Dubai: The Dubai Press Club today unveiled the 'Arab Media Outlook - Future Vision', a flagship report offering a comprehensive analysis of the media industry across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The report was launched during the Arab Media Summit, taking place in Dubai from 26th to 28th May. Developed in partnership with Dubai Media City, the Knowledge Partner, and Strategyand, the Research Partner of the report, the publication serves as a vital resource for policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, and professionals shaping the future of the region's media landscape.
According to Emirates News Agency, the report underscores the profound transformation underway across the region's media sector, driven by rapid digital disruption, changing audience behaviours, 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.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and President of the Dubai Press Club, emphasized that 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. She highlighted the vision guided by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to enhance the media's role as a partner in progress, aiming to build a globally competitive media ecosystem that plays a greater role in the region's development journey.
The report is part of a broader strategy to equip decision-makers with the foresight and insight needed to navigate this transformation. It outlines both the challenges that must be addressed and the significant opportunities emerging across the media landscape through detailed analysis and actionable insights.
Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Media City, Dubai Production City, and Dubai Studio City, remarked on the UAE's recognition of the media sector as a vital pillar shaping strategic vision for sustainable development, with Dubai Media City proactively shaping its trajectory to inform and enlighten with homegrown storytelling that has global impact.
Tarek Matar, Partner in Media and Entertainment at Strategyand, noted that the Arab media sector is gaining strong momentum, supported by ambitious national visions, expanding digital infrastructure, and a new generation of creative talent. The region is well-positioned to build a dynamic and globally competitive media industry, reflecting a commitment to providing data-driven insights that enable governments, investors, and media leaders to navigate the evolving landscape and unlock the full potential of the sector.
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%. Advertising remains the largest subsegment, accounting for 38% of the market by 2028, followed by video, both of which are undergoing rapid digitalisation. Growth is being led by digital-first formats, with internet advertising expected to grow at 7.2% CAGR, and gaming at 4.4% CAGR, while traditional media show a decline.
The report identifies several key enablers of sustained growth, including modernised regulation, talent development, access to funding, world-class infrastructure, and innovation and research and development (R and 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.
Artificial intelligence is emerging as a game-changer across the media value chain, from content personalisation and automated news writing to immersive formats in gaming and advertising. The report highlights regulatory and ethical challenges that must be addressed 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.