GCC Video Streaming Market Size, Share, Growth Drivers, Trends, Opportunities & Forecast 2025-2030

GCC Video Streaming Market valued at USD 1.4 billion, driven by high-speed internet, smart devices, and on-demand content demand, with key growth in UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The GCC Video Streaming Market is valued at USD 1.4 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing penetration of high-speed internet, the proliferation of smart devices, and a growing preference for on-demand content among consumers. The rise in disposable income, rapid urbanization, and government-led digital transformation initiatives have also significantly contributed to the market's expansion, alongside a pronounced shift toward premium quality displays and content streaming platforms.

Key players in this market include the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which dominate due to their advanced digital infrastructure, high smartphone penetration, and a young, tech-savvy population. The presence of major international streaming services and local content providers further enhances their market position, catering to diverse consumer preferences and cultural tastes.

In 2023, the Saudi Arabian government implemented regulations to promote local content production in the video streaming sector. This initiative is governed by the “Saudi Media Law, 2023” issued by the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM), which mandates that streaming platforms allocate a minimum of 30% of their content library to local productions. The regulation aims to boost the domestic film and television industry while enhancing cultural representation in media.

GCC Video Streaming Market Segmentation

By Type:

The video streaming market can be segmented into various types, including Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD), Advertising Video on Demand (AVOD), Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD), Live Streaming Services, and Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST). Among these, Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) has emerged as the leading segment, driven by consumer preferences for ad-free viewing experiences, exclusive content offerings, and the convenience of monthly or yearly subscription plans. The proliferation of platforms offering tailored and premium content, along with the region's high internet penetration and rising disposable income, has further propelled the growth of this segment.

By End-User:

The end-user segmentation includes Individual Consumers, Households/Families, Educational Institutions, and Corporates/Enterprises. Individual Consumers represent the largest segment, driven by the increasing trend of personalized content consumption and the convenience of accessing a wide range of entertainment options. Households/Families also contribute significantly, as streaming services cater to diverse viewing preferences within family units. Educational institutions and corporates are increasingly adopting streaming platforms for remote learning, training, and communication purposes.

GCC Video Streaming Market Competitive Landscape

The GCC Video Streaming Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Netflix, Inc., Amazon Prime Video, OSN Streaming, Shahid (MBC Group), Starzplay Arabia, Disney+, YouTube Premium, MBC Group, beIN Media Group, Apple TV+, Anghami, Eros Now, Viu (PCCW Media), TOD (beIN Media Group), Hulu, LLC contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

GCC Video Streaming Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

Increasing Internet Penetration:

The GCC region has witnessed a significant increase in internet penetration, reaching approximately 99% in future, according to the International Telecommunication Union. This surge facilitates access to video streaming platforms, enabling a broader audience to engage with content. The World Bank reports that the region's digital economy is projected to contribute USD 24 billion to GDP in future, further driving demand for online streaming services and enhancing user engagement.

Rising Demand for On-Demand Content:

The demand for on-demand content in the GCC is escalating, with a reported 70% increase in subscriptions to streaming services in future. This trend is driven by changing consumer preferences, as viewers seek flexibility in content consumption. The region's population, which is predominantly young, is increasingly favoring personalized viewing experiences, leading to a projected growth in on-demand content consumption to 1.8 billion hours annually in future.

Growth of Mobile Streaming:

Mobile streaming is rapidly gaining traction in the GCC, with mobile internet users expected to reach

35 million in future, as per Statista. This growth is fueled by the proliferation of affordable smartphones and improved mobile network infrastructure. The region's mobile data traffic is anticipated to increase by 50% in future, creating a robust environment for streaming services to cater to on-the-go consumers, thereby enhancing overall market growth.

Market Challenges

Intense Competition:

The GCC video streaming market is characterized by intense competition, with over 25 streaming platforms vying for market share in future. This saturation leads to aggressive pricing strategies and content acquisition battles, which can strain profit margins. According to industry reports, the average customer churn rate for streaming services in the region is around 35%, indicating the challenges providers face in retaining subscribers amidst fierce competition.

Regulatory Restrictions:

Regulatory challenges pose significant hurdles for streaming services in the GCC. In future, new content censorship policies are expected to be enforced, impacting the availability of certain international content. Additionally, licensing requirements can delay service launches, with reports indicating that compliance costs can reach up to USD 1.2 million for new entrants. These regulatory barriers can hinder market growth and limit content diversity for consumers.

GCC Video Streaming Market Future Outlook

The GCC video streaming market is poised for transformative growth, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. As mobile-first strategies gain traction, platforms will increasingly focus on enhancing user experience through personalized content recommendations and interactive features. The integration of AI and machine learning will further optimize content delivery, while the rise of original programming will attract diverse audiences. Overall, the market is expected to adapt dynamically to emerging trends, ensuring sustained engagement and revenue growth.

Market Opportunities

Partnerships with Telecom Providers:

Collaborating with telecom providers presents a significant opportunity for streaming services to bundle offerings, enhancing customer acquisition. With over 75% of the population using mobile data plans, these partnerships can facilitate seamless access to content, driving subscriber growth and increasing average revenue per user (ARPU) through bundled services.

Investment in Original Content:

Investing in original content is a key opportunity for differentiation in the competitive landscape. With the GCC's entertainment sector projected to grow by 12% annually, creating localized content can attract regional audiences. This strategy not only enhances brand loyalty but also positions platforms as leaders in the market, capitalizing on the growing appetite for unique, culturally relevant programming.