TikTok Unveils the Future of Entertainment Report: Livestreaming Set to Drive $17.8 Billion in MENA Growth by 2030
Riyadh: Gulf Tech News
The livestreaming industry in MENA is projected to double to $17.8 billion by 2030, according to TikTok’s newly released report, in collaboration with global consulting firm Kearney – The Future of Entertainment. With the region’s livestreaming market currently valued at $8.1 billion in 2024, the format is fast becoming a cornerstone of the digital economy, driving job creation, entrepreneurship, and creative industry growth across the region.
The Rise of Entertainment livestreaming
The report reveals how livestreaming’s combination of real-time interactivity, creator-driven production, and direct audience engagement reshapes media consumption patterns, offers new avenues for brands, and fuels a thriving creator economy.
In the UAE, the live streaming sector is expected to grow from $1.9 billion to $3.4 billion by 2030. Over 10 million people across MENA have livestreamed at least once, underscoring the format’s accessibility and surging popularity.
“Livestreaming is redefining how content is created, consumed, and monetized across MENA. This is no longer just a creator trend – it’s a fast-growing economic force that is unlocking opportunities for creators, brands, and communities alike.” Said Yahya Munir, TikTok LIVE Trust & Experience Manager for MENA “The Future of Entertainment report shines a light on the scale of this opportunity and the pivotal role livestreaming will continue to play in powering the region’s digital transformation and creative economy.”
An Ecosystem Full of Opportunity: Knowing the Key Players in the Livestreaming Value Chain
Livestreaming in the UAE is powered by a growing value chain that brings together creators, platforms, and audiences. At the center are the creators – around 115,000 of whom go live daily on livestreaming platforms across the UAE – producing content that ranges from entertainment and educational topics to emerging lifestyle and niche formats. These creators are empowered by TikTok’s various resources and features which educates creators on how to utilize TikTok LIVE, the different offerings and monetization opportunities, helping them professionalize and scale their reach.
Platforms like TikTok Live offer the infrastructure and monetization tools that make this ecosystem possible, while viewers, through engagement, gifting, and subscriptions, complete the loop. Together, these players form a dynamic and interdependent ecosystem that is driving meaningful growth and innovation.
Fueling National Revenues
TikTok’s report finds that livestreaming already makes substantial contributions to national budgets through VAT alone. Fiscal revenues in 2024 are estimated at $2.4 billion in VAT for the UAE. By 2030, this figure is conservatively projected to reach $4.6 billion, underscoring livestreaming’s pivotal role in shaping the UAE’s digital economy and contributing significantly to government revenues.
Unlocking the Potential of Livestreaming
The UAE is well-positioned to become a regional hub for livestreaming, thanks to its strong infrastructure, progressive regulation, and national focus on digital growth. Collaboration between platforms, government entities, and industry players will be essential to unlock this potential. For example, the recent partnership with Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2025 for GameExpo 2025 which was livestreamed on the @dubaifestivals TikTok account and @tiktoklive_mena which allowed the festival to reach the wider gaming community regionally. This also includes expanding access to training and facilities, supporting creator-led businesses, and encouraging content that aligns with cultural and national development goals. With the right support, the UAE can attract talent, amplify local stories, and cement its role as a leader in the global livestreaming economy.
A Catalyst for Digital Transformation and Economic Diversification
The growth of livestreaming aligns closely with the UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy and broader MENA ambitions to foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. The format is also enabling creators to showcase local culture, stories, and talent to global audiences, positioning the region as a rising livestreaming hub.
The Hidden Social-Economic Value: Uncovering the Immense Economic and Social Potential of Livestreaming
The report’s findings uncover that livestreaming is not just transforming entertainment, but generating real economic and social impact. With billions in projected revenue, thousands of jobs supported, and a growing base of professional creators, the industry is becoming a key pillar of the UAE’s digital economy. Just as importantly, it is opening doors for more people to earn a living, build careers, and share their voice. As the ecosystem continues to evolve, its value will extend far beyond the screen – fueling innovation, inclusion, and long-term growth.
