Several significant shifts are reshaping the music catalog landscapes of Iraq and Kuwait, as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region emerges as the world’s fastest-growing music market with a remarkable 22.8% revenue increase in 2024. This dramatic growth, primarily fueled by streaming adoption, has caught the attention of international investors and music rights companies seeking to capitalize on the region’s untapped potential.
The Iraqi music streaming market continues to expand rapidly, driven by increasing internet penetration and smartphone usage among its population. Popular Iraqi artists now regularly feature on regional charts, reflecting growing domestic and diaspora interest in both traditional and contemporary Iraqi music styles. The region’s rising popularity is also evident through recent industry events and discussions at venues like Dubai’s International Music Summit.
Iraq’s digital music revolution surges forward as local artists gain prominence on streaming platforms across the Middle East.
This market evolution coincides with forecasts indicating Iraq’s musical instruments sector will generate approximately $162.57 million in revenue by 2025, signaling robust investment in music production infrastructure.
Similarly, Kuwait’s music scene is projected to experience substantial growth between 2025 and 2031. Kuwaiti catalogs, featuring distinctive Khaliji (Gulf) music alongside modern pop influences, are increasingly integrated into MENA streaming platforms. The region’s strong performance outpaces other growing markets like Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.
Government cultural initiatives have further strengthened the commercial viability of these catalogs, attracting acquisition interest from global music rights companies. Artists from both countries are exploring sync deals as an additional revenue stream, licensing their distinctive sounds for use in international film and television productions. Successful artists are leveraging editorial playlists to gain visibility and grow their streaming numbers across regional platforms.
PopArabia, in partnership with Reservoir Media, has emerged as a key player in acquiring prominent Iraqi and Kuwaiti music catalogs. Their strategic acquisitions blend legacy recordings with contemporary hits that possess regional appeal, aiming to enhance digital distribution, maximize streaming revenues, and expand licensing opportunities across multiple platforms.
“These catalogs represent both cultural heritage and commercial opportunity,” noted an industry analyst on April 12, 2024, during a Dubai music industry conference.
The acquisition trend reflects growing confidence in long-term growth trajectories for Iraqi and Kuwaiti music. As catalog rights deals increasingly emphasize copyright protection and fair artist compensation, industry experts anticipate further international investment throughout 2024, potentially transforming how Iraqi and Kuwaiti music is monetized, preserved, and introduced to global audiences.
