Social Media Usage in the Middle East - Statistics and Trends

Social media usage in Middle East has been increasing since previous decade. 88% of the Middle East's online population uses social networking sites daily. English and Arabic are the most commonly used languages on social media platforms, used by 48% and 45% of social media users, respectively. This reveals that social media usage in the Middle Eastern population is becoming more active, whether for personal or business purposes.

Social media usage in Middle East helps people share information and interests and stay in contact with far-off friends and family. It connects people crossing global boundaries. For business purposes, social media channels help startups and established brands build repute and brand loyalty, tackle customers' concerns, and beat the competition.

An influential website design and social media links help users share the business with their contacts. Products get recommendations from social channels, and stats reveal that buying decisions are mainly influenced by different social platforms. In the Middle East, Facebook users are 94%, Twitter 52%, Google+ 46%, Instagram 14%, and LinkedIn 6%, so result-oriented social media engagement is as essential for a business here as professional website design or website development agency in Dubai is.

Strategizing Social Media Usage in Middle East

Any new online business in the Middle East needs a passionate team of Dubai web design experts. Social media usage in Middle East should be addressed, from planning to implementing business strategies, resulting in unexpected results. How can we meet or exceed expectations by ignoring 88% of social media users in the Middle East? Having a solid corporate presence over social media channels is integral to success.

The benefits gained from social media usage in Middle East are that it increases channels including brand awareness, business transparency, accountability, and strengthened relationships with key stakeholders. There are risks as well. Deloitte revealed a study last year in which executives of the top 300 companies considered social media engagement the most risk factor for website reputation. A single wrong message, poor interaction with customers or prospects, or adverse comments can collapse the building.

Before adopting any particular global social media trend, it is better to tailor it to specific business needs, considering the cultural and demographic factors of the Middle East.

As businesses here move towards a relationship-based culture, being on social media does not mean losing personal contact. Actual persons should run all of the social media accounts. It is better to adopt social media platforms that support videos in which real company representatives communicate directly with the target audiences.

30% of the Middle East's population is between 15 and 29 years of age, accumulating 100 million of the total population. So, any business here must recognize such a large target audience, the everyday social media users. Effectively engage with them. Start activities or contests on social channels that appeal to them.

Here is an interesting infographic with stats and trends about social media usage in Middle East. Learn from it and use it to formulate your business strategies.

Infographic by GO-Globe Dubai Web Design Company

3.7% of the total worldwide internet users are from the Middle East

40.2 % of the total Middle East population has Internet access

88% of the Middle East’s online population uses social networking sites daily

Estimated Number of Social Media Usage in the Middle East

Most Commonly Used Languages

 Social Media User Demographics In The Middle East

Social Media Users By Age Distribution In The Middle East

 The Most Popular Topics For Social Media Usage In Middle East

The Most Popular Social Networking Sites In The Middle East

One in four Arab Facebook users comes from Egypt, while Saudi Arabia and the UAE make up 80% of users in the Gulf region.

LinkedIn outperforms Twitter across many Middle Eastern countries – most significantly, in the UAE where the business-focused network reaches more than 12% of the population (compared to around 3% for Twitter).

Percentage Of Social Media User Penetration In Middle East Countries By Social Network

FAQs on Social Media Usage in the Middle East

What are the most popular social media platforms in the Middle East?

Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and Twitter are among the most widely used platforms in the region.

How does social media usage in Middle East compare to other regions of the world?

The Middle East has seen rapid growth in social media adoption, with many countries surpassing global averages in terms of usage.

What are the cultural factors that influence social media usage in Middle East?

Cultural factors such as family values, religious beliefs, and gender roles can shape social media usage patterns.

How is Instagram used in the Middle East?

Instagram is popular for sharing photos, videos, and stories. It's also used for influencer marketing and business promotion.

What role does TikTok play in the Middle East?

TikTok is a rapidly growing platform, particularly among younger demographics. It's used for short-form video content, entertainment, and viral trends.

How is Facebook used in the Middle East?

Facebook is still a dominant social media platform in the region, used for connecting with friends and family, sharing news, and engaging in online discussions.

How can businesses effectively handle social media usage in Middle East?

Businesses should localize their content, understand cultural nuances, and engage with the local community.