MENA Media & Entertainment Market Projected to Hit $76.8B by 2031 The Middle East’s media and entertainment (M&E) landscape is entering a period of robust expansion, with market valuation expected to climb from $44.16 billion in 2025 to an estimated $48.43 billion in 2026. According to the latest data from Mordor Intelligence, the sector is on a trajectory to reach $76.79 billion by 2031, driven by structural shifts in digital consumption and strategic investments in local IPs. The report identifies a definitive migration toward on-demand ecosystems. Urban centers across the region are leading the adoption of streaming platforms for video, music, and gaming, prioritizing flexible subscription models over legacy linear formats. This shift is reshaping content strategies, with a marked increase in investment toward Arabic-language storytelling. Media houses and OTT platforms are increasingly viewing culturally aligned programming not just as a value-add, but as a critical retention tool essential for building advertiser confidence. Gaming has emerged as a primary revenue engine within this mix. While mobile gaming continues to dominate volume, the report highlights significant growth in high-value segments like console and cloud gaming. This is being bolstered by government-backed development initiatives and a maturing regional esports infrastructure. Simultaneously, the advertising revenue model is undergoing a correction. Spend is moving decisively away from traditional formats toward programmatic advertising and Connected TV (CTV), as brands demand the measurability and targeting capabilities inherent in digital infrastructure. For MENA executives, these indicators point to a decade defined by the convergence of gaming, localized premium content, and data-driven monetization.
