- Arab countries outperform Europe demographically, bridging the digital gap
By ; Eslam Tawfik
The number of internet users in the Arab region accounted for approximately 348 million, which represents 70.2 per cent of the total population of 496 million, according to a study conducted by Galal & Karawi Management Consulting, in collaboration with Orient Planet Research (OPR), one of the specialized units of Orient Planet Group (OPG). The study, which focused on digital transformation in the Arab World, further reported that social media usage has surged to 228 million users, or 46 per cent of the total population.
This comprehensive study gathered information from reputable and accredited sources, including DataReportal, GSMA Intelligence, Statista, Semrush, and Sky. It outlines a detailed comparison between the Arab League and the European Union, offering insights into the digital landscape and demographic trends in both regions.
Robust Enablers for Business Expansion in the Arabic Market
Eng. Asem Galal, Co-founder of Galal & Karawi Management Consulting, commented on the study’s findings, asserting that digital platforms are central to Arab governments’ strategies for engaging with Millennial and Gen Z populations. He emphasised the critical significance of creating national digital content that seamlessly aligns with the region’s cultural identity as well as leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This approach is vital to fostering community interaction and encouraging active citizen participation. Furthermore, this aligns with the ambitious digital transformation goals set by various Arab governments to promote sustainable development and build a dynamic digital future.
Dr. Nidal Abou Zaki, Managing Director of Orient Planet Group, underscored that the statistics are a testament to the expanding digital potential within the Arab region, establishing it as an epicentre for innovation and growth. The widespread adoption of the internet and social media signifies a substantial shift in consumer behaviour, thereby prompting governments and companies to devise and implement sophisticated digital strategies aimed at strengthening the digital economy and cultivating a sustainable investment ecosystem.
He added: “By embracing latest technological innovations and fortifying the digital infrastructure, we can enhance global competitiveness, attract investments in technology and knowledge-based sectors, and expedite the process of digital transformation. This will contribute to sustainable economic growth and ensure that the region remains aligned with global digital trends.”
He further highlighted that the high engagement of Arab youth on social media represents a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour, encouraging brands to adopt more targeted and innovative marketing strategies. These strategies, which leverage data analytics and digital trend analysis, are essential for fostering increased engagement and establishing long-term relations with consumers within an ever-evolving digital environment.
Arab World Competes Digitally with the European Union
The study further reveals a narrowing digital gap between the Arab World and the European Union (EU). While the EU boasts approximately 419 million internet users, the Arab region follows closely behind with 348 million, with only a 71 million user difference.
In terms of social media usage, the report highlights that the EU has roughly 230 million social media users, a figure closely mirroring that of the Arab World. This highlights the rapid expansion of the Arab region’s digital footprint.
Egypt, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia Lead Social Media Usage
Egypt ranks as the foremost nation in social media usage in the Arab World, with 50.7 million users, followed by Iraq with 34.3 million and Saudi Arabia with 34.1 million. Algeria holds fourth position with 25.6 million users, while Morocco and the UAE account for 21.3 million and 11.3 million users, respectively. Together, these countries represent 77 per cent of all social media users in the Arab World, indicating the concentration of users within a select number of key markets.
· TikTok leads the Gulf, while Facebook maintains its position in North Africa
The study further reveals distinct trends in app usage across Arab countries. In the Gulf states—particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain—TikTok has become the most popular app, signalling a shift away from prominent platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat. TikTok’s popularity extends to countries, including Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan, Mauritania, Yemen and Somalia.
In contrast, Facebook remains the dominant platform in North African countries, excluding Egypt, including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya, and also continues to maintain a robust presence in Palestine and the Comoros. Facebook remains a pivotal platform for social interaction across these countries.
YouTube remains the primary platform for visual, educational and entertainment content in Egypt, Jordan and Oman. Snapchat continues to thrive in the Gulf region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where it boasts 24.7 million users, underscoring its prominence as a preferred platform for visual communication among youth.
In the realm of professional networking, LinkedIn enjoys considerable traction in high-economic activity countries, with Saudi Arabia recording around 11 million users and the UAE with 9.4 million users, reflecting the platform’s growing significance in the professional landscape.
· Youth are driving digital transformation in the Arab region
The demographic indicators reveal a striking contrast between the Arab World and the European Union. The Arab region’s young population plays an instrumental role in shaping its digital future, with individuals under 35 accounting for approximately 62.8 per cent of the total population. The region also experiences an annual population growth rate of 2.1 per cent.
In comparison, the European Union’s youth population is significantly smaller, representing only 37.6 per cent of the total population, with a modest growth rate of 0.41 per cent annually. This demographic disparity gives Arab countries a distinct advantage in terms of digital momentum, with the young, digitally active population enhancing the region’s appeal to technology and digital marketing companies. This trend further positions the region as an attractive destination for future investments in this vital digital sector.
Dr. Abou Zaki highlighted the Arab World has maintained a unique competitive edge due to its young demographic, which constitutes the majority of the population. With rapid population growth and increasing digital reliance, the region is transforming into a fertile ground for innovation, offering brands new opportunities to tailor their strategies to the needs of a youthful demographic market.
He added: “The findings present an unprecedented investment opportunity for both local and international businesses, as young people’s purchasing power continues to rise and their influence on household decisions grows. This data enables advertisers to devise more effective tools to reach their target audience by identifying the most suitable digital platforms for each market at a cost-efficient rate.”
On his side, Eng. Galal called for the creation of a unified Arab initiative to regulate and safeguard data, which would further enhance the Arab World’s appeal as a digital investment hub and keep the region updated with global trends in this field. Drawing comparisons with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), he emphasised that unified legislation would foster greater trust among users and create a digital environment that respects the cultural and privacy values of the Arab World.
