Media Insights

Media City Qatar has released a new report, "The Rise of Video Podcasting in the GCC Region," developed in partnership with Omdia, examining one of the fastest-growing segments of the media industry. As video-first content consumption continues to reshape audience behavior across the region, the report explores emerging opportunities for creators, platforms, advertisers, and investors while providing the first dedicated market sizing of the GCC video podcast sector. The report finds that growth in both the consumption and production of video podcast content is transforming the podcast industry across the GCC. According to Omdia, video podcast advertising revenue in the region is expected to reach $17.3 million by the end of 2026 and grow to $37.1 million by 2030. The research highlights the importance of localized Arabic content, hybrid audio-video formats, and evolving monetization strategies as key drivers of audience growth, engagement, and long-term industry success. Read the full report here.  

"Microdrama in the GCC Region," a new report developed by Media City Qatar in partnership with Omdia, examines the emergence of microdramas as a new content format and their growth potential across the GCC media landscape. The report analyzes market trends, audience behavior, platform dynamics, and opportunities for regional content development. According to the report, the GCC microdrama market is projected to reach $73.7 million in 2026, up from $38.9 million in 2025. As mobile-first content consumption continues to evolve, the research highlights opportunities for Arabic-language storytelling, local content production, and strategic partnerships to support the growth of the sector. The report also explores how localized narratives, culturally relevant content and emerging regional platforms could shape the future of the microdrama ecosystem across the GCC. Read the full report here.