Arab Media Outlook Report Highlights Future Vision For MENA Media Industry At Dubai Summit

The Dubai Press Club has introduced the ‘Arab Media Outlook - Future Vision’ report, which provides an in-depth analysis of the media industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This report was unveiled at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, held from 26th to 28th May. It serves as a crucial resource for those shaping the future of media in the region.

Developed with Dubai Media City and Strategy& as partners, this publication highlights significant transformations within the media sector. These changes are driven by digital disruption, evolving audience behaviours, and ambitious national strategies. The report covers five key areas: video, audio, publishing, advertising, and gaming.

The MENA media market is expected to grow from $17 billion in 2024 to $20.6 billion by 2028. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%. Advertising will remain the largest segment, making up 38% of the market by 2028. Digital-first formats like internet advertising and gaming are leading this growth.

Video is identified as the most culturally influential subsegment, with Over-the-Top (OTT) adoption increasing across all markets. Traditional broadcast models are shifting towards hybrid broadcast-digital models. In audio, music streaming dominates revenue while podcasting gains traction.

The report outlines several enablers for sustained growth: modernised regulation, talent development, funding access, world-class infrastructure, and innovation in research and development (R&D). Key economies are advancing media sector growth through streamlined licensing and updated ownership laws.

Artificial intelligence is emerging as a transformative force across the media value chain. It enhances content personalisation and operational efficiency but also presents regulatory and ethical challenges that need addressing for sustainable growth.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Mona Ghanem Al Marri of the Dubai Press Club stated that the Arab media industry is entering a new phase shaped by technological change and evolving audience expectations. "The ‘Arab Media Outlook - Future Vision' report is part of our broader strategy to equip decision-makers with foresight," she said.

Majed Al Suwaidi from Dubai Media City emphasised the UAE's recognition of media as vital for sustainable development. "The UAE recognises the media sector as a vital pillar that shapes our strategic vision for sustainable development," he noted.

Future Prospects

Tarek Matar from Strategy& highlighted strong momentum in the Arab media sector due to ambitious national visions and expanding digital infrastructure. "The Arab media sector is gaining strong momentum," he remarked.

The report also includes global case studies on OTT leadership from advanced markets worldwide. These offer insights into OTT growth strategies, audio innovation, and advanced advertising models for stakeholders across the Arab world.

This comprehensive analysis underscores how digitalisation is reshaping traditional media landscapes while opening new opportunities for innovation and growth across MENA's diverse markets.

With inputs from WAM