The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has become a major player in the circle of mobile apps. Now it makes up 10% of global mobile app traffic and revenue. This growth shows how Mobile Apps in MENA have become a big part of daily life, business and entertainment in the region. 

Recent studies say that 42% of MENA users have downloaded more than five apps showing a strong interest in easy to use and helpful digital tools.

Mobile Apps in MENA – Statistics and Trends & Infographics

Number of app downloads by country

Patterns in app downloads vary across MENA countries showing different levels of mobile engagement:

The UAE and Egypt lead, with over half of users downloading more than five apps. This trend shows a high interest in digital connectivity whether for services, entertainment or information.

62% of respondents said they readily download Arabic apps.

Preference for Arabic Apps

A notable trend in MENA is the strong demand for Arabic language applications. 62% of respondents prefer downloading apps in Arabic showing how language impacts user engagement. Here’s how preferences vary by country:

Saudi Arabia and Jordan show the highest preference for Arabic apps, which means developers can benefit by focusing on features in the local language and adding content that feels culturally familiar to these users.

Reasons for Not Downloading Arabic Apps

Despite high demand, some users in MENA prefer international apps. Here’s why some users avoid Arabic apps:

These points show that app developers who target Arabic-speaking users should focus on quality and content to meet the needs and expectations of this user base

Free vs. Paid Apps by Country

Preferences for free versus paid apps also vary across MENA, reflecting differences in how users value paid content:

Users in Saudi Arabia are more likely to pay for apps while Egypt strongly favors free apps. For developers, these trends suggest that freemium models and ad-supported apps may work well in Egypt while Saudi Arabia may respond better to premium apps with paid features.

App vs. In-App Purchases by Country

In-app spending also varies in MENA with some countries favoring one time app purchases over in-app purchases:

The popularity of in-app purchases shows an opportunity for developers to add value within apps. Saudi Arabia shows the highest flexibility with in-app spending which may encourage developers to include premium in-app content for added engagement.

Popular App Categories in MENA

Users in MENA gravitate toward certain types of apps. Here’s a look at the most popular categories:

While gaming and social media lead, users are increasingly exploring educational, health, and finance apps. This shift signals a growing interest in apps that offer personal growth, well-being, and practical life tools.

Recent Developments in the MENA Mobile App Market

In 2024, Mobile Apps in MENA saw strong growth. As reported by Apptica, there were 7.9 billion app downloads in the region, bringing in around $1.7 billion in revenue during the first half of the year, which is up 15.6% from last year. This growth shows that people in MENA are downloading more apps across different categories.

Gaming apps are still the most popular, with games like PUBG Mobile, Roblox and Subway Surfers drawing in many users. These games show how people in MENA enjoy engaging, interactive experiences. Social and entertainment apps are also growing as users look for ways to connect and relax in their free time.

5G Adoption and Its Impact on Mobile Apps in MENA

The spread of 5G technology in parts of MENA has helped people use apps more and has led to fresh ideas. With faster speeds and less waiting time yet, more advanced apps are now possible, like those with augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and real-time gaming. Thanks to 5G, users in MENA can now enjoy more interactive and engaging apps that were not possible before.

5G will likely keep driving app growth, especially for apps that need fast, stable connections. Now developers can build advanced apps with real time updates, HD streaming, and multiplayer options. This is great news for gaming, e-commerce, and educational apps where demand is high.

How GO-Globe Empowers MENA Businesses with Cutting-Edge Mobile App Solutions?

GO-Globe, a mobile app development firm, is helping MENA businesses thrive in this digital age. GO-Globe makes apps specifically for the MENA market in areas like e-commerce, education, finance and healthcare. By following local trends, GO-Globe helps companies create apps that MENA users find useful and relevant.

The team at GO-Globe focuses on simplicity and function making sure apps are easy to use for various audiences. By designing for usability and local preferences, GO-Globe enables businesses to engage users with trustworthy, relevant applications that meet everyday needs and cultural expectations.

Conclusion

The mobile app industry in MENA is set for steady expansion. With a young, tech-savvy population, the spread of 5G, and more interest in Arabic language apps, the region’s role in the mobile app world is growing. App types are also expanding to include useful tools for self-improvement, learning, and health, showing wider digital interest.

For businesses and developers, Mobile Apps in MENA offer a great way to reach a diverse and interested audience. As technology improves and user needs grow, the MENA mobile app market provides many chances for growth and new ideas securing its place in the global digital world.