Why you can’t afford to overlook the MENA market

• Projected to see significant revenue growth, MENA accounts for one of the world’s fastest increasing game markets.
• Discover everything about the sector as Pocket Gamer Connects lands in Jordan, November 8th-9th 2025.
• Take advantage of Super Early Bird ticket rates by booking before midnight July 31st.

Growth investing is a strategy used by investors aiming to put money into smaller companies that are expected to grow more quickly than the overall market. This means they believe these companies will increase in value faster than larger, more established businesses.

As a game professional, the challenge is to scout games, companies and markets that demonstrate a similar growth potential. A region not to be overlooked in that regard is the Middle East North Africa (MENA), which currently accounts for one of the world’s fastest growing games markets.

Quickly emerging as a global hub for technology and games, MENA market projections indicate a sharp increase in both revenue and player engagement. 

As for the MENA-3 sub-region, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, it’s projected to grow to $2.8 billion by 2029, hitting 84.3 million players in five years, and a CAGR of 6.8%.

Indeed, the broader Middle East games market is projected to grow even faster. Valued at $4.56 billion in 2024, it’s expected to hit $9.57 billion by 2030 according to Mordor Intelligence.

With that, the question isn't whether you can afford to pay attention to MENA’s game sector, but whether you can afford not to.

Meet the MENA market

To shine a light on this exciting prospect and rapidly growing hotbed for the global games industry, international B2B games conference series Pocket Gamer Connects returns to Jordan in November, settling in the new southern location of Aqaba.

Taking place at Great Arab Revolt Plaza on November 8th-9th, the two-day event is stacked with networking opportunities among global and regional industry leaders. Dive into expert talks and panels on the latest industry trends across the entire games ecosystem. Benefit from multiple curated business sessions, an insightful multi-track program unpacking the domestic game sector as well as the global landscape, a dynamic indie showcase, and more.

Save up to $445 (£330) by booking your Super Early Bird tickets today. Do note, these prices increase at midnight Thursday July 31st.