A new report from Rise Studios, in collaboration with Parrot Analytics, reveals that original Arabic stories have the potential to act as a catalyst for MENA’s entertainment industry, driving further growth and global interest. The analysis shows that Arabic-language series and films, when rooted in culturally authentic storytelling, are increasingly resonating with international audiences, positioning the region for a breakthrough moment similar to the global success seen with other emerging markets.
As the appetite for non-English content grows worldwide, the MENA region has emerged as a promising player, producing high-quality Arabic stories that captivate audiences beyond borders. This trend has been reflected in the popularity of Arabic shows such as AlRawabi School for Girls and Al Hayba in markets like France, Germany, and the United States, where they reached peak demand.
“An original story with authentic roots not only travels well but can create an industry-wide accelerator effect,” commented Amanda Turnbull, Founder and CEO of Rise Studios. “We saw this with titles like Squid Game and La Casa de Papel, which were incredibly popular with audiences across the world and as a result, captured international interest in Korean and Spanish storytelling. This effect arises when powerful, locally grounded narratives attract a broader audience, prompting further investment, sparking innovation, and ultimately setting the stage for other content from the region to gain traction on the global stage.”
The report also emphasizes that as more viewers embrace original Arabic productions, a ripple effect is felt across the industry. This impact is not only measurable in travelability metrics but also in the increased investment and innovation driven by platforms eager to meet the rising demand for fresh stories from the region. In fact, interest in Arabic-language content has increased over 13-fold since 2020, solidifying it as a significant growth opportunity for content producers and streaming platforms alike.
Amit Devani, Director of Insights, EMEA at Parrot Analytics, said, “Analyzing content demand and travelability enables us to pinpoint the potential for Arabic content to resonate across borders. This insight is instrumental in helping companies like Rise Studios tailor their strategies, investing in stories that are not only culturally rich but have a high probability of international success.”