Most countries in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) region have adopted specific frameworks for telecoms market analysis. However, only eight of 13 countries studied in the region used a market analysis process to set ex ante regulations.

Such frameworks set out the procedures and criteria used to analyse telecoms markets.

Cullen International’s benchmarks on market analysis frameworks and implementation show that national regulatory authorities (NRAs) in all countries, except in Algeria and Kuwait, define relevant markets based on principles that are set out by regulation.

NRAs also designate dominant operators in relevant markets based on principles specified by regulations. These principles include market share thresholds and other factors that impact the market power of operators.

Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates assume that operators with a market share of 40% or less are not dominant, which is aligned with the European Union (EU) threshold for assuming dominance. Bahrain and Tunisia use more stringent thresholds than the EU.

Recent developments include Jordan adopting a new framework for market analysis, while Türkiye concluded a review on leased line markets.

Find more detail in our MENA Benchmarks on market analysis implementation and frameworks: Click on “Access the full content” - or on “Request Access”, in case you are not subscribed to our MENA Telecoms service.

Scope
Region: Middle East & North Africa
Countries covered: 13 MENA countries
Policy area: telecoms, market power
Last updated: April 2026