What captured the imagination of millions across the Middle East and North Africa in 2024? Google’s yearly report of top trending searches reveals the most popular keywords and topics across different categories. These trends offer a fascinating snapshot of what drew attention—from major events and cultural shifts to personalities and pressing questions. In 2024, the MENA region showcased a blend of curiosity, passion, and reflection, highlighting the unique interests of each country.
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, football reigned supreme once again. The rivalry between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr dominated searches, reflecting the nation’s deep passion for the sport. Beyond the stadiums, Saudis paid tribute to the late Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen, whose legacy made him the most searched personality of the year.
But the year wasn’t just about sports and notable figures. Many Saudis delved into questions about their heritage and future, asking:
- “What is the total tourism spending in Asir?”
- “In what year was oil discovered in Saudi Arabia?”
- “What are the main pillars of Vision 2030?”
This surge in searches about history and national development reflects a growing interest in understanding Saudi Arabia’s roots and aspirations.
United Arab Emirates
In the UAE, cricket emerged as a major focal point, with the Men’s T20 World Cup topping the list of sports-related searches. On the news front, residents followed global events closely, from Gaza to tech disruptions like the CrowdStrike outage and health concerns such as Monkeypox.
When it came to personalities, the UAE’s searches spanned a wide spectrum, including figures like Donald Trump, Kate Middleton, and Kamala Harris. This diverse interest highlights the UAE’s connection to global affairs and cultural narratives.
A Year of Discovery and Reflection
From Saudi Arabia’s introspection about its heritage and Vision 2030 to the UAE’s global outlook on sports and international events, the trending searches of 2024 paint a vibrant picture of a region that balances tradition with modernity. These insights reveal not only what caught people’s attention but also how they engaged with the world around them.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore the stories behind the search trends shaping the MENA region.
