It appears that the GCC, like the rest of the world, is no stranger to the Swiftie phenomenon. Taylor Swift has done it again, claiming the title of Spotify’s most-streamed artist in Saudi Arabia for the second year running, according to Spotify Wrapped. If you thought you could escape Swift’s tidal wave of influence, think again.
And it’s no wonder. 2024 was a huge year for the popstar. She dropped 1989 (Taylor’s Version), sending fans into a nostalgia spiral with reimagined classics and those “Vault” tracks. She also wrapped up her Eras Tour—that not only broke records but also broke the internet, with countless TikToks documenting the sparkle-drenched concerts. Fans everywhere (yes, even in the GCC) couldn’t stop talking about the tour, from the curated setlists to her surprise songs. Add in her highly anticipated documentary and a string of chart-topping singles, and it’s clear why Swift continues to reign supreme.
The Kingdom’s listening habits largely align with global trends, where Swift also ranks as the top artist. Close behind in Saudi Arabia is Canadian powerhouse The Weeknd, who mirrors his high ranking worldwide.
Billie Eilish secures third place in the Kingdom, followed by Travis Scott and Drake, who round out the top five. Globally, however, Puerto Rican reggaeton star Bad Bunny clinches third, with Eilish and Drake maintaining their foothold in fourth and fifth, respectively.
And when it came to specific tracks, Saudi listeners gravitated toward a mix of international stars and viral sensations. The most-streamed songs in the Kingdom included Jimin’s soulful Who, Billie Eilish’s BIRDS OF A FEATHER, Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso, and Jung Kook’s hits Seven (feat. Latto) and Standing Next to You.
Other chart-toppers included Travis Scott’s FE!N (feat. Playboi Carti), The Weeknd’s sultry One of the Girls with Jennie and Lily Rose Depp, and Mitski’s hauntingly beautiful My Love Mine All Mine.
On the local front, Ayed’s breakout year saw his tracks Lammah and Rdy enter the list of most-streamed Arabic songs.
Speaking of Ayed, 2024 was a milestone year for him. Crowned Spotify Wrapped’s Arab Artist of the Year in Saudi Arabia for the first time, Ayed has firmly established himself as the voice of the youth. His music didn’t just dominate in Saudi—it rippled across the region, charting on Spotify in Egypt, Kuwait, and beyond. Following Ayed in the Arab Artist category were legends Abdul Majeed Abdullah and Rashed Al-Majed, with Assala and Majid Almohandis rounding out the top five.
As for albums, Billie Eilish’s HIT ME HARD AND SOFT claimed the top spot in Saudi Arabia, followed closely by Jung Kook’s Golden and Cigarettes After Sex’s self-titled album. Other favorites included Jimin’s Muse, Travis Scott’s Utopia, and Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology.
