Internet usage in MENA - statistics & facts
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The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is making considerable strides in developing its digital economy. Around two-thirds of the population in Northern Africa and Western Asia were using the internet as of February 2025, slightly above the global average internet penetration rate of roughly 68 percent. Within the MENA region, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has witnessed the entry of more private mobile service providers to the region, accelerating the use of information and communication technology (ICT) services and significantly increasing the number of users. The number of mobile internet users in the MENA region is also expected to increase.
These trends reflect a broader transformation in how people across MENA engage with digital services, prioritizing entertainment, convenience, and seamless connectivity. As digital infrastructure improves, internet usage in the region is set to become even more dynamic and integrated into everyday life.
Mobile internet market in MENA
GCC countries have the highest monthly mobile data traffic in the region. When it comes to mobile internet speed, as of 2024, the UAE had the second-fastest average mobile internet speed in the world, ranking after Qatar. Smartphone adoption in the region is growing and is set to increase most strongly in MENA's less advanced mobile markets until 2025, reinforced by network investment from operators. By 2025, the number of smartphone subscriptions in MENA is forecasted to reach over 626 million.Trends in internet usage
Internet usage in MENA continues to evolve, with notable growth in video streaming, online gaming, and e-commerce. In 2024, video content represented a substantial portion of overall internet traffic, supported by the widespread use of platforms such as YouTube and TikTok. As of early 2025, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recorded some of the highest TikTok reach figures worldwide among adult users. Online gaming activity is also increasing, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, driven by improvements in network infrastructure and expanding interest in e-sports. Projections indicate that Egypt may have the largest e-sports user base in the region in the coming years, followed by Saudi Arabia. At the same time, the adoption of digital payment methods is contributing to the steady growth of online shopping and subscription-based services, particularly among younger demographics.These trends reflect a broader transformation in how people across MENA engage with digital services, prioritizing entertainment, convenience, and seamless connectivity. As digital infrastructure improves, internet usage in the region is set to become even more dynamic and integrated into everyday life.
