The digital landscape in the MENA region is shifting, and WhatsApp Channels have officially become a powerhouse for direct audience engagement. The latest data for February 2026 highlights a clear trend: Sports, News, and Local Personalities are dominating the conversation.

⚽ Sports Content Takes the Crown

Football remains the undisputed king of engagement in the Middle East. beIN Sports MENA leads the pack with a massive 5.1 million followers, followed by the global BeIN brand (3.5M) and the Egyptian giant Al Ahly (3.4M).

The inclusion of Manchester City Arabic (838k+) further proves that European leagues are successfully localizing their reach to capture the Arab-speaking audience.

📰 The Resilience of Traditional Media

Despite the rise of short-form video platforms, traditional news outlets have successfully migrated to WhatsApp:

• Youm7 (2.1M) and Al-Masry Al-Youm (1.1M) remain go-to sources for real-time updates.
• BBC News Arabic continues to hold a significant presence with over 660k followers.
• Al-Azhar-Al-Shareef (1.4M) maintains a strong cultural and institutional influence.

💡 Key Takeaway for Marketers

WhatsApp Channels offer a high-visibility, algorithm-free environment. Unlike other social feeds where content can get lost, WhatsApp provides a direct line to the user’s notification tray. For brands looking to penetrate the Middle Eastern market in 2026, this « broadcast-style » intimacy is no longer optional—it’s essential.