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GCC’s AI-driven sportainment industry to hit $8.5 billion by 2030
A new report reveals massive value generation potential in an untapped facet of the GCC's digital infrastructure: AI-driven sportainment
A new report titled “Move Your BUT: Sportainment Edition” by Globant examines the growing role of AI in the GCC’s sports and entertainment industry. With significant investments and talent pouring into the region’s sports sector, Globant predicts that the GCC’s sports entertainment industry will generate $8.5 billion by 2030.
The report highlights AI’s impact on key aspects of the sportainment sector, particularly in enhancing fan engagement and operational efficiencies. This AI-driven transformation is expected to boost revenue generation and content creation across the region significantly. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been at the forefront of these developments, attracting investments exceeding $65 billion in recent years.
Federico Pienovi, Chief Business Officer & CEO for APAC & MENA at Globant, credits the GCC’s youth for driving innovation and AI adoption in the regional sportainment industry. “With 77% of Gen Z and 75% of Millennials preferring to watch sports beyond traditional venues and leading the way in embracing new technologies, it’s not just about evolving—it’s AI or fall behind,” Pienovi affirmed.
According to Globant, AI-powered engagements can increase sportainment revenue by four to seven times compared to traditional methods. In countries like the UAE, where 89% of the population is avidly interested in sports, AI-powered arenas have the potential to revolutionize fan experiences through real-time data and interactive content.
However, to fully capitalize on AI-powered value generation in the sports sector, companies and countries must secure specialized talent to execute these goals. Additionally, they must address the data management complexities that inevitably accompany AI innovation in any industry. The report highlighted Sportian, from Globant’s sports division, as an example of effectively integrating AI to drive fan engagement through increased mobile app usage.
Pienovi also pointed to the GCC’s readiness to adopt AI-driven advancements in sportainment, noting that abundant investments in digital infrastructure have laid the foundation. With the necessary prerequisites already in place, the GCC is poised to become a global leader in the AI-powered sportainment industry.
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