One of the fastest-growing sectors and businesses in the Middle East are Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Some estimates are predicting that by 2022 the sector will bring in about $920USD billion to the Gulf Cooperation Council members alone. Add to that the fact that more than 40% of the GCC’s population is under 25. You can see why many countries within the council promote SMEs.
SME’s can now reach more communities and markets than ever before thanks to creative social media marketing. In fact, recent studies of 910 participants from SMEs in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE found that 72% of them say they have a strong presence on social media. With all of that in mind, if you’re looking to expand your business into the Middle East, here are the top business sectors trending on Instagram that might just be worth investing in:
Beauty and Fashion in Middle East
If you look at Huda Beauty you will understand why the beauty and fashion sector of Middle East is bound to attract more global attention. All of this while continuing to influence style and fashion all over the world. This means that more Arab brands are finding their way onto the world stage. Arab products are showing up all over the world, faster and further than ever before. This trend should continue to grow with an assist from the popular shopping features found on Instagram.
Design in Middle East
Seeking to develop their creative economies, the GCC has seen a huge surge in support of their design industry. Support came from both the public and private sectors, as well as their own respective governments. The UAE and Saudi Arabia saw the biggest growths as they emerge as the largest design markets in the region. Design in the GCC became so popular that it’s becoming harder to get Dubai Design Week and Saudi Design Week tickets.
Gaming in Middle East
There is no doubt that one of the most lucrative industries in the world today is the gaming industry. It reached the worth around $119USD billion worldwide. As of today, statistics show the Arabic-speaking countries only make up 12% of this multibillion dollar industry. That being said, that number is expected to rise exponentially by 2022. The Middle East boasts the world’s fastest growing gaming market, with a whopping 25% annual revenue growth. What are the most popular gaming industry trends? Well, 58% of the gaming market consist of mobile and tablet games. As that grows, be sure you can expect to hear and more out of the gaming champions of the region.
Green Living in Middle East
Middle East countries have taken positive steps over the past decade towards solving core environmental issues and improving sustainability. The UAE, for example, plans to change that reputation through multiple projects. They aim to have more than 40% of the country’s energy come from renewable sources. Also, they want to cut consumption by the same margin by 2050. In September 2019, Abu Dhabi promised that by 2030 all new buildings will produce no more emissions than they can absorb. Also, they want all existing buildings to meet that goal by 2050. So, if a group of oil-producing desert emirates can find ways to go green, it can be done all around the world.
Tourism in Middle East
In the next couple of years, the Middle East is expected to welcome more travelers from all over the world. Arabic speaking countries made significant improvements in reviving tourist attractions. For example, Egypt opened the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum. Dubai will host a world expo in October 2021. Qatar will be the 2022 FIFA World Cup host. Lastly, Saudi Arabia finally opened up to tourists. You can expect a rise of Instagrammable content from across the region.
