Saudi Arabia Media Market Size and Forecast by Media Channel, Content Type, Revenue Model, Consumer Type, and Device Type: 2019-2033

Saudi Arabia Media Market Outlook

The Saudi Arabia media market is undergoing an ambitious transformation, propelled by rapid digital adoption, strategic national reforms, and a tech-savvy population eager for innovative content. From 2019 to 2024, the media industry has grown at a robust pace, with a projected CAGR of X.1% between 2025 and 2033, as per adjusted estimates from DataCube Research. In value terms, the sector is forecasted to reach US$ XX billion by 2033, up from an estimated US$ XX billion in 2024. This impressive growth reflects the kingdom’s long-term vision of transitioning from a traditionally oil-centric economy to a diversified, knowledge-based one.

Digitalization is the cornerstone of this evolution. The Saudi Arabia media ecosystem now encompasses a wide range of verticals—OTT streaming, gaming, online news, digital advertising, and immersive AR/VR storytelling. The push toward local content creation, supported by strong policy incentives, is also fostering a rich blend of Arabic storytelling and global production standards. Government agencies such as the General Authority for Audiovisual Media (GAAM) and the Saudi Film Commission have played a pivotal role in shaping a dynamic, future-forward media landscape. As media becomes a key pillar under Saudi Vision 2030, the industry is not just transforming for domestic consumption—it’s also gearing up to become a regional content exporter.

Digital Demand and Regulatory Ambitions Powering Growth Momentum

The explosive growth of the Saudi Arabia media industry is driven by a synergy of digital access, consumer appetite, and progressive regulatory reforms. With internet penetration exceeding 98% in 2024 and over 90% smartphone ownership, the Kingdom ranks among the top nations globally in mobile-driven media consumption. Smart TVs, tablets, and high-performance gaming consoles are also witnessing heightened demand, especially among younger consumers who prefer on-demand and interactive experiences.

Government backing has played a critical role. The Media Sector Strategy 2030, launched in mid-2023 by the Saudi Ministry of Media, outlines plans to develop local content, attract foreign investment, and expand distribution channels across global platforms. One notable initiative is the Made in Saudi media fund, launched in collaboration with NEOM Media Industries, which allocates over SAR 1.2 billion toward film, music, and animation projects between 2024 and 2026. These funds are not only fueling domestic productions but are also positioning Saudi Arabia as a media production hub for the broader MENA region.

OTT platforms are also gaining strong regulatory clarity. In late 2024, GAAM rolled out an updated compliance framework for streaming platforms, defining guidelines for advertising transparency, cultural sensitivity, and fair taxation—a move that levels the playing field between international players and Saudi startups.

Macroeconomic Stability and Ad Spend Supporting Industry Expansion

The Saudi Arabia media sector benefits greatly from macroeconomic indicators that support sustainable consumption. With a GDP per capita of over US$ 29,000 in 2024 (IMF), rising disposable incomes are translating into greater media spend. Furthermore, advertising expenditure in Saudi Arabia reached 0.97% of GDP in 2024, slightly above the global average for emerging markets. This growth in advertising is driving media monetization across television, digital platforms, podcasts, and influencer-led campaigns.

Media imports and exports are also shaping economic performance. While historically reliant on imported entertainment, the kingdom is now increasing its media exports through Arabic-language productions, co-productions with international studios, and content licensing. Saudi Arabia's collaboration with international networks like Discovery+ and Netflix for region-specific content exemplifies this outward-looking strategy. For instance, the co-produced Netflix series Six Windows in the Desert highlighted Saudi stories in a global format and was received positively across MENA and Western audiences.

This media-export ambition is creating a new revenue stream while also cultivating national identity through creative expression—an important tenet of Vision 2030’s cultural goals.

The Saudi Viewer: Young, Digital-First, and Hungry for Personalized Content

Consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia reflects a youthful, digital-first demographic. With over 70% of the population under the age of 35, media consumption is centered around immediacy, interactivity, and personalization. Saudis now spend over 9.2 hours per day across various media formats, with 4.5 hours on mobile devices, according to DataCube Research.

Mobile device adoption in Saudi Arabia has led to a proliferation of app-based consumption, from streaming video and podcasts to esports and digital news. Platforms like Shahid, Netflix, and YouTube dominate daily engagement, while Spotify and Anghami are popular for on-the-go music and podcasts. OTT subscription penetration stands at 61% in 2024, with an average monthly spend of SAR 48 per user—suggesting that a significant portion of the population is open to premium, ad-free experiences.

However, pricing remains a nuanced factor. While affluent households embrace premium subscriptions, a sizable portion of the population remains price-sensitive, seeking value through bundled telecom packages or freemium ad-supported services. This dual behavior encourages market players to offer tiered pricing and hybrid monetization models—something that has proven effective for regional players like StarzPlay and OSN+.

Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabia media market is dominated by a combination of global titans and fast-growing local champions. Shahid (by MBC Group) leads the OTT landscape with over 3.5 million active subscribers as of early 2025, offering a rich mix of dramas, comedies, and original productions in Arabic. Netflix and Amazon Prime Video follow closely, targeting Saudi viewers with subtitled and dubbed content, along with occasional Saudi-focused originals.

Among news and broadcast media, Al Arabiya and Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA) remain influential, leveraging large viewership across TV and online platforms. On the international front, Disney+ and YouTube continue to gain traction, especially among urban youth. YouTube usage in Saudi Arabia is among the highest globally, with 88% of internet users accessing the platform regularly.

Strategically, brands are investing in AI-based content curation, short-form video, and creator-led media to remain relevant. In 2024, MBC Studios launched a TikTok-first news series aimed at 18–24-year-olds, gaining over 2 million views within its first week. Additionally, partnerships like the NEOM and Desert Studios 2025 project aim to produce large-scale films with both Arabic and English-language appeal, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to bridge cultural narratives.

Language and cultural relevance remain central to these strategies. The most successful content not only entertains but also reflects Saudi values, societal evolution, and regional pride—creating emotional resonance and loyalty among audiences.

Author: Joseph Gomes Y (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]

Saudi Arabia Media Market Segmentation