A surge in recorded music revenue has propelled the music industry in the Middle East and North Africa to become the world’s fastest-growing region last year, according to one of the industry’s most authoritative reports. 

Revenue in MENA grew by almost 23%, outpacing even other high-growth markets such as Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, according to the IFPI Global Music Report 2025. The advance was driven by factors including the dominance of streaming, shifting consumer habits, and more.

Globally, the music industry surpassed $20 billion in streaming revenues for the first time, cementing digital consumption as the primary driver of growth. That trend was evident in MENA, where streaming accounted for 99.5% of recorded music revenue. 

Key Takeaways from the Report

• Streaming Fuels MENA’s Music Boom

• Streaming’s share of revenue in MENA far exceeded global averages.

• Platforms like Anghami, Spotify, and YouTube Music are expanding, with growing adoption of both subscription-based and ad-supported models.

• Global Landscape Records 10th Year of Growth 

•  Revenue reached $29.6 billion in 2024.

• Top 3 growing regions were: MENA with an increase at +22.8%, followed by Sub-Saharian Africa with a revenue increase +22.6% and Latin America with a revenue increase at +22.5%.

• While physical sales dropped 3.1%, Vinyls continued their 18th year-on-year growth at 4.6%.

• Performance rights achieved a record $2.9 billion revenue with 5.9% growth, while synchronisation rights reached $650 million.

• AI’s Expanding Role in Music

• AI is revolutionizing music discovery, content curation, and even song creation.

• The use of AI amid concerns over artist compensation and copyright protection remain key industry debates.

• Universal Music Group (UMG) is advocating for responsible AI practices, with SVP Chris Horton stating: “We first look at whether AI tools are ethically trained and respect copyright.”

• Global Executives Weigh on Key Industry Priorities

• Artist-Centric Industry: Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group, stressed the importance of prioritizing artists, stating: “It’s more critical than ever that we continue to advance the artist-centric principles that elevate the entire music ecosystem by rewarding real artists and those who support them.”

• Fair Compensation: Rob Stringer, Chairman of Sony Music Group, advocates for equitable pay in the streaming era, emphasizing: “In true partnerships based on mutual respect, we can all build an exciting vision for the future of our artists and our industry.”

• Collaboration for Growth: Robert Kyncl, CEO of Warner Music Group, highlights the power of teamwork, noting: “By matching the brilliance and bravery of artists with velocity and impact of our own, we’ll pioneer that bright future together.”

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Konrad von Löhneysen, Managing Director of Embassy of Music, addresses the pressures of constant visibility and frequent releases, with his remark “As a label—amongst other tasks like marketing, traditional promotion, etc.—we guide, finance, and support the artists through this process of social media, recording and scheduling…”