What Is Dubai’s Biggest Form Of Entertainment In 2023?

Dubai, the dazzling jewel of the United Arab Emirates, has always been synonymous with luxury and innovation. As a global hub for tourism and business, this city continuously reinvents itself to offer an array of entertainment options.

Dubai’s entertainment industry not only holds significant importance in UAE but also rules the whole of MENA countries. In a city bustling with diversity and culture, what do you think would be the most popular form of entertainment in 2023?

Let’s walk through some popular entertainment options in Dubai and see which one is rocking the stage in 2023.

UAE Entertainment Market Size

So, before digging out the popular forms of entertainment in Dubai, let’s do some market research on the UAE’s entertainment industry. Dubai is known for its diverse culture and historic places. That’s why it has set a target of achieving 25 million tourists by 2025.

But in recent years, the entertainment industry has sprawled. Now it covers a variety of entertainment options. This includes film, music, concerts, expos, television, and other entertainment.

According to a study by PwC, the media and entertainment sector of the Middle East and Africa (MENA) has an expected market revenue of US$99.4 billion in 2025, with a growth rate of 9.5 percent. This means we can expect some interesting content coming from Middle Eastern countries, especially from Dubai. This study also predicted that Dubai and UAE will grow at a CAGR of 99 percent by 2027.

So Dubai, the “City of Gold,” is not just a popular hub for tourism and business. It now offers a thriving centre for media and entertainment. It boasts a unique combination of culture and modernity. So the entertainment value of UAE is poised to offer different forms of entertainment.

In fact, the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy is on the way to double the number of creative companies: from 2.6 percent in 2020 to 5 percent in 2025.

Film and Television in Dubai

Dubai’s stunning skyline and architectural marvels are always a centre of attraction for filmmakers. Plus, its state-of-the-art production studios and professionals enhance entertainment value. This is the reason many blockbuster movies were shot in the dynamic landscape of Dubai.

Besides, Dubai’s entertainment sector is set to grow even further by having joint initiatives with US partners. The world-leading US companies, such as CNN, MTV, National Geographic, Forbes, and others, have frequently used Abu Dhabi’s media free zone twofour54 and Dubai’s Media City.

What is Dubai’s Media City?

The biggest local and international media companies aggregate in a region known as Dubai’s Media City. It consists of 25 buildings that specifically allocate companies for television, radio, print, and advertising.

It’s home to many popular companies like Sony, Arab Media Group, and CNN. However, it equally welcomes start-ups and individual workers in the UAE, so if you have any plans to start a media and entertainment business, the productive environment of Dubai’s Media City will definitely assist you.

Notable Projects

American filmmaker Michael Bay cooperated with the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and twofour54 to shoot a blockbuster action thriller “6 Underground” across the UAE. Besides “6 Underground, many other Hollywood movies have leveraged the marvellous landscape of UAE to rock the theatres. These include “Star Wars: The Force Awakens, “Fast & Furious 7, “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”, and more.

Besides, Abu Dhabi’s Image Nation has multiple productions that stream worldwide on Netflix. This reflects the quality and global reach of Dubai production. In addition, Dubai also hosts various movie festivals, including the popular Dubai International Film Festival. This festival attracts cinephiles and industry experts from all over the world.

Dubai’s Music And Live Entertainment

Dubai is also a hub of music and live entertainment. According to a report by the UAE Ministry of Economy, digital streaming platforms are mostly used for music consumption in the MENA region. In other words, music in Dubai entertainment is as important as food in restaurants.

In fact, 50 percent of internet users in the MENA region use streaming platforms to listen to their favourite tunes for amusement. Every day, renowned artists from across the globe gather and spread their sonic magic in Dubai.

Dubai Opera is a world-class venue that hosts a diverse range of performances, from classical and ballet to contemporary theatre and pop concerts. Its iconic architecture, resembling the traditional dhow sail, has become a symbol of Dubai’s commitment to the arts. In 2023, Dubai Opera remains a key player in the city’s entertainment scene, attracting both local and international talent.

The digital music market size in the UAE will hit $89 million by 2026 with a CAGR of 9.46 percent. There is an increased popularity and adoption of music in Dubai. So the opportunity is real for those who are planning to invest in the music industry.

In addition, the music production companies in the UAE are getting more and more sophisticated. With best-in-class professionals, cutting-edge technology, and creative ideas, music production and composition have become next-level entertainment in the Dubai industry.

Gaming and eSports

One of the great sources of entertainment among children and adults is gaming and esports. According to a study by Statista, revenue growth of 5.28 percent can be predicted between 2022 and 2027.

The gaming market value in the UAE can reach $372.6 million by 2027. In 2022, the gaming market accounted for $403 million in revenue. These statistics imply an increased level of engagement and growth in the gaming sector.

UAE has created dedicated gaming zones as well as e-sport arenas. In addition, it hosts various esports tournaments and attracts gaming enthusiasts and professionals from all over the world.

Gaming Events

Dubai hosts various gaming events, such as the Middle East Games Con and Insomnia Dubai. These events offer a platform for gamers to connect, compete, and explore the latest developments in the gaming world.

Gaming Hubs

Dubai is home to gaming hubs like Hub Zero and EZONE, offering immersive gaming experiences and a space for gamers to come together. These hubs cater to both casual players and professional gamers.

E-sports

The rise of e-sports is gaining momentum in Dubai, with the city hosting international e-sports tournaments. These events attract professional gamers and enthusiasts from around the world. Dubai is also investing in the development of local e-sports talent.

Gaming Content Creation

The gaming content creation community in Dubai is rapidly expanding. Local YouTubers and Twitch streamers are gaining popularity and collaborating with international gaming brands, contributing to the global gaming conversation.

Above all, the UAE government is actively participating in the growth of esports in the country.

Moving Ahead

So what do you think is the most popular form of entertainment in Dubai? We have taken an in-depth analysis of movies, music, and gaming entertainment options in Dubai. As the population of Dubai comprises a diverse culture and preferences, all these forms of entertainment are in the mainstream and will continue to flourish as a result of innovation and government initiatives.

The study by PwC suggests that gaming will spearhead the growth in the entertainment sector of Dubai. However, the emergence of streaming platforms is making movies and media accessible to everyone. So the movies and digital audio production industry aren’t going anywhere. Video streaming (SVoD) in UAE has an estimated market size of US$196.50m by 2027, with a CAGR of 5.75 percent between 2023 and 2027.

In addition, we are seeing new forms of entertainment in Dubai, such as social media and short videos.

Moreover, podcasts are there to serve both entertainment and marketing purposes. Music and podcasts will reach the $500 million mark by 2024, with a CAGR of 20 percent.  So we can say that podcasts are one of the popular forms of entertainment in Dubai’s vibrant city.

So, in a nutshell, multiple entertainment forms will rule Dubai. Plus, new forms of entertainment will emerge in response to technology development and consumer preferences.

BKP Group: A Premium Production Company in Dubai

In the bustling entertainment landscape of Dubai, one name stands out for its exceptional contribution to producing captivating and innovative content: BKP Group.

BKP Group specializes in a wide range of entertainment content, from music videos and digital content to podcasts and film production.

One of the key ways BKP Group contributes to producing entertainment content in Dubai is by providing state-of-the-art production facilities and equipment. Besides, the knowledge and expertise of our professionals bring creative visions to life. BKP Group stands at the forefront, ready to create and share exceptional content that captivates audiences worldwide.

Contact Us now to embark on your entertainment journey.

FAQ

Can I watch Netflix in Dubai?

Yes, all the Netflix content is available in Dubai. However, there are some regional differences and limitations that you must take into account before subscribing.

What are the top entertainment attractions in Dubai?

Dubai Opera, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Ski Dubai, the Dubai Aquarium, and various nightlife options are there for residents and tourists to get pure pleasure.

What are the best music festivals in Dubai?

Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival, RedFestDXB, and the Dubai International Jazz Festival are some of the great examples of music festivals in Dubai.