Media Summit 2025, underscored the profound transformation underway across the MENA media market, driven by rapid digital disruption, changing audience behaviors, and ambitious national strategies. Spanning five core subsegments—video, audio, publishing, advertising and gaming—the report highlights the media industry’s role as an important driver of economic diversification, job creation and cultural influence in the region.
“The Arab media industry is entering a new phase of its development, shaped by rapid technological change, evolving audience expectations, and new patterns of content consumption. We are working to build a globally competitive media ecosystem that plays a greater role in the region’s development journey,” stated Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club.
For his part, Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Media City, Dubai Production City and Dubai Studio City, part of TECOM Group PJSC, explained that the UAE recognizes the media sector as a vital pillar that shapes its strategic vision for sustainable development that benefits future generations, and Dubai Media City is proactively shaping its trajectory to inform and enlighten with homegrown storytelling that has global impact.
“The media industry makes an invaluable contribution to the UAE’s and Dubai’s creative economy by driving innovation and knowledge creation for the benefit of the region and beyond. As Knowledge Partner of the ‘Arab Media Outlook – Future Vision’ report, we are reaffirming our commitment to nurturing a globally competitive media landscape that strengthens the vision of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy,” he added.
Video subsegment emerges as most culturally influential
The report identifies the video subsegment as the most culturally influential across the MENA media market, with OTT adoption rising across all markets. Traditional broadcast models are shifting toward hybrid broadcast-digital models. In the audio space, music streaming accounts for over 80 percent of revenue, while podcasting, though nascent, is gaining traction, while radio retains strong reach in some countries.
Meanwhile, the publishing sector is evolving in response to shifting consumption habits, with new momentum seen in e-books, audiobooks and digital journalism. Major book fairs in the region continue to drive footfall and visibility. Advertising is also transitioning decisively to digital, with global platforms like Google, Meta, and TikTok commanding a significant share of spend.
Gaming is fastest-growing subsegment across the region
Gaming is the fastest-growing subsegment across the MENA media market, driven by rising consumer demand, expanded access to platforms and growing interest in esports. From 2024 to 2028, all major MENA markets will see consistent growth in gaming revenues.
Cinema is also undergoing a region-wide revival, led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with strong growth also projected in other MENA markets. Annual admissions across most markets in the region are expected to grow 5 to 6 percent between 2024 and 2028.
Read: Arab Media Summit 2025 spotlights role of youth in shaping media landscape
Funding access expands to support growth
The report also identifies key enablers of sustained growth: modernized regulation; talent development; access to funding; world-class infrastructure; and innovation and research and development (R&D).
Key economies in the region are advancing media sector growth through streamlined licensing, updated ownership laws and clear content classification systems that boost transparency and investor confidence. Funding access is also expanding in the region, with major markets offering production incentives, early-stage investments and grants to support local and international media projects.
The report added that artificial intelligence is emerging as a game-changer across the media value chain—from content personalization and automated news writing to immersive formats in gaming and advertising. While AI is opening new frontiers for monetization and operational efficiency, the report also highlights regulatory and ethical challenges that need attention to ensure sustainable growth.
The Arab Media Outlook 2025 also includes global case studies on OTT leadership from advanced markets across the world, offering insights into OTT growth strategies, audio innovation and advanced advertising models, with practical takeaways for media stakeholders across the Arab world.
