As a business that is part of the gaming and digital entertainment space, with offices in Jordan and Saudi Arabia and serving an Arabic-speaking audience mainly in the Middle East, WOLF, the tech company behind the WOLF Qanawat app, is excited for what 2026 will bring to a sector that is evolving quickly, offering rapid growth, exciting opportunities and huge developments.
From hybrid social and gaming apps to AI-driven engagement, and from cultural-first localisation to booming GCC investment, the next few years will reshape how communities engage online in the region. Here’s what we predict will mold and grow the sector in 2026.
The domination of hybrid social and gaming apps
Until now, most successful apps have relied on either social connection or gaming to drive their user engagement, but with gamification already, or soon to be, an option on all apps, more will see the opportunity to mix the two, where users are increasingly incentivised to play games as well as forming community bonds. Users want community, entertainment and gaming all in one place and this hybrid approach will give apps a greater possibility to increase retention and monetise this new format.
Our WOLF Qanawat app proudly brings users together; community engagement and entertainment are at the heart of what we do. However, as users’ appetite for gaming grows, it’s clear that a hybrid app will offer users the best of both worlds. Our in-app Gaming Hub allows users to incorporate games into their daily entertainment, while playing in a space that has human connection at its core. For those new to the app who are attracted by the gaming, it offers a place where fun and community go hand in hand.
The GCC region remains the growth engine
Several of the seven countries that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council, particularly Saudi Arabia, are enjoying great growth in gaming in the last few years, and are already boasting impressive financial results. A factor in this recent success comes on the back of the Covid period, during which time gaming gave people in the region a social connection, a place to de-stress, have fun, challenge themselves and gain gratification.
Gaming continues to be a local investment focus as it’s what people seek out as an escape from everyday life. It’s also quick and easy to engage with and doesn’t require huge commitment; something you can pick up as and when you need an injection of entertainment. Even as social and cultural events continue to evolve in GCC countries, gaming continues to meet unmet needs for many. However, users are now more discerning. The key to success in 2026 will be the creation of games that have unique aspects to each app and that offer incentives, in a bid to engage and retain users’ interest. Watch out for even more unique games we’ll be adding in early 2026.
AI and connectivity reshaping engagement
People need technical connectivity to access social interaction, dialogue and play, and the MENA region and GCC countries are investing heavily to provide high-speed connectivity via 5G for the local population in the near future. In tandem with this, AI adoption will continue to grow, allowing apps to be discovered, used and reviewed more easily. Immersive technology, including AR and VR will also continue to evolve, guided by practical and cultural use cases.
The most competitive apps, like WOLF Qanawat, will have a conversational AI interface; our users have Yasmine, our personal AI assistant, who they have been interacting with for the last two years. Having an AI interface will ensure apps are making the best of their offering, whilst giving users a premium experience, with AI assistants making in-app guidance smarter and faster.
Localisation is key
Really knowing your audience will be key to the success of any business in the future, especially ones that operate in locations where cultures, customs and traditions are more localised. Emerging gaming companies must respect the cultural values and norms of their users, which will include a watertight programme of moderation.
Getting under the skin of users’ local needs and wants will ensure an engaged app community which operates with a reciprocity of trust and respect. However, managing and monitoring this digital space well is necessary to achieve this. When issues arise of users behaving inappropriately or using inappropriate images or language, it’s essential action if taken swiftly to resolve them, even if that means blocking or banning some users, as the happiness of everyone in the community is paramount to digital entertainment’s success. Ensuring this safety exists will be paramount for successful apps in 2026.
Investment will fuel opportunity
For many locations that are already experiencing a boom in the gaming and digital entertainment space, Government support is often key. Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia is an excellent example of the ambition and support the Government and leaders play in ensuring intelligent investment and development fuels the success of this important social space.
In the GCC region, there is clear intention to expand gaming, Esports, digital and physical entertainment. This will drive users’ attention to more digital enjoyment, where they not only spend, but can make money in-app. It is also a space that will naturally encourage and nurture community and friendships that will expand into real everyday life.
Final word for 2026
At WOLF we’re working on adding even more games in early 2026 that offer an improved, more creative and enticing take on casual games, giving users a chance to play, compete, be social, get rewards and recognition.. Esports will also be an important part of the next phase of our app and we’re excited to offer all of this in one place for our discernable users. WOLF is delighted to be a prominent part of the gaming and digital entertainment future and we’re excited for 2026. Watch this space!