Region in Focus: Middle East and North Africa, Q3 2019
This report is available to those subscribed to the Mobile Operators and Networks module.
This edition of Region in Focus explores how 2019 is year zero for 5G in MENA, with 12 operators in five GCC countries launching commercial 5G services during the year. The report examines the increases in capex intensity in the MENA region, exploring how 4G and 5G investment are driving growth. The report also explains the mixed picture in terms of revenues, with operators in several countries reporting strong organic growth (underpinned by increasing data usage), while for other countries growth remains in negative territory.
Market analysis is provided for Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey and UAE. Meanwhile, this edition’s two topic deep dives focus on the state of 5G in the region and the evolving tech startup ecosystem.
Related research
2026 Research Themes: topics shaping the industry and driving our focus
Throughout 2025, GSMA Intelligence has analysed developments and innovation spanning all areas of the telecoms industry and wider digital ecosystem. As the industry continues to evolve in 2026, how will the Research Themes change?
Global Mobile Forecasts, Q3 2025 Review: capturing the changes, discussing the drivers
GSMA Intelligence constantly monitors mobile markets across the world to capture the most recent trends and share the latest available data. This analysis looks at the key revisions made to the mobile connection forecasts over the previous quarter and the drivers underpinning the changes.
Open RAN as 2026 looms: performance continues to hold it back
As 2026 approaches, many operators remain committed to open RAN, but its status as a technology priority is nearing an all-time low. What has held back open RAN market development and how is the technology failing to meet operator needs?
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
2026 Research Themes: topics shaping the industry and driving our focus
Throughout 2025, GSMA Intelligence has analysed developments and innovation spanning all areas of the telecoms industry and wider digital ecosystem. As the industry continues to evolve in 2026, how will the Research Themes change?
Global Mobile Forecasts, Q3 2025 Review: capturing the changes, discussing the drivers
GSMA Intelligence constantly monitors mobile markets across the world to capture the most recent trends and share the latest available data. This analysis looks at the key revisions made to the mobile connection forecasts over the previous quarter and the drivers underpinning the changes.
Open RAN as 2026 looms: performance continues to hold it back
As 2026 approaches, many operators remain committed to open RAN, but its status as a technology priority is nearing an all-time low. What has held back open RAN market development and how is the technology failing to meet operator needs?
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics