$1.2 billion, the size of the digital advertising sector in the UAE by 2025

The size of the digital advertising sector in the UAE is recording remarkable growth and is expected to reach $1.219 billion in 2025, which reflects the significant increase in corporate investments in this vital sector and the annual growth in the number of users of digital video platforms in the country. A recent report prepared by the Interregional Center for Strategic Analyzes, based in Abu Dhabi, showed the most important factors influencing this growth, which focus on digital transformation in the UAE and enhancing its position as a global center for innovation, which contributes to increasing the demand for digital advertising. According to Statista’s forecasts, advertising spending in the UAE’s advertising market is expected to continue to rise continuously between 2024 and 2030 by (37.5%).

Increase spending
The Interregional report stressed that the increased use of social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube will increase spending on digital advertising directed through these platforms, in addition to increasing spending on digital advertising campaigns to reach a wider audience, which will enhance the growth of this sector.

Increase users
The report indicated that spending will also rise with the increase in users of digital video platforms in the Emirates, as the number of users of the Chinese TikTok application in the Emirates reached 10.73 million users, YouTube 8.82 million, Facebook 7.1 million users, and Instagram. (Instagram) The 7 million people. While the number of users of the “Snapchat” application reached 4.95 million users in 2024, according to the “Social Media in the Emirates 2024” report, which shows the clear preference for video sharing applications and their impact on large sectors of the country’s population, and also indicates great opportunities in this sector.

Media market revenue
According to Statista’s expectations, revenues from the digital media market in the UAE are expected to reach $856.40 million during 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.56% for the period from 2025 to 2027, bringing the market size to $936.30 million in 2027. Grand View Research reported “The digital content creation market in the UAE reached $735 million in 2023, and it is expected To reach $1.678 billion in 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.5% ​​from 2024 to 2030.

Noticeable growth
Interregional said: “Available data indicate that the digital media market in the UAE is witnessing significant growth, as the UAE is witnessing a wide spread of digital video applications dedicated to sharing content, while Dubai has become a global capital for developing digital content applications due to the advanced technical infrastructure supported by networks.” “Advancing connectivity, including high-speed 5G networks, global data centers, policies and legislation supporting innovation, flexible technology laws, and government initiatives to stimulate digital development.”

TikTok is a global phenomenon
“Interregional” added that the “Tik Tok” application alone, which is banned in the United States of America today, January 19, has become a global phenomenon that greatly affects social media, as the number of users of the application exceeds more than one billion users worldwide, making it one It is one of the largest social media platforms in the world, which has helped shape the features of advertising, digital marketing, and entertainment, despite challenges related to security and privacy. He pointed out that “Tik Tok” has become a platform that enhances users’ ability to create short content that matches the growing interest in fast and live video content. It also provides great opportunities for social media influencers to expand their follower base and build business relationships. “Interregional” explained that the importance of the “Tik Tok” application has emerged in America by attracting the new generation, as it is the favorite application among the younger generations, as it dominates their use of mobile phones, and about 60% of TikTok users are young people between the ages of 16 and 24 years. It has also become a tool used by major companies to reach the public.