Market Forecast by Game Type (console, tablet, smartphone, downloaded, box PC and browser PC) and by Key Countries (Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and rest of Middle East) and Competitive Landscape
Product Code: ETC053815 | Publication Date: Jan 2021 | Updated Date: Apr 2025 | Product Type: Report | |
Publisher: 6Wresearch | No. of Pages: 200 | No. of Figures: 90 | No. of Tables: 30 | |
Report Name | Middle East Online Gaming Market |
Forecast period | 2025-2031 |
Forecast Size | USD 6.4 billion by 2031 |
CAGR | 14 % |
Growing Sector | Casino Gaming Sector |
Middle East Online Gaming Market report thoroughly covers the market By Game Type, and By Key Countries. The market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the ongoing market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers which would help the stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
The Middle East online gaming market is expected to reach a value of USD 6.4 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 14% during the forecast period (2025-2031). This growth can be attributed to several factors such as increased smartphone usage, rising disposable income, and the availability of high-speed internet. Additionally, the region has a large youth population who are more inclined towards online gaming.
The Middle East online gaming market is expected to experience significant growth between 2025 and 2031. With the increasing availability of affordable internet, growing popularity of smartphones and tablets, and the rise of digital payment methods, the region has become a hotbed for online gaming.
According to 6Wresearch, the Middle East Online Gaming Market Size is expected to reach a significant CAGR of 14% during the forecast period 2025-2031. One of the key factors driving this growth is the rise of mobile gaming in the Middle East. With smartphone penetration rates on the rise across countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, mobile gaming has become increasingly popular among both casual and hardcore gamers. This trend is expected to continue as 5G technology makes its way into the region, enabling faster and more immersive gameplay experiences. Another important factor contributing to the growth of online gaming in the Middle East is the increasing investment and support from governments in the region. Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain have recognized the potential of the gaming industry and are actively promoting it through various initiatives such as organizing gaming conventions, providing funding for startups in the gaming sector, and creating dedicated gaming zones.
However, challenges such as inconsistent internet connectivity in rural areas, cultural restrictions, and limited localized content remain barriers to complete market penetration. Another challenge for the Middle East online gaming market is the prevalence of pirated games, which can hinder revenue growth for game developers and publishers.
The Online Gaming Market in the Middle East is marked by several notable trends reshaping the industry. One such trend is the rise in mobile gaming dominance, with developers focusing on freemium models and multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games. Likewise, immersive technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are gaining traction, providing deeper engagement and personalized experiences for players. This tech-driven innovation is paving the way for a more vibrant and competitive environment across the region.
Investors are increasingly eyeing the Middle East Online Gaming Market Growth, given the region’s untapped potential and expanding user base. Strategic partnerships between global gaming companies and regional organizations have become commonplace to co-create locally relevant titles and events. The emergence of start-ups focusing on game development, in addition to government-backed funding, presents lucrative opportunities for stakeholders looking to enter or expand in the market.
A diverse range of companies is shaping the competitive landscape and impacting the Middle East Online Gaming Market Share. Prominent players include international giants like Tencent, Activision Blizzard, and Ubisoft, as well as regional leaders who understand local preferences and demographics. These companies continuously optimize their monetization strategies while adapting content to appeal to the sociocultural fabric of Middle Eastern countries. Additionally, collaborations with local developers and distributors help in expanding their reach and market share.
Regulatory frameworks have a profound effect on the Middle East online gaming ecosystem. Many governments in the region aim to balance fostering innovation with ensuring culturally appropriate content. Regulatory authorities are also addressing concerns about online security, addiction, and data privacy, aiming to build a safe and ethical gaming environment. Efforts to streamline exports through relaxed rules and policies are further contributing to the growth of this burgeoning sector.
The future of the Middle East online gaming market is undeniably bright, with forecasts indicating exponential growth in user engagement, revenue, and technological advancements. Cloud gaming services, along with improved infrastructure, are expected to redefine accessibility across the region, enabling users in underserved areas to participate. Furthermore, the increasing availability of eSports tournaments and gamification in education and training sectors will add new dimensions to this already dynamic market. The potential of the Middle East Online Gaming Industry to evolve into a global powerhouse depends on sustained investments, innovation, and alignment with local demands and regulatory standards.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments and their leading categories.
According to Ravi Bhandari, Research Head, 6Wresearch, the console segment is projected to hold a major share in the market during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the rising popularity of gaming consoles among consumers in the Middle East region.
Saudi Arabia is projected to hold a significant share in the online gaming market in the Middle East. This can be attributed to factors such as high disposable incomes, a large population of young gamers, and government initiatives aimed at promoting technological advancements in the country.
The Middle East Online Gaming Market report provides a detailed analysis of the following market segments:
1. Executive Summary |
2. Introduction |
2.1. Report Description |
2.2. Key Highlights |
2.3. Market Scope & Segmentation |
2.4. Research Methodology |
2.5. Assumptions |
3. Middle East Online Gaming Market Overview |
3.1. Middle East Online Gaming Market Revenues, 2021-2031F |
3.2. Middle East Online Gaming Market Revenue Share, By Game Type, 2021 & 2031F |
3.3. Middle East Online Gaming Market Revenue Share, By Regions, 2021 & 2031F |
3.4. Middle East Online Gaming Market Industry Life Cycle |
3.5. Middle East Online Gaming Market- Porter’s Five Forces |
4. Middle East Online Gaming Market Dynamics |
4.1. Impact Analysis |
4.2. Market Drivers |
4.3. Market Restraints |
5. Middle East Online Gaming Market Trends |
6. Middle East Online Gaming Market Overview, By Game Type |
6.1. Middle East Online Gaming Market Revenues, By Downloaded, 2021-2031F |
6.2. Middle East Online Gaming Market Revenues, By Console, 2021-2031F |
6.3. Middle East Online Gaming Market Revenues, By Box PC, 2021-2031F |
6.4. Middle East Online Gaming Market Revenues, By Tablet, 2021-2031F |
6.5. Middle East Online Gaming Market Revenues, By Smartphone, 2021-2031F |
6.6. Middle East Online Gaming Market Revenues, By Browser PC, 2021-2031F |
6.7. Middle East Online Gaming Market Revenues, By Smartphone, 2021-2031F |
7. UAE Online Gaming Market Overview |
7.1. UAE Online Gaming Market Revenues, 2021-2031F |
7.2. UAE Online Gaming Market Revenue Share, By Game Type, 2021 & 2031F |
7.3. UAE Online Gaming Market Revenue Share, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
8. Kuwait Online Gaming Market Overview |
8.1. Kuwait Online Gaming Market Revenues, 2021-2031F |
8.2. Kuwait Online Gaming Market Revenue Share, By Game Type, 2021 & 2031F |
8.3. Kuwait Online Gaming Market Revenue Share, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
9. Bahrain Online Gaming Market Overview |
9.1. Bahrain Online Gaming Market Revenues, 2021-2031F |
9.2. Bahrain Online Gaming Market Revenue Share, By Game Type, 2021 & 2031F |
9.3. Bahrain Online Gaming Market Revenue Share, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
10. Oman Online Gaming Market Overview |
10.1. Oman Online Gaming Market Revenues, 2021-2031F |
10.2. Oman Online Gaming Market Revenue Share, By Game Type, 2021 & 2031F |
10.3. Oman Online Gaming Market Revenue Share, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
11. Qatar Online Gaming Market Overview |
11.1. Qatar Online Gaming Market Revenues, 2021-2031F |
11.2. Qatar Online Gaming Market Revenue Share, By Game Type, 2021 & 2031F |
11.3. Qatar Online Gaming Market Revenue Share, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
12. Turkey Online Gaming Market Overview |
12.1. Turkey Online Gaming Market Revenues, 2021-2031F |
12.2. Turkey Online Gaming Market Revenue Share, By Game Type, 2021 & 2031F |
12.3. Turkey Online Gaming Market Revenue Share, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
13. Saudi Arabia Online Gaming Market Overview |
13.1. Saudi Arabia Online Gaming Market Revenues, 2021-2031F |
13.2. Saudi Arabia Online Gaming Market Revenue Share, By Game Type, 2021 & 2031F |
13.3. Saudi Arabia Online Gaming Market Revenue Share, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
14. Rest of Middle East Online Gaming Market Overview |
14.1. Rest of Middle East Online Gaming Market Revenues, 2021-2031F |
15. Middle East Online Gaming Market Competitive Landscape |
15.1. Middle East Online Gaming Market, By Companies, 2024 |
15.2. UAE Online Gaming Market, By Companies, 2024 |
15.3. Kuwait Online Gaming Market, By Companies, 2024 |
15.4. Bahrain Online Gaming Market, By Companies, 2024 |
15.5. Oman Online Gaming Market, By Companies, 2024 |
15.7. Qatar Online Gaming Market, By Companies, 2024 |
15.8. Turkey Online Gaming Market, By Companies, 2024 |
15.9. Saudi Arabia Online Gaming Market, By Companies, 2024 |
16. Company Profiles |
17. Key Strategic Recommendations |