Mubasher: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar topped the GCC region’s civil space investments, contributing to the region’s emergence as a hub for space innovation and ambition.
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) space market is valued at $18 billion, according to a new report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) titled "Governments in Space: A universe of opportunities".
The Kingdom invested around $220 million in civil space activities during 2024. This represents between 20% and 25% of government space spending in the MEA region.
The investment anchors Saudi Arabia’s role in shaping the regional space landscape and it is expected to hold more than 20% of the regional downstream services market.
Meanwhile, the UAE invested $443 million in civil space in 2024, contributing with 40%-45% of MEA government spending. This positioned the country it to capture over 50% of the region’s downstream services market.
With a $220 million investment in civil space activities for 2024, Qatar accounted for around 5% of the market today and held just under 5% downstream services market share.
All three markets are forecast to grow at or above the global space economy compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% through 2033, reflecting the region’s long-term commitment and momentum.
Thibault Werle, Managing Director and Partner at BCG, commented: "What we are witnessing across the GCC is a comprehensive understanding that space industry success requires simultaneous excellence across multiple dimensions, financial commitment, partnership strategy, risk management, and policy integration, while maintaining patience for long-term returns in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”
Faisal Hamady, Managing Director and Partner at BCG, said: "The UAE's commanding position in the Middle East space market reflects a decade-plus commitment to strategic space investments that balance public sector vision with private sector innovation.”
“With downstream services accounting for 70% of the global market and the UAE's proportional investment advantage, we are seeing a clear example of how sustained government backing in civil space activities translates to market leadership,” Hamady added.
