How New Media Trends Are Changing Sports in the Middle East and North Africa
As-salamu alaykum! The way people watch and enjoy sports in the Middle East and North Africa is changing fast. More fans are streaming games online through platforms like Shahid and Starzplay, joining live watch-alongs, or catching quick highlights on social media apps like TikTok. This shift means sports channels and producers have to rethink how they create and share content.
For many young fans, watching a full football match or a long esports event isn't always the start. Instead, short clips or reels on Instagram or Snapchat often grab their attention first. IMG, a company with rich experience producing sports content worldwide, has been helping local rights holders adapt to these new habits by making content quickly available in multiple languages and formats.
Another big change is how sports events are produced. Remote production, where much of the work happens offsite using advanced technology, is becoming common. This approach saves costs and keeps the quality consistent across matches. IMG is working closely with Saudi sports organizations to bring this technology to the region while also training local talent alongside international experts, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
Producing great content is just one part; making sure it reaches fans globally is just as important. IMG’s recent deal with the Saudi Pro League means the league’s matches are now broadcast in over 180 countries on various platforms, helping share the excitement with sports lovers everywhere.
Events like the Saudi Cup horse race and the Esports World Cup in Riyadh show how combining local culture with global production standards can create entertainment that appeals to both regional and international audiences.
With offices in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, IMG is not only bringing global expertise to the Middle East but also helping develop local skills to keep the region’s sports media growing strong. As more sports events take place here, the Middle East and North Africa are becoming important players on the world sports stage, sharing their stories with fans everywhere, insha’Allah.
https://www.thenationalnews.co