GCC Entertainment Market Size and Forecast by Content Type, Delivery Platform, Revenue Model, and End User: 2019-2033

GCC Entertainment Market Outlook

A Region on the Rise of Cultural and Digital Renaissance

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) entertainment industry has entered a transformative phase marked by aggressive investment, cultural revitalization, and digital disruption. Once primarily consumers of international content, GCC countries are now positioning themselves as regional content powerhouses, content producers, and experiential entertainment leaders. As the region diversifies away from hydrocarbon-based economies, the entertainment sector is becoming a cornerstone of national visions like Saudi Vision 2030, UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy, and Oman Vision 2040. From mega-infrastructure projects to thriving eSports arenas, the entertainment landscape across the GCC is not just evolving—it is revolutionizing.

Key Driving Forces: Economic Diversification, Tech Adoption, and Demographics

Economic Diversification

Driven by national mandates to reduce oil dependency, countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have prioritized entertainment as a strategic economic pillar. Government funds such as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and UAE’s Mubadala Ventures have allocated billions towards creating world-class entertainment ecosystems.

Technological Leapfrogging

High mobile penetration (exceeding 90% in most GCC nations), 5G rollout, and edge computing deployments have powered cloud-based streaming, gaming, and AR/VR applications. Digital-native infrastructure ensures seamless delivery of high-resolution content, real-time interaction, and immersive experiences.

Young, Affluent Audiences

Over 65% of the GCC population is under 35, with high disposable incomes and a strong affinity for digital engagement. This demographic is fueling demand for personalized, interactive, and premium entertainment formats—from OTT and gaming to live concerts and virtual festivals.

Emerging Trends Reshaping the GCC Entertainment Sector

Rise of Streaming & OTT Platforms

Platforms such as Shahid, TOD, and STARZPLAY are redefining viewership norms with localized content, AI-driven recommendations, and multi-language subtitles. Streaming consumption is increasingly mobile-first, with GCC subscribers averaging 3 to 4 hours of daily OTT use.

Gaming and eSports Explosion

From Kuwait’s Battle Royale to Dubai’s eSports Festival, competitive gaming has moved into the mainstream. Cloud gaming, influencer-driven streaming, and youth-centric tournaments are attracting both sponsors and viewership, signaling a strong upward trajectory.

Experiential Venues & Cultural Integration

World-class venues like Dubai Opera, Coca-Cola Arena, and the soon-to-open Qiddiya entertainment city in Riyadh are redefining leisure. These venues integrate shopping, food, AR, and performances to deliver “destination entertainment,” catering to locals and tourists alike.

Cross-border Co-productions

Collaborations between local studios and international giants such as Disney and Warner Bros. are on the rise. These partnerships blend global production standards with culturally relevant narratives, increasing regional appeal and export potential.

Country-Wise Regional Analysis

Saudi Arabia: A Cultural Revival Anchored in Vision 2030

Since lifting the cinema ban in 2018, Saudi Arabia has been one of the fastest-growing entertainment markets globally. Spearheaded by the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), the sector recorded a CAGR of 9.1% from 2019 to 2023, as per DataCube Research. Flagship developments like Qiddiya and Boulevard Riyadh City are turning cities into entertainment megazones.

The Events Investment Fund (EIF), launched in 2023, aims to mobilize US$7.5 billion in FDI by 2045. Local content is also flourishing, with production budgets climbing to US$1.2 million per film, reflecting higher audience expectations and government ambitions for international acclaim.

UAE: Digital Sophistication Meets Global Entertainment Standards

The UAE remains the region’s entertainment leader in terms of infrastructure and global visibility. Hubs like Yas Creative Hub, twofour54, and Dubai Media City offer industry-specific zones that provide regulatory ease, tax benefits, and high-speed connectivity. Mega-events such as the Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2024 illustrate the government’s strategy to dominate digital-first entertainment.

Entertainment anchors like Etihad Arena and Dubai Opera attract top-tier global talent. Meanwhile, MBC Studios, Image Nation, and Dubai Media Incorporated produce both local and crossover content. International studios, including Paramount and Warner Bros., have partnered with UAE firms, leveraging Dubai’s strategic location and bilingual talent pool.

Qatar: From Consumer to Regional Content Creator

Qatar is fast emerging as a content creator, thanks to the strategic efforts of institutions like the Doha Film Institute (DFI) and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). Platforms such as Shahid and TOD have grown exponentially in 2024 due to improved streaming infrastructure and localization.

Flagship productions like “Behind the Yellow Door” have garnered millions of views, reinforcing Qatar’s creative muscle. Grants upwards of US$500,000 per project are nurturing local talent. The integration of AI in content delivery and cloud platforms by telecoms has boosted interactive entertainment and real-time streaming experiences.

Kuwait: Cultural Legacy Meets Modern Entertainment Dynamics

With a rich cinematic legacy and rising middle class, Kuwait is combining heritage with tech-driven formats. Events like Kuwait Battle Royale 2023 and the revival of cultural landmarks such as Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre (JACC) have positioned Kuwait as an emerging eSports and live entertainment hub.

Cinescape, with its 10+ cinema complexes, continues to dominate theatrical distribution. Independent houses like Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyyah Studios are winning regional acclaim with documentaries and short films. Kuwait’s audience prefers culturally rooted storytelling, prompting global players to tailor their offerings accordingly.

Oman: Laying the Foundation for Creative Economy

Oman is slowly transitioning from content importer to producer. The US$31.2 million Film City in Khazaen, scheduled to open soon, is a central part of this journey. Under Oman Vision 2040, over US$49 million has been allocated to creative infrastructure.

However, challenges like low production capacity and conservative investor sentiment persist. Recent content deals, such as Majan Productions’ partnership with Al Jazeera Documentary, are helping improve visibility and monetization of Omani stories across MENA. Tax exemptions and policy reforms are slowly improving the investment climate.

Bahrain: Digital-First and Youth-Led Entertainment Revolution

With 68% of its population under 35, Bahrain is witnessing a digital-first entertainment boom. The country has invested heavily in edge computing and streaming ecosystems, improving real-time content experiences. Platforms like Netflix, Shahid, and STARZPLAY boast over 300,000 subscribers collectively in the country.

In 2023, Cinepolis Cinemas opened in Amwaj Islands, bringing luxury movie-going to the masses. Strategic partnerships, such as STC Bahrain’s OTT bundle with MBC Group, are pioneering new consumption models. Meanwhile, indie creators now command 12% of total entertainment engagement, supported by decentralized platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

Government Regulations and Competitive Landscape

Governments across the GCC have enacted liberalized media laws, IP protection mechanisms, and favorable tax incentives to foster industry development. Authorities like Saudi’s GEA, UAE’s twofour54, and Bahrain’s iGA are enabling efficient licensing, funding, and cross-border co-productions.

The competitive landscape is becoming intensely diversified:

• Saudi Arabia: Dominated by SEVEN, Rotana, and Riyadh Season partners.
• UAE: Home to global players (Warner Bros., Disney) and regional giants (MBC Studios, Image Nation).
• Qatar: Powered by DFI, TOD, and MCIT for digital acceleration.
• Kuwait: Cinescape and a thriving independent content scene.
• Oman: New players like Majan Productions and state-funded film bodies.
• Bahrain: STC, Cinepolis, and rising creator economy platforms.

These players are embracing AI-driven content creation, interactive storytelling, and cross-platform monetization models to gain an edge in a fast-converging market.

Author: Joseph Gomes (Head – Media and Entertainment)

*Research Methodology: This report is based on DataCube’s proprietary 3-stage forecasting model, combining primary research, secondary data triangulation, and expert validation. [Learn more]

GCC Entertainment Market Segmentation

GCC Entertainment Market: Countries Covered