Gaming has caught the attention of Arabic-speaking countries over the past few years. Widespread mobile adoption, heavy state investment in esports and a young population have all driven the market forward.
Saudi Arabia alone accounts for a huge share of regional gaming revenue, and the wider MENA market is forecast to keep growing strongly through 2027.
Many players also enjoy real-money games and visit review platforms to compare the top-rated Arabic casinos sites to find the ones that offer the best bonuses, security and user experiences. Still, most everyday digital entertainment centres on mainstream video game genres across mobile, console and PC.
Sports games sit at the top of the charts across much of the region, with football titles such as EA Sports FC/FIFA and eFootball acting almost like a second screen to real-world leagues. Research on the MENA markets shows that sports is the most played genre on console and among the most played on mobile, and that football accounts for more than two-thirds of sports engagement.
Battle royale and shooter games are another giant pillar. Surveys in Saudi Arabia show battle royale as the single most preferred genre amongst mobile gamers. It sits well ahead of action-adventure and puzzle. Regional market analyses show that shooters and battle royale titles together take up well over a third of total play time. PUBG Mobile and Free Fire stay hugely popular. Major events such as the PUBG Mobile World Cup in Riyadh have placed the genre at the centre of Arabic esports culture.
Action and open-world adventure games have also surged as local content rules relax. Grand Theft Auto V launched officially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE in 2025 with a 21+ rating. This marks a big shift in what console and PC players can buy locally. Franchises such as Assassin’s Creed have started to add regional touches. Mirage recently added a free DLC set in Saudi Arabia’s Al Ula, so Arabic players now get blockbuster action with familiar settings.
Role-playing games (RPGs) occupy a premium, high-spending space. A large-scale report on Asia and MENA mobile markets put RPG at the top by revenue. It out-earned strategy, MOBA, puzzle and battle royale combined. Arabic players who enjoy character progression and narrative depth find that gacha-style RPGs and MMORPGs provide a “second life”. The format suits mobile-first lifestyles, especially in Gulf countries where disposable income runs high.
Multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs) and other team-based competitive titles perform strongly in the Levant and parts of North Africa. Regional localisation studies show MOBA and shooter games as the leading genres in countries such as Lebanon and Jordan. League of Legends and Mobile Legends anchor many esports lineups in these markets.
Puzzle and casual mobile games quietly lead download charts and day-to-day play. Global mobile reports consistently show puzzle and simulation amongst the most downloaded genres, and in MENA most total gaming revenue already comes from mobile devices. Puzzle games rank as one of the five key mobile genres. Short sessions fit commutes and family time perfectly.
Racing and driving simulators hold a special place in many Arabic markets. Car culture runs strong and motorsport enjoys a loyal following. Local publishers point to Need for Speed and similar titles as some of the most successful localised games in the Arab world. Racing games give players an accessible fantasy of speed, whether on mobile or console. The region’s growing calendar of motorsport events only adds to the appeal.
