Middle East and North Africa Remote Sensing Market

Overview

Middle East and North Africa Remote Sensing Market reached US$ 372.2 million in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 982.5 million by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 12.9% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Continuous developments in remote sensing technology, such as improved data analytics capabilities and the development of new sensors and platforms, are increasing the efficiency, accessibility and affordability of overall remote sensing applications. The advancements in technology spur creativity while offering new opportunities for business expansion. Saudi Arabia has also been fovusing on the innovative developments in field of space and the use of remote sensing applications. Furthermore, the Saudi Authority and Ministry of Energy are also partnering with global players to bring advancements to the region.

For instance, in September 2022, during the forecast period, International Business Machines Corp. intends to monitor and measure carbon dioxide emissions in Saudi Arabia using remote sensing technologies. Artificial intelligence will be used by the company to accomplish the sustainability goals that the Kingdom has set forth. The American giant is collaborating with the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence and the Ministry of Energy to promote AI in the industrial sector using some of their most recent inventions. Therefore, the Saudi Arabia is expected to grow at a highest CAGR in the regional market during forecasted period.

Dynamics

Partnership to Accelerate Innovation in Remote Sensing Technology

Through collaborative initiatives, R&D activities intended to develop advanced sensors platforms, refining of data processing can be carried out by combining resources and experience. Collaborative organizations are more capable to address complex problems and accelerate field innovation. Therefore, the partnership between two organizations thrives the new avenues in the product market.

For instance, on January 11, 2023, The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC have announced the signing of a MOU. The two organizations will work together to commercialize remote sensing data and earth observation images for Yahsat's commercial and government customers, as well as potentially engage in joint research and development and domestic manufacturing. As part of the agreement, Yahsat will be receiving the earth observation imagery and remote sensing data from MBRSC's fleet of satellites. Yahsat will subsequently make these resources available to important clients as part of its enlarged solutions offering through Yahsat Government Solutions.

Changing Abu Dhabi's Environmental Action and Transportation Policy

The project's use of innovative remote sensing technologies underlines the importance of innovation in this domain. It may increase demand for advanced remote sensing systems that have attributes like high precision, real-time monitoring and interoperability with current infrastructure. Therefore, there might be a rise in demand for the products and services of remote sensing technology companies in the MENA region.

For instance, on December 11, 2023, during COP28, the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi has shown the results of their experiment on remote sensing vehicle emissions, which was started in February 2022. Using innovative remote sensing equipment, the Agency's remote sensing initiative remotely measured vehicle emissions on Abu Dhabi's highways. The project, which used an advanced technique with a multi-patented system, was the first of its kind to be deployed in the Middle East and United Arab Emirates. Hence, above mentioned factors generate the continuous demand for the remote sensing equipments in the regional product market.

Commencement of Space Programs Generates Growth Avenues

The launch of space programs in UAE has resulted in the development of advanced satellite technology and remote sensing capabilities. The technical breakthrough has not only helped UAE but has also established it as a hub for space technology and innovation in the MENA region. For instance, in May 2023, Bayanat, a geospatial data products and services provider and Abu Dhabi's Al Yah Satellite Communications, often known as Yahsat, started a space initiative targeted at developing national satellite remote sensing and earth observation capabilities in UAE.

To supply a steady data stream for end-to-end application solutions, it aims to create at least five SAR low Earth orbit satellites. Synthetic Aperture Radar is an active sensing technology that produces high-resolution images by shining light on the Earth's surface and measuring the reflected signal. Unlike conventional optical imaging satellites, SAR can take pictures in any conditions including inclement weather and direct sunshine. Therefore, above dynamic developments in the regional market generates the excellent growth opportunities for the remote sensing applications.

Segment Analysis

The Remote Sensing market is segmented based on technology, platform, application and region.

Leveraging Satellite Data and AI for Sustainable Water Management

The increasing use of satellite data and AI technology in programs such as e-ReWater helps to drive the remote sensing business in the MENA region. As organizations recognize the advantages of these tools for long-term resource management, demand for related services and solutions is projected to increase significantly.

For instance, in November 2023, IWMI has announced the development of a new Google-supported application that will employ AI and satellite data to reuse water in the Middle East and North Africa. New funding from Google's philanthropy arm will help academics create a tool to improve water security and climate resilience across the Middle East and North Africa. IWMI announced plans to build e-ReWater, a new AI-powered platform to promote wastewater reuse in the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA), with US$ 1 million in grant money from Google.org, Google's philanthropic arm.

The funding will help IWMI researchers build e-ReWater, an artificial intelligence and earth observation data-driven platform that combines remote sensing technologies to monitor land, seas and the atmosphere. Satellites will assist in estimating the availability of new water resources and improving water reuse. It will mitigate the effects of water scarcity in the MENA region, hence enhancing food and water security. Therefore, the widespread usages of satellites in variety of application propel the segmental growth in the regional market.

Geographical Penetration

Stimulating Innovation through National Space Fund Investment

The National Space Fund's financial resources are available to support remote sensing technology research and development. The investment allows researchers to easier to explore new methods and applications, which eventually propels progress in the industry. For instance, in July 2022, The UAE Space Agency revealed its establishment of a brand-new national fund for space industry investment and development. The fund will help pioneer new initiatives aimed at assisting foreign and Emirati companies engaged in cutting-edge space sector engineering, sciences and research.

As part of its 3 billion Emirati dirham investment in UAE's space industry, the National Space Fund will launch the Sirb constellation of innovative remote sensing satellites as its first sponsored project. Therefore, UAE is capturing the majority of the regional market shares.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI), Northrop Grumman Corporation, Thales Group, Hexagon AB, Lockheed Martin Corporation, ATSS, Yahsat, GAF AG, Moroccan Centre of Remote Sensing and Turkish Aerospace Industries.

COVID-19 Impact

Satellite technology, specialized equipment and hardware components are critical to the remote sensing sector. The essential components were less readily available as a result of manufacturing closures and transportation issues disrupting global supply chains. Consequently, this had an impact on the development and implementation of remote sensing systems. For example, the launch schedules of satellite missions may have been affected by delays in the delivery of satellite components.

The epidemic brought chances for innovation and adaptation in the remote sensing business, despite its obstacles. For instance, certain companies automated data analysis procedures and increased productivity by utilizing AI and machine learning algorithms. Therefore, the pandemic has had a decent impact in the MENA remote sensing market.

AI Impact

The quality and resolution of remote sensing data products have improved owing in part to artificial intelligence approaches like deep learning. Artificial intelligence models can improve the spectral and geographical resolution of satellite imagery, allowing for more accurate and in-depth analysis, by training algorithms on massive data sets.

For instance, International Business Machines Corp. intends to monitor and measure carbon dioxide emissions in Saudi Arabia using remote sensing technologies. Artificial intelligence will be used by the company to accomplish the sustainability goals that the Kingdom has set forth.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact

Collaborations and partnerships in technology within the remote sensing industry could be impacted by the conflict. MENA organizations and governments may reevaluate their alliances with Ukrainian or Russian remote-sensing technology companies, which could change market dynamics and supply chains.

Governments in the MENA area may decide to prioritize military and security spending as a result of the conflict, which might take money away from the use of remote sensing technologies for non-military purposes. Heightened security concerns can feel the need for remote sensing technologies for marine security, border monitoring and other defense-related uses.

By Technology

• Active
• Passive

By Platform

• Satellite
• Aerial Systems

By Application

• Agriculture & Living Resources
• Disaster Management
• Infrastructure
• Military & Intelligence
• Weather
• Others

By Country

• Middle East and North Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Oman
  • Bahrain
  • Qatar
  • Kuwait
  • Egypt
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Israel
  • Rest of Middle East and North Africa

Key Developments

• In May 2023, Bayanat, a geospatial data products and services provider and Abu Dhabi's Al Yah Satellite Communications, often known as Yahsat, started a space initiative targeted at developing national satellite remote sensing and earth observation capabilities in UAE.
• On June 20, 2023, The Faculty ITC at University of Twente and the Regional Centre for Remote Sensing of North Africa States (CRTEAN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The collaboration will be focusing on the GIS, Remote Sensing, Land Survey, Photogrammetry, Natural Resource Management, Land Administration and Geo-information Technology.
• In September 2022, In order to monitor and quantify carbon dioxide emissions and footprint, International Business Machines Corp. will launch remote sensing technologies in Saudi Arabia.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the remote sensing market segmentation based on technology, platform, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of GIS mobile based applications market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The Middle East and Africa remote sensing market report would provide approximately 42 tables, 29 figures and 165 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies