Gaming has experienced rapid growth across Arabic-speaking countries in recent years, driven by widespread smartphone adoption, heavy government investment in esports, and a young, digitally native population. Saudi Arabia alone contributes a major share of regional gaming revenue, and the wider MENA gaming market is forecast to continue strong growth through 2027.
Sports games dominate across much of the region, especially on consoles, with football titles such as EA Sports FC (FIFA) and eFootball acting as extensions of real-world leagues. Research shows football accounts for more than two-thirds of total sports game engagement, making it the single most influential gaming category in the Arab world.
Battle royale and shooter games form the second major pillar of gaming activity. Surveys in Saudi Arabia rank battle royale as the top mobile genre, ahead of action-adventure and puzzle games. Titles such as PUBG Mobile and Free Fire command massive playtime, reinforced by high-profile esports events like the PUBG Mobile World Cup in Riyadh.
Action and open-world adventure games have surged following regulatory changes. The official release of Grand Theft Auto V in Saudi Arabia and the UAE in 2025 marked a turning point for mature-rated games. Franchises such as Assassin’s Creed are also adding regional content, with recent DLC set in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla.
Role-playing games (RPGs) represent one of the highest-revenue genres in the region. Market reports show RPGs outperform several other genres combined in mobile revenue. Gacha RPGs and MMORPGs are particularly popular in the Gulf, where higher disposable income supports in-game spending.
Multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs) and competitive team-based games are especially strong in the Levant and parts of North Africa. Titles like League of Legends and Mobile Legends anchor esports ecosystems in countries such as Lebanon and Jordan.
Puzzle and casual games quietly dominate daily mobile usage and downloads. These genres benefit from short session lengths suited to commuting and family environments, and they account for a large share of overall mobile gaming revenue in MENA.
Racing and driving simulators also maintain strong appeal, reflecting the region’s deep car culture and interest in motorsports. Localized success of franchises like Need for Speed continues to drive engagement across mobile and console platforms.
