Space - Industry - MEA Market, Share and Trends 2023-2028

Summary of Space

Countries like – the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Qatar have launched ambitious space programs – investing substantial resources into research – development and infrastructure. These initiatives reflect their determination to carve a niche in the highly competitive global space arena.

The MENA countries have recognized the space industry as one of the pillars of their strategic development. These countries have also begun to create ambitious space programs. The primary space industrial advancements in the MENA nations – as well as their alliances and alignments with the major international space powers – are all the subject of expert analyses and insights at this event.

Regional collaboration through forums like the African Space Agency also seek to develop an integrated space economy. While government agencies still play a major role, the private sector is growing rapidly with support from regional development initiatives.

Overall– the space market in the Middle East is at an inflection point, with significant potential for growth and innovation, provided the challenges are effectively addressed and the opportunities astutely utilized. Based on our estimates, we can say that Middle east and Africa’s regional space industry is forecasted to be a $43.87 billion industry in 2029 from $28.2 billion in 2023 with a CAGR of 7.41%.

Recent Trends and Insights

The UAE successfully launching its Amal probe to Mars in 2020, becoming the 5th country to reach Mars. It plans to establish a space agency and a human colony on Mars by 2117. Startups in Israel – Morocco and other nations are driving new commercial space activities like satellite imagery – launch services and in-space manufacturing.

Saudi Arabia’s National Space Science and Technology Center aims to locally develop and manufacture small satellites with partners. The country also plans to launch its first communications satellite in 2023.

South Africa has a long history of space science and is working to boost its satellite manufacturing industry. It also leads African participation in projects like the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope.

Furthermore– the UAE’s commitment to fostering local talent has been instrumental in shaping its space industry. Establishing educational programs, scholarships, and partnerships with leading international space agencies has laid a solid foundation for the country’s future space endeavours.

The Dubai Airshow 2023 will take place from November 13–17, emphasizing space technologies. The show’s theme will be space – with the understanding that by 2026 – the growing space industry will exceed USD 634 billion. And by 2031, the global space tourism business is expected to be worth USD 12.69 billion.

Product Insights

Companies are developing satellite constellations to provide monitoring of agriculture, energy infrastructure, borders and other areas. Examples include South Africa’s Aerospace Corporation and UAE’s Ghaf.

Operators are launching new broadband satellites to expand internet access across the region. Examples include Ethiopia’s ET Blue and Nigeria’s NigComSat. More smallsats are being built locally for applications like IoT, tracking and imaging. Examples include Tunisia’s Telnet and Ghana’s Space Tech Hub.

As national space programs develop domestic launch capabilities, companies are emerging to offer commercial launch services. Examples include South Africa’s Aerospace Corporation. Governments are supporting use of space-enabled services in sectors like precision farming, resource management, disaster response and more.

The Middle East’s space industry is also about regional collaboration. By fostering such cooperation – the Middle East is poised to develop a collective space ecosystem – unlocking growth prospects for the entire region. Collaborative efforts will not only lead to more cost-effective missions but also promote knowledge exchange and skill development, creating a strong regional space workforce.

Key Companies

Some major players within this vast domain of industry are

• Mawssi Space
• Dubai Satellite Corporation (DSC
• Saudi Arabia’s Space Program
• Qatar’s Space Program
• United Arab Emirates (UAE) Space Program
• Egyptian Space Program
• Hexcel Corporation
• Kaman Corporation
• Saint-Gobain SA
• Solvay SA
• DuPont de Nemours Inc.

Regional Analysis

The UAE has one of the most advanced national space programs in the region. In addition to its Mars research where it plans to establish a space agency and build a human colony on Mars by 2117.

It launched its first nanosatellite in 2018 and has since launched several other satellites for applications like Earth observation. The UAE aims to become a hub for the space industry and is developing infrastructure like a spaceport for launches.

Saudi Arabia established the National Space Science and Technology Center in 2018 to develop domestic space capabilities. It has collaborated with international partners on projects like launching the first Arab satellite in 2011.

The country plans to locally manufacture and launch its first communications satellite in 2023 to boost broadband access. South Africa has decades of experience in space science and leads African participation in projects like the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope.

It is working to boost local satellite manufacturing and smallsat development through initiatives supporting startups and SMEs. South Africa also aims to increase utilization of space technologies in sectors like agriculture, mining and environmental monitoring.

Market Segmentation

By Type:

• Satellite Services
• Satellite Manufacturing
• Satellite Launch Services
• Space Exploration

By End user:

• Commercial Sector
• Government Sector
• Military & Defense Sector
• Scientific research Sector

By Enterprise Size:

• Large Industries
• Small & Medium Industries

By Country:

• Saudi Arabia
• Iran
• United Arab Emirates
• Israel
• Egypt
• Iraq
• Qatar

Our Methodology

We have offered a well-founded review of Middle East and Africa’s regional Space Industry market along with ongoing trends and upcoming projections to highlight proximate investment opportunities in this report. Moreover, an extensive analysis of any future prospects, challenges, competitors, or navigating aspects is also provided. A methodical detailed regional examination is presented.

Primary Research  

Our multi-pronged research approach includes interviews with industry leaders and a global survey of advanced manufacturing professionals to gain qualitative insights. We utilize our proprietary databases encompassing key performance indicators worldwide in order to collate relevant data points. A multivariate forecasting framework considering historical performance, current dynamics and qualitative factors are utilized to develop market sizing and growth projections through 2029.

We supplement our primary research with a careful examination of secondary materials such as– case studies, news stories and references from other sources. Organizations can benefit from the strategic advice and conclusions offered because they will be better equipped to respond to the dynamic nature of this industry and seize emerging possibilities.

We employ a comprehensive and iterative research methodology focused on minimizing deviation to provide the most accurate market estimates. Our research utilizes a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches across segments and utilizes databases, primary research insights and industry experts for analysis.

Raw data is obtained from multiple sources and thoroughly filtered to ensure only authenticated and validated sources are considered. We collect data from raw material suppliers, industry associations, technology providers, and buyers to gain a holistic perspective.

Quantitative Analysis

Our market estimates are derived through statistical models, beginning with collection of historical data and analysis of macro- and micro-economic factors influencing the market. Gathered information on market dynamics, technology and pricing trends are utilised to build the models.

Econometric and technological models are applied to project short- and long-term market potential respectively. A bottom-up approach is preferred to minimize errors. Key parameters considered include market drivers and restraints, material pricing trends, regulatory scenarios, and capacity additions.

Weights are assigned to these parameters based on impact analysis and market forecasting is performed via statistical tools and techniques. We believe this methodology results in an accurate and realistic market picture.