As per MRFR analysis, the GCC In-App Advertising Market Size was estimated at 2.7 (USD Billion) in 2023.The GCC In-App Advertising Market Industry is expected to grow from 3.5(USD Billion) in 2024 to 11.5 (USD Billion) by 2035. The GCC In-App Advertising Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 11.421% during the forecast period (2025 - 2035).
Key GCC In-App Advertising Market Trends Highlighted
The GCC In-App Advertising Market is going through big changes since more and more people are getting smartphones and using mobile apps quickly in the area. As digital infrastructure gets better and more people in the GCC can get online, people are spending more time on mobile applications. This means that advertisers are putting more of their money into in-app ads. This change shows that more and more people are realizing how well-tailored advertising works, as firms try to connect with individuals in a more personal way.
Also, the growth of e-commerce and online shopping sites in the GCC is opening up new chances for in-app adverts, especially in retail and service apps.
There has been a noticeable trend lately toward using advanced technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence in in-app advertising. These technologies let advertisers better understand how users behave and find the best places to put ads to get more people to interact with them.
Also, the gaming industry has become a great place for in-app ads because mobile games are so popular in the GCC. The gaming business in the area is thriving, with many developers making material that is relevant to the area. This draws in both users and advertising. In addition, there is a growing focus on data privacy and following the rules in this area. This is encouraging businesses to be open about how they target ads and handle user data.
Advertisers are also looking at new formats like video commercials and interactive ads to get people's attention in a crowded market. The GCC has a lot of young people who are tech-savvy and open to mobile marketing. This means that companies have many chances to come up with new ways to reach people through interesting in-app ads that are targeted to the region's unique social and cultural dynamics.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
GCC In-App Advertising Market Drivers
Rising Smartphone Penetration in GCC Region
The increasing adoption of smartphones across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is significantly driving the growth of the GCC In-App Advertising Market Industry. According to statistics, smartphone penetration in the GCC is expected to reach about 80% by 2025, up from 76% in 2021, which means millions of users will be engaging with mobile applications.Â
This surge in mobile device usage creates an expansive user base for in-app advertisements.Major platforms like Google and Apple are major players in this sector, continually enhancing the mobile advertising ecosystem, thus enabling advertisers to reach a broader audience. Initiatives by regional governments aimed at digitization further support this trajectory, underscoring the importance of mobile applications in daily life and increasing advertiser interest in this channel.
Growing Preference for Mobile Gaming
The popularity of mobile gaming is a significant driver for the GCC In-App Advertising Market Industry. Current reports suggest that mobile gaming revenues in the region are projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.5% over the next few years.Â
This trend has gained momentum as companies like Tencent and Activision Blizzard actively invest in localized content to appeal to regional gamers. The rise in mobile gaming encourages advertisers to integrate their ads within games, offering them an opportunity to tap into a thriving market.Additionally, the GCC countries are investing in e-sports and gaming events, further catalyzing interest and engagement in mobile gaming and in-app ads.
Shift Towards Digital Advertising
There is a marked shift towards digital advertising strategies within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, fuelling the growth of the GCC In-App Advertising Market Industry. A recent survey indicated that over 60% of marketers in the GCC plan to increase their digital ad spending, with a specific focus on in-app advertising due to its ability to provide targeted reach.Â
This trend is driven by advertising giants like Facebook and Snapchat, who offer advertisers detailed analytics and audience targeting capabilities, indicating a broader acceptance of digital platforms for marketing.Government policies promoting digital transformation are clearly aligning with this shift, ultimately enhancing market opportunities.
Increased Investment in Technology and Infrastructure
Investment in technology and eco-friendly infrastructure is an essential driver for the GCC In-App Advertising Market Industry. Many GCC countries are making substantial investments in new technologies and smart city initiatives. For example, the UAE's Vision 2021 aims to enhance the quality of life through advanced technology and connectivity. Subsequently, this technological improvement creates optimized platforms for in-app advertising, making it easier for businesses to reach consumers.
Additionally, with organizations like the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority promoting digital financial services, in-app advertising in financial applications is also expected to see robust growth. As infrastructure continues to modernize, it lays a solid foundation for the expansion of digital advertising, particularly through in-app channels.
In-App Advertising Market Type Insights
The GCC In-App Advertising Market is experiencing robust growth, particularly influenced by the technological advancements and the increasing penetration of smartphones across the region. The market is characterized by various advertising types, including Native ads, Video ads, Banner ads, Rich media ads, and Interstitial ads, each bringing unique advantages to advertisers aiming to reach targeted audiences effectively.
Native ads seamlessly blend with the app's content, providing a non-intrusive experience that significantly enhances user engagement, marking its importance in the GCC market where consumer experience is highly valued.On the other hand, Video ads are gaining traction due to the increasing popularity of video content on social media and mobile platforms, offering marketers a dynamic way to capture attention and convey complex messages within seconds.Â
Banner ads, though one of the oldest forms of digital advertising, continue to play a vital role, especially in driving immediate traffic and facilitating brand awareness among app users.
In the realm of Rich media ads, the interactive and visually appealing features encourage users to interact with the ads, resulting in higher engagement rates, which is essential in a vibrant market like the GCC where consumers seek engaging experiences.Lastly, Interstitial ads, which appear during transitions between activities in mobile apps, have been found to be effective in maximizing visibility and ensuring that brand messages are seen by users, making them a popular choice among advertisers in a competitive environment.Â
As more brands focus on personalized advertising experiences tailored to GCC's diverse user demographics, all these types are expected to evolve and adapt further, providing marketers with innovative approaches to connect with their audiences. Overall, the focus on each type of advertising reflects trends supporting increased digital engagement and advertising efficiency, key drivers in the growth trajectory of the GCC In-App Advertising Market.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
In-App Advertising Market Platform Insights
The Platform segment of the GCC In-App Advertising Market encompasses both the iOS and Android ecosystems, which play a crucial role in shaping the advertising landscape in this region. With an increasing smartphone penetration rate and a rapidly growing digital population, mobile applications have emerged as key channels for advertisers seeking to engage consumers. The iOS platform is known for its affluent user base and higher spending power, making it a desirable target for premium advertising campaigns.Â
Conversely, the Android platform dominates in terms of sheer volume of users, providing advertisers with expansive reach.The growth in mobile app usage, compounded by the rise of mobile gaming and online shopping, has driven demand for innovative advertising solutions tailored for these platforms. As mobile applications continue to evolve, the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and augmented reality in ads is set to reshape audience engagement strategies.Â
The GCC's focus on digital transformation and its supportive regulatory environment further bolster the market prospects for in-app advertising, underscoring the significance of both iOS and Android in the overall advertising strategy.This dynamic environment presents opportunities for advertisers to explore creative and effective methods for brand outreach and consumer interaction, ensuring sustained growth in the GCC In-App Advertising Market.
In-App Advertising Market Application Insights
The Application segment of the GCC In-App Advertising Market is witnessing notable growth and transformation, reflecting the increasing penetration of smartphones and mobile applications in the region. Online shopping has emerged as a particularly dynamic area, fueled by the growth of e-commerce in the GCC, encouraging brands to invest more in targeted advertising within apps. Messaging applications are also significant, as they enable brands to engage directly with consumers, fostering a personal connection that enhances user experience.Â
The entertainment and gaming sectors are among the fastest-growing segments, driven by the popularity of mobile games and streaming services, which consistently attract high user engagement, making them prime channels for advertisers.Ticketing applications, catering to events and travel, are gaining traction as consumer behavior shifts towards online purchasing. The diverse range of applications within the GCC In-App Advertising Market illustrates how each segment plays a pivotal role in shaping advertising strategies, creating opportunities for brands to connect with consumers in more relevant and impactful ways.
Insights from the market data suggest that this segmentation not only addresses varied consumer needs but also enhances the overall user experience, solidifying the importance of in-app advertising in the GCC.
GCC In-App Advertising Market Key Players and Competitive Insights
The GCC In-App Advertising Market is rapidly evolving as mobile usage continues to rise, driving advertisers to engage with consumers through innovative in-app ad solutions. This market has seen significant growth due to the increasing penetration of smartphones and the popularity of mobile applications across various sectors, including gaming, social media, and e-commerce.Â
Competitive insights indicate that companies are focusing on leveraging advanced technologies, data analytics, and strategic partnerships to enhance ad targeting, improve user experiences, and optimize return on investment. As the market matures, businesses in the GCC are increasingly adopting programmatic advertising, aiming for more efficient ad placements, allowing for real-time bidding and a flexible approach to inventory management.MoPub stands as a significant player in the GCC In-App Advertising Market, known for its strong mobile monetization platform dedicated to helping app developers drive revenue through advertising.Â
The company’s strengths lie in its specialized offerings that cater specifically to the needs of developers in the region, providing them with tools for ad management, inventory optimization, and comprehensive analytics. By utilizing a diverse ad network and allowing advertisers to reach targeted audiences effectively, MoPub strengthens its market presence. Moreover, the platform's ability to integrate with other leading monetization solutions enhances its attractiveness to app developers operating in the competitive GCC landscape.IronSource also holds a prominent position within the GCC In-App Advertising Market, focusing on delivering innovative monetization and user engagement solutions for app developers.Â
Key products and services include interactive ads and robust analytics tools designed to maximize revenue while enhancing user experience. IronSource's strength is underscored by its strategic partnerships and collaborations within the GCC region, strengthening its market presence and allowing for customized offerings that resonate with local developers. The company has also engaged in several mergers and acquisitions, which have expanded its reach and technological capabilities in the region, making it a formidable competitor.
By continuously evolving its platform and aligning its services to the needs of the GCC market, IronSource has cemented its status as a leader in in-app advertising solutions.
Key Companies in the GCC In-App Advertising Market Include:
GCC In-App Advertising Market Industry Developments
The GCC In-App Advertising Market has experienced significant developments recently. Notably, companies like Google and Facebook have increased their presence, as mobile app usage continues to surge across the region. In August 2023, MoPub announced a strategic partnership with local publishers, enhancing targeting capabilities for advertisers in the GCC market.Â
Additionally, in the same month, IronSource expanded its operations in the Gulf, focusing on integrating its platform with regional app developers. Mergers and acquisitions have also become a focal point; in July 2023, Unity Technologies completed its acquisition of a local game development studio, thereby bolstering its In-App Advertising segment in the GCC.Â
As app engagement rises, Smaato and Taboola have reported a significant increase in ad spend, reflecting the growing importance of mobile advertising in the digital marketing landscape. The overall market valuation is expected to grow as more enterprises recognize the potential of mobile apps for targeted advertising, leading to a competitive marketplace. In the previous years, particularly 2022, the GCC saw a notable influx of investments directed at tech startups focused on mobile application tools and advertising solutions, further driving innovation in this sector.
GCC In-App Advertising Market Segmentation Insights
In-App Advertising Market Type Outlook
In-App Advertising Market Platform Outlook
In-App Advertising Market Application Outlook
| Report Attribute/Metric Source: | Details |
| MARKET SIZE 2023 | 2.7(USD Billion) |
| MARKET SIZE 2024 | 3.5(USD Billion) |
| MARKET SIZE 2035 | 11.5(USD Billion) |
| COMPOUND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE (CAGR) | 11.421% (2025 - 2035) |
| REPORT COVERAGE | Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| BASE YEAR | 2024 |
| MARKET FORECAST PERIOD | 2025 - 2035 |
| HISTORICAL DATA | 2019 - 2024 |
| MARKET FORECAST UNITS | USD Billion |
| KEY COMPANIES PROFILED | MoPub, IronSource, Google, Unity Technologies, Taboola, Smaato, Apple, Chartboost, InMobi, Outbrain, AdMob, Snap Inc, Amazon, Criteo, Facebook |
| SEGMENTS COVERED | Type, Platform, Application |
| KEY MARKET OPPORTUNITIES | Mobile gaming expansion, Increased smartphone penetration, Rise of e-commerce apps, Enhanced targeting technologies, Growth in digital ad spending |
| KEY MARKET DYNAMICS | mobile device penetration, increasing app usage, diverse consumer behavior, enhanced targeting capabilities, growing advertiser investments |
| COUNTRIES COVERED | GCC |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
The GCC In-App Advertising Market is expected to be valued at 3.5 USD Billion in 2024.
By 2035, the GCC In-App Advertising Market is projected to reach a valuation of 11.5 USD Billion.
The expected CAGR for the GCC In-App Advertising Market from 2025 to 2035 is 11.421%.
Native ads are projected to be the largest segment, with a market value of 3.0 USD Billion by 2035.
In 2024, the market value for video ads in the GCC In-App Advertising Market is expected to be 1.2 USD Billion.
Key players in the GCC In-App Advertising Market include Google, Apple, Facebook, and Unity Technologies.
The projected market size for banner ads is expected to reach 2.5 USD Billion by 2035.
There are opportunities for growth driven by increasing mobile users and enhanced ad technologies.
Interstitial ads are expected to have a market value of 0.0 USD Billion in both 2024 and 2035.
Challenges include data privacy concerns and ad-blocking technologies affecting ad visibility.
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Team Lead - Research she holds an experience of about 6+ years in market research and business consulting, working under the spectrum of information communication technology, telecommunications and semiconductor domains. aarti conceptualizes and implements a scalable business strategy and provides strategic leadership to the clients. her expertise lies in market estimation, competitive intelligence, pipeline analysis, customer assessment, etc.
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