GITNUXREPORT 2026

Middle East Entertainment Industry Statistics

The Middle East entertainment industry is thriving with rapid growth in film, streaming, and live events.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

In 2022, Saudi Arabia's cinema box office revenue reached $152 million, marking a 300% increase from 2019 due to post-COVID recovery and new releases like local film 'The Cello'.

Statistic 2

The UAE had 512 cinema screens operational in 2023, with Dubai alone accounting for 40% of them through chains like VOX Cinemas.

Statistic 3

Egypt's film industry produced 45 feature films in 2022, generating EGP 1.2 billion in domestic box office, led by comedies starring Mohamed Henedi.

Statistic 4

In 2023, Jordan's Red Sea International Film Festival screened 118 films from 72 countries, attracting 25,000 attendees and $5 million in investments.

Statistic 5

Turkey's film exports to the Middle East surged 45% in 2022, with 'Burning Sun' earning $8.7 million in Gulf markets.

Statistic 6

Qatar invested $100 million in film production through Doha Film Institute in 2021-2023, funding 50 Arab projects.

Statistic 7

Lebanon's cinema admissions dropped to 1.2 million in 2022 from 5 million pre-crisis, due to economic turmoil.

Statistic 8

Iran's film industry released 112 films in 2022/23, with 'Holy Spider' winning awards and grossing $2.5 million internationally.

Statistic 9

Kuwait opened 25 new cinema screens in 2023, boosting market capacity by 20% via Cinescape expansions.

Statistic 10

Oman's film sector saw a 150% growth in local productions from 2020-2023, with 12 features funded by Oman Film Society.

Statistic 11

Bahrain's box office revenue hit $12 million in 2022, driven by Hollywood blockbusters and regional hits.

Statistic 12

Iraq's cinema revival added 15 screens in Erbil and Baghdad by 2023, with local Kurdish films drawing 500,000 viewers.

Statistic 13

Yemen's underground film scene produced 8 documentaries in 2022, screened at Dubai festivals despite conflict.

Statistic 14

Syria's pre-war cinema legacy includes 200 restored films digitized by 2023 for global streaming.

Statistic 15

Palestine produced 22 films in 2022, with 'Mediterranean' winning Best Arab Film at Cairo Festival.

Statistic 16

Saudi Arabia plans 2,500 cinema screens by 2030, up from 65 in 2018, under Vision 2030 entertainment push.

Statistic 17

UAE's film production incentives attracted $250 million FDI in 2022, via Image Nation Abu Dhabi.

Statistic 18

Egypt exported films to 45 countries in 2022, earning $50 million, led by 'Kira & El Gin'.

Statistic 19

Jordan's film industry employed 1,500 people in 2023, with 20% growth in VFX services.

Statistic 20

Turkey-Middle East co-productions rose 60% in 2022, totaling 15 films with Gulf partners.

Statistic 21

Qatar hosted 2022 Ajyal Youth Film Festival with 100 films, 70% from MENA region.

Statistic 22

Lebanon's 2023 film output hit 12 features despite crisis, focusing on diaspora stories.

Statistic 23

Iran's box office hit 15 million tickets in 2022, with family films dominating 60% share.

Statistic 24

Kuwait's Cinescape chain reported 2.5 million admissions in 2023, 30% from local events.

Statistic 25

Oman's Muscat Film Festival 2023 featured 50 Arab films, drawing 10,000 visitors.

Statistic 26

Bahrain invested QR 50 million in film funds 2022-2023, producing 5 local shorts.

Statistic 27

Iraq's 2023 cinema market valued at $10 million, with 80% Hollywood imports.

Statistic 28

Saudi Arabia's 2023 local films captured 25% market share, up from 5% in 2021.

Statistic 29

UAE VOX Cinemas added IMAX screens, boosting premium revenue by 40% in 2023.

Statistic 30

Egypt's 2023 box office reached EGP 2 billion, with superhero film 'Welad Rizk 3' topping charts.

Statistic 31

Riyadh Season 2023 total visitors 20 million, 70% entertainment zones.

Statistic 32

Dubai Expo 2020 legacy events drew 15 million in 2023 cultural shows.

Statistic 33

Egypt's Pyramids Festival 2023 hosted 10 concerts, 100,000 fans.

Statistic 34

Turkey's Istanbul Music Festival 2023 sold 200,000 tickets for 30 events.

Statistic 35

Jordan's Jerash Festival 2023 featured 50 performances, 80,000 attendees.

Statistic 36

Qatar's Doha Festival City events 2023: 5 million visitors to concerts/theater.

Statistic 37

Beirut's Baalbek Festival canceled 2023 but digital streams 1 million views.

Statistic 38

Iran's Fadjr Theater Festival 2023 showcased 200 plays, 500,000 tickets.

Statistic 39

Kuwait's Al Shaheed Park concerts 2023 drew 300,000 for 20 shows.

Statistic 40

Oman's Royal Opera House Muscat 2023: 150 performances, 90% capacity.

Statistic 41

Bahrain International Airshow 2023 integrated music events, 50,000 attendees.

Statistic 42

Iraq's Baghdad Music Festival 2023 revived with 20 acts, 100,000 crowd.

Statistic 43

Formula 1 Saudi GP entertainment 2023: 1 million concert goers.

Statistic 44

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concerts 2023: 150,000 tickets sold.

Statistic 45

Cairo Opera House 2023 hosted 300 shows, 200,000 visitors.

Statistic 46

Jeddah Season 2023: 18 million visitors across 14 zones.

Statistic 47

Sharjah Theater Days 2023: 40 plays from 10 Arab countries.

Statistic 48

National Theater Doha 2023: 100 performances, family shows 50%.

Statistic 49

Turkey's Efes Pilsen Blues Festival Izmir 2023: 50,000 fans.

Statistic 50

Palestine's Freedom Theater Jenin 2023 productions reached 20,000 locals.

Statistic 51

Saudi Comic Con 2023: 55,000 attendees, 200 exhibitors.

Statistic 52

Dubai Comedy Festival 2023: 30 shows, 100,000 laughs recorded.

Statistic 53

Egypt's El Gouna Film Festival live events 2023: 5,000 VIP passes.

Statistic 54

UAE's Global Village 2023: 9 million visitors, 40 cultural shows daily.

Statistic 55

MENA stand-up comedy market grew 50% post-2022, 500 shows annually.

Statistic 56

Riyadh Theater Festival 2023: 50 plays, 300,000 seats filled.

Statistic 57

Omani traditional music festivals 2023: 100 events, preserving 50 genres.

Statistic 58

Bahrain Theater Season 2023: 25 productions, 80% local scripts.

Statistic 59

Anghami music streaming app had 72 million users in MENA by 2023, 40% paid subscribers.

Statistic 60

Spotify launched in MENA with 10 million monthly users by end-2023, 25% in Egypt.

Statistic 61

Saudi Arabia's music market grew to $200 million in 2022, driven by concerts like Riyadh Season.

Statistic 62

Egypt's music streaming revenue hit $50 million in 2023, led by Amr Diab's streams.

Statistic 63

UAE hosted 500 concerts in 2023 via Live Nation, generating AED 1 billion.

Statistic 64

Turkey's music exports to MENA rose 30% to $30 million in 2022, Tarkan hits.

Statistic 65

Jordan's music scene saw 200 festivals in 2023, attracting 1 million attendees.

Statistic 66

Qatar's Katara Studios recorded 100 Arabic albums in 2022, 50 classical.

Statistic 67

Lebanon's Byblos Festival 2023 featured 40 international artists, 50,000 tickets sold.

Statistic 68

Iran's music market underground streams hit 2 billion plays in 2023 via Telegram bots.

Statistic 69

Kuwait's music production houses released 150 tracks in 2023, 60% pop.

Statistic 70

Oman's Tanajib Festival 2023 drew 100,000 fans for 20 acts.

Statistic 71

Bahrain's Formula 1 concerts 2023 hosted 5 global stars, 200,000 attendees.

Statistic 72

Iraq's Erbil Music Festival 2023 had 50 performances, 300,000 visitors.

Statistic 73

Saudi's MDLBEAST Soundstorm festival 2023 sold 740,000 tickets over 3 days.

Statistic 74

UAE's Tomorrowland Abu Dhabi tickets sold out 20,000 in 2023.

Statistic 75

Egypt's Cairo Jazz Festival reached 50,000 attendees in 2023 across venues.

Statistic 76

Spotify Egypt's top artist Amr Diab had 500 million streams in 2023.

Statistic 77

Anghami Saudi users streamed 10 billion minutes in 2023, 30% local artists.

Statistic 78

Turkey's Sezen Aksu MENA tours grossed $10 million in 2022.

Statistic 79

Fairuz's digital streams surged 200% in Lebanon post-2023 tributes.

Statistic 80

Mawaly app in Gulf had 5 million downloads by 2023 for Arabic music.

Statistic 81

Saudi Vision 2030 funded 100 emerging artists, 500 concerts in 2023.

Statistic 82

Netflix MENA added 20 Arabic music docs in 2023, 5 million views.

Statistic 83

Deezer MENA subscribers hit 3 million in 2023, 50% UAE/Egypt.

Statistic 84

Rotana Music's YouTube channel 25 billion views by 2023, 70% Gulf.

Statistic 85

Apple Music MENA top playlist 'Ahla Mawal' 100 million plays 2023.

Statistic 86

YouTube Music MENA revenue $150 million ad share in 2022.

Statistic 87

PUBG Mobile MENA downloads reached 200 million by 2023, Saudi leading with 50 million.

Statistic 88

Netflix MENA subscribers grew to 8 million in 2023, 40% original Arabic content.

Statistic 89

Shahid's ad revenue hit $100 million in 2023 from 500 million video views monthly.

Statistic 90

Starzplay Arabia 5 million subs in 2023, adding 200 Turkish series.

Statistic 91

Disney+ Hotstar MENA launched with 2 million users in first year 2023.

Statistic 92

Free Fire esports MENA tournaments had 10 million viewers in 2023.

Statistic 93

Twitch MENA streamers grew 300% to 50,000 in 2023, gaming focus.

Statistic 94

YouTube Gaming MENA watch hours 5 billion in 2023, 60% mobile.

Statistic 95

Careem Video onboarded 1 million users in UAE/Saudi 2023 for short-form.

Statistic 96

TikTok MENA users 150 million monthly in 2023, 70% under 25.

Statistic 97

Snapchat AR filters MENA downloads 500 million in 2023, entertainment lenses.

Statistic 98

Instagram Reels MENA plays 10 billion daily in 2023.

Statistic 99

Gaming market in Saudi $1.5 billion in 2023, 20 million gamers.

Statistic 100

Egypt's digital gaming revenue $400 million in 2023, mobile 80%.

Statistic 101

UAE esports investments $50 million in 2023, ESL Pro League hub.

Statistic 102

Jordan's PUBG Mobile Club Open MENA won $200,000 prize pool 2023.

Statistic 103

Qatar Gaming Expo 2023 attracted 30,000 visitors, 100 exhibitors.

Statistic 104

Lebanon gamers 4 million in 2023, 90% mobile Fortnite/PUBG.

Statistic 105

Iran's gaming apps downloads 100 million in 2023 via local stores.

Statistic 106

Kuwait's ESports World Cup qualifier 2023 had 1 million online viewers.

Statistic 107

Riyadh Season esports arena hosted 50 events, 2 million attendees 2023.

Statistic 108

Abu Dhabi Esports Residence launched with 100 pro gamers in 2023.

Statistic 109

Egypt's ESL MENA Championship 2023 peaked at 500,000 viewers.

Statistic 110

MENA short-form video market $2 billion ad revenue 2023.

Statistic 111

Netflix games downloads MENA 5 million in 2023 launch phase.

Statistic 112

Amazon Prime Video MENA originals streamed 1 billion hours 2023.

Statistic 113

Huawei Video MENA users 20 million, 80% free content 2023.

Statistic 114

Gaming penetration in MENA 65% of internet users in 2023.

Statistic 115

MBC Group aired 150 original TV series in 2022 across MENA, reaching 200 million viewers.

Statistic 116

Shahid platform streamed 5 billion minutes of content in 2023, 60% Arabic dramas.

Statistic 117

OSN+ subscribers in Saudi Arabia grew 35% to 2.5 million in 2023, driven by sports rights.

Statistic 118

Egypt's Elevision produced 40 Ramadan series in 2023, averaging 30 million viewers per episode.

Statistic 119

UAE's beIN Media broadcast 4,000 live sports events in 2022, covering 25% MENA market.

Statistic 120

Turkey's ATV series 'Yargi' exported to 50 MENA countries in 2023, earning $20 million.

Statistic 121

Jordan's Roya TV reached 15 million monthly viewers in 2023 via satellite and app.

Statistic 122

Qatar's Al Jazeera Documentary channel aired 200 originals in 2022, 70% MENA-focused.

Statistic 123

Lebanon's LBCI dominated 2023 ratings with 25% share in prime time dramas.

Statistic 124

Iran's IRIB broadcast 100 series in 2022/23, with 80 million daily viewers domestically.

Statistic 125

Kuwait's KTV1 aired 50 local programs in 2023, boosting national content to 40%.

Statistic 126

Oman's Oman TV invested OMR 5 million in 2023 for 30 new shows.

Statistic 127

Bahrain's Bahrain TV reached 3 million viewers via digital platforms in 2023.

Statistic 128

Iraq's Kurdistan TV network grew viewership 50% to 8 million in 2023.

Statistic 129

Saudi Arabia's SBC channel launched 20 reality shows in 2023, averaging 10 million views.

Statistic 130

UAE's Choueiri Group handled ads for 200 TV channels, generating $300 million in 2022.

Statistic 131

Egypt's 2023 Ramadan TV ad spend hit EGP 5 billion, up 20% YoY.

Statistic 132

MBC's 'Al Rawabi School for Girls' Netflix co-prod reached 20 million global views in 2022.

Statistic 133

OSN launched 100 premium channels in 2023, 50% sports and movies.

Statistic 134

Turkey exported 150 TV series to Arab world in 2022, $600 million revenue.

Statistic 135

Shahid VIP users hit 10 million in MENA by 2023, 40% Saudi.

Statistic 136

Egypt's ON Elevision streamed 1,000 hours live in 2023, peaking at 5 million concurrent.

Statistic 137

beIN Sports MENA had 15 million subscribers in 2023, 60% football fans.

Statistic 138

Al Jazeera Arabic news viewership 50 million daily in 2022 across platforms.

Statistic 139

LBCI's digital platform hit 50 million monthly visits in 2023.

Statistic 140

IRIB's international channel IRIB TV3 reached 100 million diaspora viewers in 2023.

1/140

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From Saudi Arabia’s cinematic boom to Egypt’s streaming dominance and Turkey’s cultural exports, the Middle East entertainment industry is undergoing a seismic, multi-billion-dollar transformation that is redefining the region's creative landscape.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, Saudi Arabia's cinema box office revenue reached $152 million, marking a 300% increase from 2019 due to post-COVID recovery and new releases like local film 'The Cello'.
The UAE had 512 cinema screens operational in 2023, with Dubai alone accounting for 40% of them through chains like VOX Cinemas.
Egypt's film industry produced 45 feature films in 2022, generating EGP 1.2 billion in domestic box office, led by comedies starring Mohamed Henedi.
MBC Group aired 150 original TV series in 2022 across MENA, reaching 200 million viewers.
Shahid platform streamed 5 billion minutes of content in 2023, 60% Arabic dramas.
OSN+ subscribers in Saudi Arabia grew 35% to 2.5 million in 2023, driven by sports rights.
Anghami music streaming app had 72 million users in MENA by 2023, 40% paid subscribers.
Spotify launched in MENA with 10 million monthly users by end-2023, 25% in Egypt.
Saudi Arabia's music market grew to $200 million in 2022, driven by concerts like Riyadh Season.
PUBG Mobile MENA downloads reached 200 million by 2023, Saudi leading with 50 million.
Netflix MENA subscribers grew to 8 million in 2023, 40% original Arabic content.
Shahid's ad revenue hit $100 million in 2023 from 500 million video views monthly.
Riyadh Season 2023 total visitors 20 million, 70% entertainment zones.
Dubai Expo 2020 legacy events drew 15 million in 2023 cultural shows.
Egypt's Pyramids Festival 2023 hosted 10 concerts, 100,000 fans.

The Middle East entertainment industry is thriving with rapid growth in film, streaming, and live events.

Film Production and Box Office

In 2022, Saudi Arabia's cinema box office revenue reached $152 million, marking a 300% increase from 2019 due to post-COVID recovery and new releases like local film 'The Cello'.
The UAE had 512 cinema screens operational in 2023, with Dubai alone accounting for 40% of them through chains like VOX Cinemas.
Egypt's film industry produced 45 feature films in 2022, generating EGP 1.2 billion in domestic box office, led by comedies starring Mohamed Henedi.
In 2023, Jordan's Red Sea International Film Festival screened 118 films from 72 countries, attracting 25,000 attendees and $5 million in investments.
Turkey's film exports to the Middle East surged 45% in 2022, with 'Burning Sun' earning $8.7 million in Gulf markets.
Qatar invested $100 million in film production through Doha Film Institute in 2021-2023, funding 50 Arab projects.
Lebanon's cinema admissions dropped to 1.2 million in 2022 from 5 million pre-crisis, due to economic turmoil.
Iran's film industry released 112 films in 2022/23, with 'Holy Spider' winning awards and grossing $2.5 million internationally.
Kuwait opened 25 new cinema screens in 2023, boosting market capacity by 20% via Cinescape expansions.
Oman's film sector saw a 150% growth in local productions from 2020-2023, with 12 features funded by Oman Film Society.
Bahrain's box office revenue hit $12 million in 2022, driven by Hollywood blockbusters and regional hits.
Iraq's cinema revival added 15 screens in Erbil and Baghdad by 2023, with local Kurdish films drawing 500,000 viewers.
Yemen's underground film scene produced 8 documentaries in 2022, screened at Dubai festivals despite conflict.
Syria's pre-war cinema legacy includes 200 restored films digitized by 2023 for global streaming.
Palestine produced 22 films in 2022, with 'Mediterranean' winning Best Arab Film at Cairo Festival.
Saudi Arabia plans 2,500 cinema screens by 2030, up from 65 in 2018, under Vision 2030 entertainment push.
UAE's film production incentives attracted $250 million FDI in 2022, via Image Nation Abu Dhabi.
Egypt exported films to 45 countries in 2022, earning $50 million, led by 'Kira & El Gin'.
Jordan's film industry employed 1,500 people in 2023, with 20% growth in VFX services.
Turkey-Middle East co-productions rose 60% in 2022, totaling 15 films with Gulf partners.
Qatar hosted 2022 Ajyal Youth Film Festival with 100 films, 70% from MENA region.
Lebanon's 2023 film output hit 12 features despite crisis, focusing on diaspora stories.
Iran's box office hit 15 million tickets in 2022, with family films dominating 60% share.
Kuwait's Cinescape chain reported 2.5 million admissions in 2023, 30% from local events.
Oman's Muscat Film Festival 2023 featured 50 Arab films, drawing 10,000 visitors.
Bahrain invested QR 50 million in film funds 2022-2023, producing 5 local shorts.
Iraq's 2023 cinema market valued at $10 million, with 80% Hollywood imports.
Saudi Arabia's 2023 local films captured 25% market share, up from 5% in 2021.
UAE VOX Cinemas added IMAX screens, boosting premium revenue by 40% in 2023.
Egypt's 2023 box office reached EGP 2 billion, with superhero film 'Welad Rizk 3' topping charts.

Film Production and Box Office Interpretation

While Saudi Arabia is throwing open the palace doors to a cinematic boom, Egypt doubles down on homegrown comedies, Turkey exports its dramas like a cultural superpower, and Lebanon films from the edge of collapse, the region collectively rewrites its narrative—one screen, one festival, and one defiant story at a time.

Live Entertainment and Events

Riyadh Season 2023 total visitors 20 million, 70% entertainment zones.
Dubai Expo 2020 legacy events drew 15 million in 2023 cultural shows.
Egypt's Pyramids Festival 2023 hosted 10 concerts, 100,000 fans.
Turkey's Istanbul Music Festival 2023 sold 200,000 tickets for 30 events.
Jordan's Jerash Festival 2023 featured 50 performances, 80,000 attendees.
Qatar's Doha Festival City events 2023: 5 million visitors to concerts/theater.
Beirut's Baalbek Festival canceled 2023 but digital streams 1 million views.
Iran's Fadjr Theater Festival 2023 showcased 200 plays, 500,000 tickets.
Kuwait's Al Shaheed Park concerts 2023 drew 300,000 for 20 shows.
Oman's Royal Opera House Muscat 2023: 150 performances, 90% capacity.
Bahrain International Airshow 2023 integrated music events, 50,000 attendees.
Iraq's Baghdad Music Festival 2023 revived with 20 acts, 100,000 crowd.
Formula 1 Saudi GP entertainment 2023: 1 million concert goers.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concerts 2023: 150,000 tickets sold.
Cairo Opera House 2023 hosted 300 shows, 200,000 visitors.
Jeddah Season 2023: 18 million visitors across 14 zones.
Sharjah Theater Days 2023: 40 plays from 10 Arab countries.
National Theater Doha 2023: 100 performances, family shows 50%.
Turkey's Efes Pilsen Blues Festival Izmir 2023: 50,000 fans.
Palestine's Freedom Theater Jenin 2023 productions reached 20,000 locals.
Saudi Comic Con 2023: 55,000 attendees, 200 exhibitors.
Dubai Comedy Festival 2023: 30 shows, 100,000 laughs recorded.
Egypt's El Gouna Film Festival live events 2023: 5,000 VIP passes.
UAE's Global Village 2023: 9 million visitors, 40 cultural shows daily.
MENA stand-up comedy market grew 50% post-2022, 500 shows annually.
Riyadh Theater Festival 2023: 50 plays, 300,000 seats filled.
Omani traditional music festivals 2023: 100 events, preserving 50 genres.
Bahrain Theater Season 2023: 25 productions, 80% local scripts.

Live Entertainment and Events Interpretation

From Riyadh's record-breaking 20 million revelers to Beirut's resilient million digital streams, the Middle East's entertainment industry is staging a massive, defiant comeback, proving that the region's appetite for culture, music, and laughter is not just surviving but thriving with impressive, concrete numbers.

Music Industry

Anghami music streaming app had 72 million users in MENA by 2023, 40% paid subscribers.
Spotify launched in MENA with 10 million monthly users by end-2023, 25% in Egypt.
Saudi Arabia's music market grew to $200 million in 2022, driven by concerts like Riyadh Season.
Egypt's music streaming revenue hit $50 million in 2023, led by Amr Diab's streams.
UAE hosted 500 concerts in 2023 via Live Nation, generating AED 1 billion.
Turkey's music exports to MENA rose 30% to $30 million in 2022, Tarkan hits.
Jordan's music scene saw 200 festivals in 2023, attracting 1 million attendees.
Qatar's Katara Studios recorded 100 Arabic albums in 2022, 50 classical.
Lebanon's Byblos Festival 2023 featured 40 international artists, 50,000 tickets sold.
Iran's music market underground streams hit 2 billion plays in 2023 via Telegram bots.
Kuwait's music production houses released 150 tracks in 2023, 60% pop.
Oman's Tanajib Festival 2023 drew 100,000 fans for 20 acts.
Bahrain's Formula 1 concerts 2023 hosted 5 global stars, 200,000 attendees.
Iraq's Erbil Music Festival 2023 had 50 performances, 300,000 visitors.
Saudi's MDLBEAST Soundstorm festival 2023 sold 740,000 tickets over 3 days.
UAE's Tomorrowland Abu Dhabi tickets sold out 20,000 in 2023.
Egypt's Cairo Jazz Festival reached 50,000 attendees in 2023 across venues.
Spotify Egypt's top artist Amr Diab had 500 million streams in 2023.
Anghami Saudi users streamed 10 billion minutes in 2023, 30% local artists.
Turkey's Sezen Aksu MENA tours grossed $10 million in 2022.
Fairuz's digital streams surged 200% in Lebanon post-2023 tributes.
Mawaly app in Gulf had 5 million downloads by 2023 for Arabic music.
Saudi Vision 2030 funded 100 emerging artists, 500 concerts in 2023.
Netflix MENA added 20 Arabic music docs in 2023, 5 million views.
Deezer MENA subscribers hit 3 million in 2023, 50% UAE/Egypt.
Rotana Music's YouTube channel 25 billion views by 2023, 70% Gulf.
Apple Music MENA top playlist 'Ahla Mawal' 100 million plays 2023.
YouTube Music MENA revenue $150 million ad share in 2022.

Music Industry Interpretation

While Spotify’s late arrival sparked a regional scuffle, the real headline is that from sold-out festivals to booming local streams, the MENA entertainment industry is no longer waiting for permission to party, but is instead cashing in on its own cultural renaissance with staggering ambition and numbers.

Streaming and Digital Media

PUBG Mobile MENA downloads reached 200 million by 2023, Saudi leading with 50 million.
Netflix MENA subscribers grew to 8 million in 2023, 40% original Arabic content.
Shahid's ad revenue hit $100 million in 2023 from 500 million video views monthly.
Starzplay Arabia 5 million subs in 2023, adding 200 Turkish series.
Disney+ Hotstar MENA launched with 2 million users in first year 2023.
Free Fire esports MENA tournaments had 10 million viewers in 2023.
Twitch MENA streamers grew 300% to 50,000 in 2023, gaming focus.
YouTube Gaming MENA watch hours 5 billion in 2023, 60% mobile.
Careem Video onboarded 1 million users in UAE/Saudi 2023 for short-form.
TikTok MENA users 150 million monthly in 2023, 70% under 25.
Snapchat AR filters MENA downloads 500 million in 2023, entertainment lenses.
Instagram Reels MENA plays 10 billion daily in 2023.
Gaming market in Saudi $1.5 billion in 2023, 20 million gamers.
Egypt's digital gaming revenue $400 million in 2023, mobile 80%.
UAE esports investments $50 million in 2023, ESL Pro League hub.
Jordan's PUBG Mobile Club Open MENA won $200,000 prize pool 2023.
Qatar Gaming Expo 2023 attracted 30,000 visitors, 100 exhibitors.
Lebanon gamers 4 million in 2023, 90% mobile Fortnite/PUBG.
Iran's gaming apps downloads 100 million in 2023 via local stores.
Kuwait's ESports World Cup qualifier 2023 had 1 million online viewers.
Riyadh Season esports arena hosted 50 events, 2 million attendees 2023.
Abu Dhabi Esports Residence launched with 100 pro gamers in 2023.
Egypt's ESL MENA Championship 2023 peaked at 500,000 viewers.
MENA short-form video market $2 billion ad revenue 2023.
Netflix games downloads MENA 5 million in 2023 launch phase.
Amazon Prime Video MENA originals streamed 1 billion hours 2023.
Huawei Video MENA users 20 million, 80% free content 2023.
Gaming penetration in MENA 65% of internet users in 2023.

Streaming and Digital Media Interpretation

While the traditional entertainment giants are meticulously building their streaming kingdoms with millions of subscribers and high-budget originals, the region’s digital populace, armed primarily with phones, has decisively voted with their thumbs—turning gaming and snackable video into a multi-billion dollar colossus that is rapidly redefining what entertainment even means in the Middle East.

Television and Broadcasting

MBC Group aired 150 original TV series in 2022 across MENA, reaching 200 million viewers.
Shahid platform streamed 5 billion minutes of content in 2023, 60% Arabic dramas.
OSN+ subscribers in Saudi Arabia grew 35% to 2.5 million in 2023, driven by sports rights.
Egypt's Elevision produced 40 Ramadan series in 2023, averaging 30 million viewers per episode.
UAE's beIN Media broadcast 4,000 live sports events in 2022, covering 25% MENA market.
Turkey's ATV series 'Yargi' exported to 50 MENA countries in 2023, earning $20 million.
Jordan's Roya TV reached 15 million monthly viewers in 2023 via satellite and app.
Qatar's Al Jazeera Documentary channel aired 200 originals in 2022, 70% MENA-focused.
Lebanon's LBCI dominated 2023 ratings with 25% share in prime time dramas.
Iran's IRIB broadcast 100 series in 2022/23, with 80 million daily viewers domestically.
Kuwait's KTV1 aired 50 local programs in 2023, boosting national content to 40%.
Oman's Oman TV invested OMR 5 million in 2023 for 30 new shows.
Bahrain's Bahrain TV reached 3 million viewers via digital platforms in 2023.
Iraq's Kurdistan TV network grew viewership 50% to 8 million in 2023.
Saudi Arabia's SBC channel launched 20 reality shows in 2023, averaging 10 million views.
UAE's Choueiri Group handled ads for 200 TV channels, generating $300 million in 2022.
Egypt's 2023 Ramadan TV ad spend hit EGP 5 billion, up 20% YoY.
MBC's 'Al Rawabi School for Girls' Netflix co-prod reached 20 million global views in 2022.
OSN launched 100 premium channels in 2023, 50% sports and movies.
Turkey exported 150 TV series to Arab world in 2022, $600 million revenue.
Shahid VIP users hit 10 million in MENA by 2023, 40% Saudi.
Egypt's ON Elevision streamed 1,000 hours live in 2023, peaking at 5 million concurrent.
beIN Sports MENA had 15 million subscribers in 2023, 60% football fans.
Al Jazeera Arabic news viewership 50 million daily in 2022 across platforms.
LBCI's digital platform hit 50 million monthly visits in 2023.
IRIB's international channel IRIB TV3 reached 100 million diaspora viewers in 2023.

Television and Broadcasting Interpretation

The Middle East's entertainment industry is a roaring, multibillion-dollar engine fueled by epic Ramadan dramas, an insatiable appetite for football, and Turkish plot twists, proving that the region doesn't just consume culture—it massively produces and profits from it.

Sources & References

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