TikTok’s report reveals livestreaming in MENA will reach $17.8 billion by 2030, revolutionising digital economies and creator ecosystems.
Dubai: Livestreaming in MENA is on track to become a major economic pillar, with TikTok and Kearney’s latest report projecting the industry to more than double—from $8.1 billion in 2024 to $17.8 billion by 2030. The UAE alone is expected to see the sector rise from $1.9 billion to $3.4 billion, indicating a significant regional shift in digital engagement and entertainment.
According to The Future of Entertainment report, livestreaming blends real-time interaction, direct audience connection, and creator-led content to revolutionise how people consume media. This evolution is not only reshaping entertainment but also boosting entrepreneurship, creating jobs, and advancing the creator economy.
Yahya Munir, TikTok LIVE’s MENA Trust & Experience Manager, emphasised, “Livestreaming is redefining how content is created, consumed, and monetised across MENA… it’s a fast-growing economic force unlocking opportunities for creators, brands, and communities alike.”
Currently, over 10 million people in the MENA region have livestreamed at least once. In the UAE, approximately 115,000 creators go live daily. These creators drive content ranging from educational to lifestyle niches, supported by TikTok’s tools that enhance production quality, monetisation, and audience reach.
The livestreaming ecosystem consists of three core players: creators, platforms like TikTok Live, and engaged audiences. This interactive value chain is already contributing significantly to national revenues, with VAT in the UAE alone expected to jump from $2.4 billion in 2024 to $4.6 billion by 2030.
Strategic partnerships are also playing a key role. Notably, the collaboration with Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025 saw livestreaming expand the event’s regional reach through TikTok channels, showcasing how digital platforms amplify national content on a global scale.
Backed by robust infrastructure and supportive regulation, the UAE is positioned to become a regional livestreaming powerhouse. The report urges ongoing cooperation among platforms, regulators, and industry leaders to nurture this growth through training, innovation, and culturally relevant content.
Ultimately, livestreaming in MENA is not just about entertainment. It is a catalyst for digital transformation, economic diversification, and cultural storytelling—unlocking vast opportunities across sectors.
