Middle East anime market data: a small but fast-growing region
Anime is gaining traction in the Middle East, but public data is sparse and often grouped with Africa in commercial research reports.
Published: 2026-08-19. Updated: 2026-08-19.
Short answer: Cognitive Market Research estimates that the Middle East and Africa accounted for more than 3% of global anime revenue in 2023, with a market size of USD 0.86 billion and a projected CAGR of 10.1% from 2023 to 2030. Grand View Research's public summary confirms figurines are the largest segment in the Middle East and Africa anime merchandising market, with a 43.53% share in 2025. Public data specific to the Middle East alone is not available; most published estimates combine the Middle East with Africa.
What is the Middle East anime market size?
Public data specific to the Middle East anime market is limited. Cognitive Market Research publishes a combined Middle East and Africa estimate, reporting that the region accounted for more than 3% of global anime revenue in 2023 with a market size of USD 0.86 billion. The firm projects a CAGR of 10.1% from 2023 to 2030.
Grand View Research's public summary for the Middle East and Africa anime merchandising market confirms that figurines were the largest segment, with a 43.53% revenue share in 2025. The page does not publish a precise regional merchandising total in its free summary.
Middle East and Africa anime market estimates from public research reports.| Measure | Value | Period | Source scope |
|---|
| Middle East & Africa anime market | USD 0.86B | 2023 | >3% of global anime revenue |
| Middle East & Africa CAGR | 10.1% | 2023 to 2030 | Cognitive Market Research |
| Middle East & Africa merchandising | Figurines 43.53% share | 2025 | Figurines, clothing, books, board games, toys, posters |
| Key countries covered | Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Qatar | 2023 | Cognitive Market Research country list |
Streaming is the primary access channel
Cognitive Market Research notes that streaming services considerably contribute to anime accessibility and popularity in the Middle East and Africa. The report describes the region as being in an early stage, with anime conventions less common than in North America or Europe but gaining traction.
Crunchyroll serves fans in more than 200 countries and territories, and its international expansion includes the Middle East. Global platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Crunchyroll are listed as key competitors in the region.
Which country markets matter most?
Cognitive Market Research lists Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Qatar, and the rest of the Middle East as the countries covered in its analysis. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are frequently cited in trade reporting as the most advanced markets for entertainment and streaming in the region.
Grand View Research's merchandising report notes that the Middle East has convention centers that host competitions and cosplay events, which reflect growing anime popularity among consumers.
How the region fits into the global picture
The Middle East and Africa represent a small but growing share of global anime revenue. The region's growth is supported by improving internet access, rising disposable incomes, and a young population.
For context, AJA estimates the global overseas anime market at ¥2.1702 trillion in 2024. The Middle East and Africa's estimated USD 0.86 billion in 2023 is a small portion of that total, and AJA does not publish a regional breakdown.
Data limitations and methodology
No official body publishes a standalone Middle East anime market total. Commercial research firms combine the Middle East with Africa, use different scopes, and do not disclose detailed country-level figures in public summaries.
AnimeSignal therefore treats the available estimates as approximate indicators. The Middle East and Africa combined figure is the most robust public number available, but it should not be presented as a precise Middle East-only total.
Scope caveat: Most published estimates combine the Middle East and Africa. AJA does not publish a regional breakdown of its overseas total. Use available commercial estimates with caution and cite their combined scope.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Middle East anime market?
Public data specific to the Middle East alone is not available. The Middle East and Africa combined are estimated at USD 0.86 billion in 2023 by Cognitive Market Research.
Which Middle East countries have the largest anime markets?
Cognitive Market Research covers Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, and Qatar. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are generally considered the most advanced markets for streaming and entertainment in the region.
How fast is the Middle East anime market growing?
Cognitive Market Research projects the Middle East and Africa anime market will grow at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2023 to 2030.
Is there official Middle East anime market data?
No. The Association of Japanese Animations does not publish a Middle East-specific breakdown. Available estimates come from commercial market research firms and usually combine the Middle East with Africa.