Middle East & Africa Drone Market Outlook, 2028

In many Middle Eastern and African countries, drones are playing a pivotal role in revolutionizing agriculture. They are used for crop monitoring, precision farming, and pest control. Drones equipped with multispectral cameras can analyze plant health and help optimize crop yields, making agriculture more efficient and sustainable. Drones are extensively employed in wildlife conservation efforts across Africa. They are used to monitor and protect endangered species such as elephants and rhinos from poaching. Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras can track poachers at night, providing a powerful tool in the fight against illegal wildlife trade. In remote and underserved areas of Africa, drones are being used to transport medical supplies, including vaccines and essential medicines. This technology helps overcome infrastructure challenges and delivers healthcare to isolated communities, especially during health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. In the waters off the coast of Somalia, drones are utilized by naval and coast guard forces to combat piracy. These unmanned aerial vehicles are equipped with surveillance equipment and can cover large maritime areas, enhancing maritime security in the region. Drones have been used to aid refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) in conflict zones. They can be used for aerial surveys of refugee camps, helping humanitarian organizations better allocate resources and plan for infrastructure improvements. Many Middle Eastern and African countries are leveraging drones to promote tourism and showcase their natural beauty. Drones capture stunning aerial footage of tourist destinations, which is used for marketing and attracting visitors. Drone racing has gained popularity in some Middle Eastern and African countries, with enthusiasts participating in competitive racing events. This recreational aspect of drone culture is growing, with events and clubs dedicated to drone racing. Drones have been employed in support of space exploration efforts. For example, the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Mars mission, known as the Hope Probe, utilized drones to simulate and test landing conditions on the Martian surface, showcasing the region's technological advancements in space exploration.

According to the research report, “Middle East & Africa Drone Market Outlook, 2028” the market is anticipated to cross around USD 6.5 Billion market size by 2028. The Middle East & Africa region is rich in natural resources, and drones are being employed for mining and resource management. They help in surveying and mapping mineral deposits, monitoring environmental impacts, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Drones are widely used for security and surveillance purposes in the Middle East & Africa region. They enhance border security, monitor critical infrastructure, and provide situational awareness during emergencies or conflicts. The ability to cover large areas quickly makes them valuable assets for security agencies. In some Middle East & Africa countries, drones are being tested for delivery services. This is particularly relevant for remote and hard-to-reach areas where traditional logistics may be challenging. The technology is still evolving, but it has the potential to revolutionize last-mile deliveries. There is a growing interest from investors and venture capitalists in Middle East & Africa-based drone start-ups. Funding is flowing into companies developing drone solutions for various sectors, which is driving innovation and market growth. Governments in Middle East & Africa are increasingly recognizing the potential of drones for public services. They are deploying drones for tasks such as disaster response, traffic management, and urban planning. In Dubai, for instance, drones have been tested for police patrol and traffic monitoring. Drones have the potential to facilitate cross-border cooperation in the Middle East & Africa region. For example, countries with shared borders can collaborate on drone surveillance to enhance regional security and monitor Tran’s boundary environmental issues.

Middle East & Africa Drone Market, based on countries, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa.

In the United Arab Emirates, drones have found applications across a wide range of sectors. This includes agriculture, construction, infrastructure inspection, surveying, environmental monitoring, and public safety. The versatility of drones has made them valuable tools for various industries. Drones offer a cost-effective and efficient means of data collection, monitoring, and inspection. For example, in agriculture, drones can quickly survey crops and detect issues, allowing for targeted interventions and increased yield. The United Arab Emirates government has made substantial investments in technology and innovation, recognizing the potential of drones to drive economic growth and solve various challenges. Initiatives like the United Arab Emirates Drones for Good Award and the United Arab Emirates AI & Robotics Award for Good have incentivized innovation in drone technology. The United Arab Emirates has developed itself as a major aerospace hub in the Middle East & Africa region. This includes facilities like Dubai World Central (Dubai South), which houses Al Maktoum International Airport, one of the largest cargo airports in the world. These infrastructures support the testing, manufacturing, and operation of drones. The United Arab Emirates has hosted major international events and expos related to drones, such as the World Drone Prix and the Dubai Airshow. These events draw global attention and facilitate networking and business opportunities within the drone industry.

Based on product type the market is divided into Commercial Drone, Military Drone and Consumer Drone. In term of payload the market is segmented into Drones Up to 25 kg, Drones from 25 Kg- 150 Kg and Drones more than 150 Kg.

Commercial drones have a wide range of applications across various industries, including agriculture, construction, and energy, logistics, and infrastructure inspection. They are versatile tools that can be customized for specific tasks, making them highly attractive to businesses looking to optimize their operations. Agriculture is a significant sector in Middle East & Africa, and commercial drones are increasingly being used for precision farming. Drones equipped with multispectral cameras and sensors can monitor crop health, assess soil conditions, and optimize irrigation and pesticide use. The need for food security and sustainable agriculture practices is driving the adoption of commercial drones in this sector. The construction industry in Middle East & Africa is experiencing rapid growth, with numerous infrastructure projects underway. Commercial drones are valuable for surveying, mapping, and monitoring construction sites. They provide real-time data on project progress, help with quality control, and improve safety measures. Some countries in Middle East & Africa are exploring the use of commercial drones for delivery services. Drones can transport medical supplies, packages, and goods to remote or hard-to-reach areas, addressing logistical challenges and improving accessibility. The increasing pace of urbanization in Middle East & Africa has led to a surge in infrastructure development. Commercial drones play a crucial role in surveying and inspecting urban construction projects, helping to ensure efficient and timely completion. In addition, Drones with a payload capacity of more than 150 kg are suitable for heavy cargo transport. In regions like Africa with challenging terrain and limited infrastructure, these drones can efficiently deliver essential supplies, including medical equipment, food, and humanitarian aid, to remote or inaccessible areas. Middle East & Africa countries are undergoing rapid infrastructure development, including construction projects, energy installations, and transportation networks. Large drones are used for aerial surveying, mapping, and the transportation of heavy equipment, enabling efficient project management and completion.

In terms of component the market is divided into Hardware, Software and Accessories. In addition, based on type the market is divided into fixed wing, rotary wing and hybrid.

In terms of type the market is divided into fixed wing, rotary wing and hybrid. Rotary wing drones have the advantage of VTOL capabilities, which means they can take off and land vertically like helicopters. This feature allows them to operate in confined spaces, remote areas, and environments with limited runway options, making them highly versatile. Rotary wing drones can hover in place, providing stable and precise aerial observations. This feature is particularly valuable for applications that require steady imaging, such as surveillance, inspection, and monitoring tasks. Rotary wing drones can carry a wide range of payloads, including high-resolution cameras, sensors, LiDAR, thermal imaging, and even heavier equipment for specialized applications like aerial mapping, search and rescue, and agricultural monitoring. Compared to fixed-wing drones, rotary wing drones tend to have longer flight durations. This extended endurance is valuable for missions requiring extended airtime, such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and long-range inspections. Rotary wing drones are more adaptable to adverse weather conditions, including strong winds, gusts, and turbulent weather. This makes them suitable for operations in regions with variable climate patterns. In addition, the Hardware segment is leading in the Middle East & Africa drone market based on component. Hardware components are essential for the operation of drones across various applications, from agriculture and infrastructure inspection to defence and public safety. These components form the backbone of drones used in different sectors. Middle East & Africa countries have diverse needs, and the Hardware segment allows for the customization of drones to meet specific regional requirements. Different types of sensors, cameras, and payloads can be integrated into the hardware to adapt drones to various applications. The development of more efficient propulsion systems and batteries has extended the flight durations of drones in the Middle East & Africa region. This is particularly crucial for applications like aerial mapping, surveillance, and long-range inspections. Hardware components play a critical role in infrastructure inspection, such as monitoring power lines, bridges, and oil rigs. High-definition cameras and specialized sensors are used to detect structural issues and defects.

According to the report based on application the market is divided into Military and Defence, Inspection & Monitoring, Environmental Monitoring, Construction, Agriculture, Media and Entertainment, Aerial Surveying, Security & Law Enforcement, Logistics & Transportation, Photography, Energy and Others.

The Middle East & Africa region is characterized by geopolitical tensions, conflict zones, and security challenges. Military and defence agencies in Middle East & Africa countries use drones for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and border security to enhance situational awareness and national security. Drones play a crucial role in counter-terrorism efforts. They are used to monitor terrorist activities, track the movement of extremist groups, and gather real-time intelligence in hostile environments, improving the effectiveness of anti-terrorism operations. Naval forces in the Middle East & Africa region use drones for maritime surveillance, patrolling, and anti-piracy operations. Drones can cover vast maritime areas, detect suspicious activities, and assist in safeguarding sea routes. Armed drones, also known as Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), are used for precision airstrikes in Middle East & Africa conflicts. These drones can accurately target enemy positions while minimizing collateral damage. Military drones complement traditional military assets such as fighter jets, helicopters, and ground forces. They provide valuable reconnaissance and surveillance support that enhances overall operational effectiveness. In addition, Precision agriculture is a critical component of modern farming practices in the Middle East & Africa region. Drones equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and GPS technology can provide farmers with precise data on crop health, soil conditions, and irrigation needs. This data allows for targeted and efficient agricultural practices. Precision agriculture is a critical component of modern farming practices in the Middle East & Africa region. Drones equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and GPS technology can provide farmers with precise data on crop health, soil conditions, and irrigation needs. This data allows for targeted and efficient agricultural practices.

Companies Covered in this report:

SZ DJI Technology Co Ltd, Parrot SA, Intel Corporation, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, The Lockheed Martin Corporation, BAE Systems plc, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd, Safran S.A, Esri.

Recent Developments:

• UVL Robotics introduced the first drone-based daily parcel delivery service in the Middle East in February 2022. Flying messengers can carry 6.6 pounds of payload. Drone delivery vehicles may travel up to 25 kilometres.
• In the Al-Aoula region of the North African nation as of December 2021, Morocco and Israel were arranging to construct two factories for unmanned aircraft..

Considered in this report

• Geography: Middle East & Africa
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Middle East & Africa Drone market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Drone market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Country covered in the report:

• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

By Product Type

• Commercial Drone
• Military Drone
• Consumer Drone

By Type

• Fixed Wing
• Rotary Wing
• Hybrid

By Payload

• Drones Up to 25 Kg
• Drones from 25 Kg - 150 Kg
• Drones More than 150 Kg

By Component

• Hardware
• Software
• Accessories

By Application

• Military and Defence
• Inspection & Monitoring
• Environmental Monitoring
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Media and Entertainment
• Aerial Surveying
• Security & Law Enforcement
• Logistics & Transportation
• Photography
• Energy
• Others

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organisations related to the Drone industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.