gaming market in middle east

Gaming Market in Middle East

At GenX, we’re always on the lookout for emerging trends and markets that present unique opportunities for growth and innovation. Today, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on the burgeoning gaming market in the Middle East—a region ripe with potential and promise. 📈

Market Insights 💡

According to recent data from Statista, the gaming market in the Middle East is poised for remarkable growth, with an anticipated average annual rate of 13.88% during the forecast period of 2022-2027. This surge is fueled by the increased adoption of online gaming services, propelled further by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on consumer behavior.

Regional Dynamics 🔍

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands as a beacon of progress in the Middle East gaming scene, with significant investments pouring into local talent development and game creation initiatives. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the region, is making substantial strides in fostering a thriving gaming ecosystem, backed by billions of dollars in government investments.

Key Trends and Forecasts 🖋️

Our analysis indicates that the MENA-3 region—comprising Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE—is poised to drive significant revenue growth in the gaming sector. With a projected revenue of $2.8 billion by 2026 and an estimated gamer count of 87.3 million in the same year, the MENA-3 region presents a lucrative market for gaming companies.

Country Spotlights 📍

In Saudi Arabia, the average revenue per paying user (ARPU) in mobile gaming stands at an impressive $270, reflecting the country’s affluent consumer base and robust gaming culture. Meanwhile, Turkey and Israel are emerging as key players in the global gaming arena, with Turkish developers securing substantial investments and Israel experiencing an 800% revenue growth in 2021.

Opportunities for Localization 🕌

Effective localization into Arabic is crucial for tapping into the diverse Middle Eastern gaming audience. As a marketing agency, GenX recognizes the importance of adapting game content to resonate with Arabic-speaking gamers, taking into account linguistic nuances and cultural preferences.

Conclusion 🔌

The Middle East gaming market represents a dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape, brimming with opportunities for game developers, investors, and industry stakeholders. At GenX, we’re excited to explore the endless possibilities that this vibrant market has to offer and to support our clients in navigating and capitalizing on these opportunities.


Join us as we embark on this journey of discovery and innovation in the Middle East gaming market. Together, let’s unlock the full potential of this dynamic industry and redefine the future of gaming in the region.