Middle East and North Africa Mapping as a service Market

Overview

Middle East and North Africa Mapping as a Service Market reached US$ 458.2 million in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 817.2 million by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

During the forecast period, the decommissioning of offshore oil fields will generate significant growth opportunities for mapping as a service market in the middle east. The safe decommissioning of offshore oil production infrastructure will generate major opportunities in the short to medium as the middle eastern oil industry pivots to new production methods.

The future growth of the mapping as a service market could be hampered by a slump in the real estate sector due to overall slowdown in the global economy. A volatile security situation in the middle east coupled with global economic uncertainty could depress demand for mapping services from the real estate sector in the middle east.

Dynamics

Development of the Local Petrochemicals Industry

Apart from increasing the exports of crude oil and refined petroleum, middle eastern countries are also looking to increase value-added exports of petroleum derivatives. Most countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar are looking to leverage their massive production of crude oil and natural gas into feedstocks for petrochemicals production.

For instance, in February 2023, Aramco, Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil and gas company signed a partnership agreement with TotalEnergies, a French multinational energy conglomerate to construct and operate the Amiral petrochemicals complex in Northeastern Saudi Arabia. Commercial operation of the plant is slated to commence by early 2027. The ongoing development of the local petrochemicals industry will boost the long-term growth prospects for mapping as a service in the middle east.

Development of Sports-based Tourism Industry

Middle eastern governments have identified tourism as one of the more promising industries for ushering in economic growth in the post-oil period. Along with supportive measures such as easing visa rules and boosting regional flight connectivity, governments are also looking at hosting international sporting events to give a fillip to local tourism. The success of such an approach was demonstrated by Qatar's hosting of the 2022 FIFA world cup, which significantly increased tourist inflows to the country.

Many other governments are looking to emulate Qatar's example to boost tourism. For instance, in October 2023, Saudi Arabia won the right to host the 2034 FIFA world cup and is expected to make significant capital investments in constructing the required infrastructure. The growth in infrastructure construction resulting from pursuing a policy of encouraging sports tourism will augment demand for mapping as a service over the medium and long term.

Lack of Local Workforce

Most of the major mapping as a service companies in the middle east are staffed by North American and European citizens, attracted to work in the middle east by high salaries. Increasingly, Indians and other south Asians are also becoming surveyors, due to the competitive wages in the sector. The reliance on an expatriates is mainly due to the lack of an indigenous workforce.

Although countries such as Saudi Arabia and UAE have laid out rules mandating the recruitment of local into highly skilled sectors, local staffing levels are still low and it will be many years before they reach the required levels. The lack of local workforce prevents companies from expanding and presents a serious constraint for future growth.

Segment Analysis

The Middle East and north Africa mapping as a service market is segmented based on type, application and country.

Energy & Power Still Commands a Major Market Share

Despite ongoing construction across various sectors, the energy sector still accounts for a large share of demand for mapping as a service. A change in global energy landscape has increased the demand for liquified natural gas (LNG), even as the demand for crude oil and refined petroleum products remains stable. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar are undertaking major expansion of LNG production, storage and transportation infrastructure in anticipation of growing global demand.

Middle eastern countries are also making significant capital investment in expanding solar energy production. For instance, in November 2023, UAE commissioned Al Dhafra solar power plant with a capacity of 2 GW. More renewable energy power plants are being planned over the upcoming years, furthering boosting demand for mapping as a service market in the energy sector.

Geographical Penetration

New Construction Projects Makes Saudi Arabia the Fastest Growing Market

Saudi Arabia is currently witnessing a major construction boom as it seeks to implement the Vision 2031 program, diversifying away from oil and gas and building a high-tech economy. The Saudi government is undertaking massive developmental projects such as building a new city of Diriyah based on historical Arab architecture.

However, although Saudi Arabia will witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, the largest market share is likely to remain with UAE. Many mapping as a service companies establish their middle eastern presence in UAE, due to favorable tax policies and friendly business environment. Saudi Arabia despite its size, still has a long way to go in overtaking UAE as the leading market for mapping services in the region.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic created various challenges for the MENA mapping as a service market. The pandemic-induced lockdowns led to a shortage of labor, thus leading to the disruption of many construction projects. It also disrupted the mapping and surveying of all major projects in the planning stage.

The post-pandemic period has witnessed a major boom in construction, especially with regards to public infrastructure projects as well as privately-funded luxury real estate projects. However, even as more opportunities emerge for the market in the post-pandemic period, growth might be heavily influenced by the global geopolitical dynamics.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The middle eastern luxury market, especially that of UAE witnessed tremendous growth as wealthy Russian citizens flocked to park their capital in an effort to dodge western sanctions due to the war. The boom in luxury real estate construction will create stable medium to long term demand for mapping as a service market.

The disruptions in Russian energy supplies have also been a blessing for middle eastern oil and gas producers, as many European nations are entering into long term contracts. It has prompted significant investment in expansion of energy storage and handling infrastructure, creating further opportunities for mapping as a service companies.

By Type

• Hydrographic Mapping
• Cadastral Mapping
• Topographic Mapping
• Others

By Application

• Construction
• Mining
• Energy & Power
• Others

By Country

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

Key Developments

• In April 2023, Furgo, a Dutch multinational company specializing in engineering consultancy, won a contract for field development and mapping in UAE for an offshore oil and gas pipeline project.
• In June 2023, Aquaterra Energy, a UK-based engineering consultancy, won a contract from a UAE operator, for mapping and supervising the decommissioning of eight offshore oil wells.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Fugro, Pasco Corporation, AECOM, Stantec, Mott MacDonald, NV5 Global, Inc., Bayanat, Middle East Survey Engineering, Falcon Group and Professional Survey Engineering Consultancy L.L.C.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the MENA mapping as a service market segmentation based on type, 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 mapping as a service 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 North Africa mapping as a service market report would provide approximately 38 tables, 28 figures and 150 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

• EPC Companies
• Construction Equipment Manufacturers
• Government Agencies
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals