New analysis by Omdia shows that the MENA region will reach nearly 2,500 screens by the end of this year.
Media and entertainment analytics firm, Omdia, finds that cinema screen growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has added about 1,000 new screens since 2019 with that number expected to reach 2,500 by the end of 2024.
Saudi Arabia is projected to lead MENA growth in screen count with 803 screens, followed by the UAE with 734.
The MENA region’s revenue growth is projected to grow from $900 million in 2024 to $1.5 billion by 2029. Again, with Saudi Arabia leading the way and expected to contribute nearly two-thirds of this revenue increase.
The study also found that online video streaming market in MENA is projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2029.
Maria Rua Aguete, Omdia’s Senior Director of Media and Entertainment, commented: “The growth of cinema in the MENA region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, signals a major shift in both the regional entertainment landscape and global filmmaking. Investments in infrastructure, local film production, and streaming are helping diversify cinema offerings. As audiences embrace both traditional theater and digital platforms, the region’s film culture has immense potential to flourish and gain international recognition.”
