GCC in App Advertising Market Size, Share, Growth Drivers, Trends, Opportunities & Forecast 2025-2030

GCC In-App Advertising Market valued at USD 1.3 billion, driven by smartphone penetration and mobile gaming. Expected growth with video ads leading and e-commerce expansion.

The GCC In-App Advertising Market is valued at USD 1.3 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing penetration of smartphones and mobile applications, alongside a surge in digital advertising budgets from businesses aiming to reach mobile users effectively. The rise in mobile gaming and e-commerce has further fueled demand for in-app advertising solutions. The region's young, digitally engaged population and high mobile internet penetration rates have positioned the GCC as a rapidly expanding market within the global in-app advertising ecosystem.

Key players in this market include the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which dominate due to their high smartphone penetration rates and a tech-savvy population. The UAE, particularly Dubai, serves as a regional hub for digital innovation, while Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative promotes digital transformation, enhancing the advertising landscape. Advanced targeting capabilities through data analytics and the adoption of programmatic advertising technologies have enabled advertisers to deliver personalized and engaging ad experiences, contributing to sustained market expansion across these leading markets.

The Saudi Arabian Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) issued the Electronic Media Policy Framework in 2022, which establishes comprehensive guidelines for digital advertising transparency and consumer data protection. This framework mandates clear disclosure requirements for in-app advertisements, including explicit user consent mechanisms for data collection and targeted advertising practices. The regulation requires advertisers to provide users with accessible information about how their data is utilized, processed, and shared for advertising purposes. Compliance obligations include maintaining transparent privacy policies, implementing opt-out mechanisms, and ensuring that advertising content meets specified standards for accuracy and consumer protection. This regulatory instrument aims to build consumer trust and promote ethical advertising practices in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

GCC In-App Advertising Market Segmentation

By Type:

The in-app advertising market can be segmented into various types, including Banner Ads, Video Ads, Native Ads, Interstitial Ads, Rewarded Ads, Programmatic Ads, and Rich Media Ads. Each type serves different advertising needs and consumer engagement strategies, with video ads currently leading the market due to their high engagement rates and effectiveness in capturing user attention. Video advertisements have proven particularly effective in the GCC region, where high-speed mobile connectivity enables seamless streaming of high-definition content. Rewarded video ads have emerged as one of the fastest-growing sub-formats, delivering superior user engagement by offering in-app incentives in exchange for ad views. Banner ads maintain a steady presence as a cost-effective format, while native ads continue to gain traction through their ability to blend seamlessly with app content.

By End-User/Application:

The market can also be segmented by end-user applications, including Mobile Gaming, E-commerce & Online Shopping, Social Media & Messaging, Entertainment & Streaming, Education & E-Learning, Travel, Ticketing & Hospitality, Financial Services & Fintech, and Others. Mobile Gaming is the leading segment, driven by the increasing popularity of mobile games and the integration of in-app purchases and advertisements. The gaming segment's dominance reflects the highly engaged nature of gaming audiences and the effectiveness of rewarded video ads within gaming applications. Financial services and fintech apps represent one of the fastest-growing application categories, as digital payment platforms and banking apps invest heavily in performance marketing to acquire new users. E-commerce and online shopping applications continue to leverage in-app advertising to drive product discovery and conversion, while social media and messaging platforms benefit from extensive user engagement and time spent in-app.

GCC In-App Advertising Market Competitive Landscape

The GCC In-App Advertising Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Google LLC, Meta Platforms, Inc. (Facebook), Amazon Ads (Amazon.com, Inc.), InMobi Pte Ltd., AdColony (Digital Turbine, Inc.), Unity Technologies, Inc., AppLovin Corporation, ironSource Ltd. (a Unity company), Vungle, Inc. (Liftoff Mobile, Inc.), Chartboost, Inc. (Take-Two Interactive), Smaato, Inc., PubMatic, Inc., Digital Turbine, Inc., Liftoff Mobile, Inc., AdFalcon (Noqoush Mobile Media Group, UAE), AdZouk (UAE), MMP World Wide DMCC (UAE), Snap Inc., TikTok (ByteDance Ltd.), Twitter/X Corp. contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

GCC In-App Advertising Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

Increasing Smartphone Penetration:

The GCC region has witnessed a significant rise in smartphone penetration, reaching approximately 98 percent penetration among adults, according to the International Telecommunication Union and GSMA Intelligence. This surge in smartphone usage has led to an increase in mobile internet access, with over 90 percent of the population using mobile devices for online activities. As more users engage with mobile applications, advertisers are increasingly allocating budgets to in-app advertising, capitalizing on the growing audience and enhancing brand visibility.

Rising Demand for Mobile Gaming:

The mobile gaming sector in the GCC is estimated to generate revenues exceeding USD 1.8 billion in future, driven by a young, tech-savvy population. The popularity of mobile games has created a lucrative platform for in-app advertising, as gamers are more likely to engage with ads during gameplay. This trend is further supported by the increasing availability of high-speed internet and affordable data plans, making mobile gaming more accessible to a broader audience.

Growth of E-commerce Platforms:

E-commerce in the GCC is expected to reach USD 50 billion in future, fueled by the rise of digital payment solutions and changing consumer behaviors. As more consumers shop online, in-app advertising becomes a vital tool for e-commerce platforms to drive traffic and conversions. The integration of targeted ads within shopping apps enhances user experience and increases the likelihood of purchases, making it an essential strategy for retailers in the region.

Market Challenges

Ad-Blocking Technologies:

The rise of ad-blocking technologies poses a significant challenge to in-app advertising in the GCC. Reports indicate that approximately 20 percent of mobile users in the region utilize ad-blockers, which directly impacts advertisers' reach and effectiveness. This trend is particularly concerning for brands relying on mobile ads to engage consumers, as it limits visibility and reduces the overall return on investment for advertising campaigns.

Privacy Regulations and Data Protection:

Stricter privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and local data protection laws, are reshaping the advertising landscape in the GCC. Companies must navigate complex compliance requirements, which can hinder their ability to collect and utilize consumer data effectively. This challenge is compounded by growing consumer concerns over data privacy, leading to decreased trust in targeted advertising and potential backlash against intrusive ad practices.

GCC In-App Advertising Market Future Outlook

The GCC in-app advertising market is poised for transformative growth, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. As advertisers increasingly adopt innovative strategies, such as interactive and personalized ads, the effectiveness of campaigns is expected to improve significantly. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence in ad targeting will enhance precision, allowing brands to reach their desired audiences more effectively. This dynamic environment will foster new opportunities for collaboration and creativity in advertising, ensuring sustained engagement with consumers.

Market Opportunities

Expansion of AR and VR Advertising:

The adoption of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies is creating new avenues for immersive advertising experiences. With the GCC investing heavily in digital infrastructure, brands can leverage AR and VR to engage consumers in innovative ways, enhancing brand recall and interaction. This trend is expected to attract significant advertising investments, particularly in sectors like retail and entertainment.

Partnerships with Local Influencers:

Collaborating with local influencers presents a unique opportunity for brands to enhance their reach and credibility in the GCC market. Influencer marketing is projected to grow by over 20 percent in future, as brands recognize the value of authentic connections with consumers. By partnering with influencers who resonate with target audiences, companies can effectively promote their products through in-app advertising, driving engagement and conversions.