For the upcoming year:
Saudi media scene is getting stronger with three major groups taking hold
MBC will go public, listing 10 per cent of its shares. They won’t distribute dividends, indicating a focus on reinvesting in their operations. Expect to see more M&A activities by the end of the year. MBC will launch its ‘Vice’ product and its success remains to be seen. It draws inspiration from the 1992 Montreal culture brand and is born out of a previously bankrupt business. This venture aims to represent the youth of an emerging Saudi Arabia, aligning with Vision 2030.
PIF (Private Investment Fund) owns SSC(Saudi Sports Company) , which does not have its own streaming service. There should be some developments here, in making them more standalone.
SRMG (Saudi Research and Media Group) is already listed and is in the process of building its own media company.
Anghami and OSN + are undergoing a significant deal
Although there are promising aspects to this partnership, both companies have distinct structures. The primary focus will be on background work and tech integration. Both continue to license content, and if interest rates decrease or more funds become available, we can expect content-based M&A activities. There’s also the possibility of spinning off the merged entity from OSN onto one of the regional markets once Anghami comes off the Nasdaq.
Podcast networks are being replaced by hero shows evolving into media brands
The network model pioneered by companies like Rising Giants Networks, Dukkan Media, Kerning Cultures, Tamanha, Sowt are being overshadowed by the rise of creator influencers, such as AB Talks, Sarde After Dinner, The Mo Show, Amer Almasri’s ‘jour3tamal’, Al Siha Al Nafsiya, Fakir Fiya, Falasteen, Mostadfer and many others, and also a hybrid approach of creator talent under network companies like MICS in Riyadh.
Emerging media brands like Kalmachi in Saudi Arabia are on the rise
There are many of these new media companies across the region Khateera out of Lebanon, Peace Cake out of Egypt, in UAE we have Riyada, SuperCar Blondie, Dose Of Society, Beautiful Destinations.
Messaging apps are changing user media behaviour
These will affect distribution and consumption patterns. This trend is expected to continue with ‘X’ evolving in a similar direction, especially with Discord adding more video and community-led media consumption in the past year.
AI trends are reshaping the industry
As media companies are gaining prominence as brands and influencers. AI is used in content creation, from articles and videos to songs and even radio station hosts. Expect further developments as these AI systems become more interconnected with the internet. Perplexity (app) is a notable example of what AI can achieve when used as a news source.
Starzplay could go public on ADX (Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange)
While it may be early, its tech, customer base, and regional partnerships, combined with sports content, make it a strong candidate for success. Private funds are ready to invest, and recent listings on ADX have been oversubscribed.
United Media Services will expand its presence in the UAE and Saudi Arabia
As Egyptian businesses look to the Gulf due to currency undervaluation, United Media, a conglomerate in Egypt, including the ‘Watch It app’, is exploring opportunities in this region.
Retail media is on the rise
With sponsored sections in shopping and grocery apps gaining significance. The brands in the region that will do well out of this are e-commerce like Noon, super apps like Botim and Careem, and delivery apps like Jahez, Talabat and Instashop.
Gaming media and car tech
These trends are expected to continue growing in importance within the MENA media industry. The Gaming World Cup in Riyadh could be a new focal point for the sector globally.
By Richard Fitzgerald, founder & CEO of Augustus Media
