Google's Year in Search 2024: Top Trends Across the MENA Region

Maryam Pervez -

In 2024, Google's "Year in Search" report for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region highlighted the diverse interests and concerns of its populations. The annual compilation reflects the most significant search trends, offering insights into the events and topics that captivated the region.

Saudi Arabia

Football dominated search queries, with the rivalry between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr drawing significant attention. The passing of Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen also led to a surge in searches about his life and contributions. Additionally, Saudis explored their national heritage and future aspirations, posing questions about tourism in Asir, the discovery of oil, and the pillars of Vision 2030.

United Arab Emirates

Cricket emerged as a focal point, with the Men's T20 World Cup being the most searched sports event. Residents closely followed international news, including the conflict in Palestine, the CrowdStrike outage, and the monkeypox outbreak. Prominent figures such as Donald Trump, Kate Middleton, and Kamala Harris featured prominently in personality searches, indicating a broad interest in global affairs.

Egypt

The participation of the Egyptian National Team in the Olympics topped news-related searches, followed by regional conflicts and the U.S. elections. Footballer Mohamed Abdelmonem led the list of searched personalities, underscoring the sport's popularity. The film "Welad Rizk 3" also garnered significant interest, reflecting the nation's engagement with local cinema.

Other Regional Highlights

  • Kuwait: Political events, including National Assembly elections and the U.S. elections, were predominant in searches. Figures like Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah and the late Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen Al Saud were also frequently searched.
  • Qatar: Incidents such as the Rafah attack, Egyptian currency devaluation, and the Lebanon conflict were major search topics. Personalities like Sarfaraz Khan and Donald Trump attracted attention.
  • Jordan: Searches ranged from inquiries about the author of an Arabic grammar book to details about "The Starry Night" painting, showcasing a wide array of interests.
  • Iraq: Personalities like Dominique Ouattara and Rodri, along with TV series such as "Detective Conan" and "Bayn Al-Sutoor," captivated the public.
  • Morocco: Searches focused on events like a severe heat wave, the U.S. elections, and the monkeypox disease. Sports figures Ibrahim Diaz and Lamine Yamal were also of significant interest.

These search trends provide a window into the collective consciousness of the MENA region, highlighting the events and personalities that shaped 2024. For a comprehensive overview of each country's top searches, visit the Google Trends website.

News Source: Google