Middle East & Africa Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Market Outlook, 2028

The Middle East & Africa region is estimated to grow at a significant rate in the upcoming years, owing to rise in use of personal protective equipment and increase in the number of guidelines for strict rules & regulations focusing on the workplace safety of employees. The history of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the Middle East and Africa is closely tied to the region's economic and social development. In many countries in the Middle East and Africa, the use of PPE was first adopted in specific industries, such as oil and gas, construction, and mining. PPE, such as hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves, were used to protect workers from hazards such as falling objects, chemical exposure, and extreme temperatures. In the 20th century, many Middle Eastern and African countries began to develop and enforce occupational health and safety regulations. These regulations mandated the use of PPE in specific industries and workplaces to protect workers from occupational hazards. The Middle East and Africa have experienced numerous conflicts throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. During these conflicts, there was an increased demand for PPE to protect soldiers and civilians from the hazards of war, such as gunfire, explosions, and chemical exposure. In recent years, the Middle East and Africa have experienced outbreaks of infectious diseases such as Ebola, MERS, and COVID-19. The response to these outbreaks has led to an increased demand for PPE; particularly face masks, gloves, and protective clothing, to prevent the spread of the disease. As the Middle East and Africa continue to develop economically and socially, there is a growing awareness of the importance of PPE in protecting workers and the general public from occupational hazards and infectious diseases. Cities such as Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi are known for tourism and are hotspots of the spread of diseases, namely, SARS and COVID-19. The high demand from these regions is expected to boost market size. Additionally, initiatives taken by the regional government to fight against the pandemic shall foster market growth.

According to the research report, “Middle East & Africa Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Market Outlook, 2028” the market is projected to cross USD 4900 Million market size by 2028. the Middle East personal protective equipment market is expected to experience moderate growth during the forecast period due to the region's strict regulatory scenario and increasing awareness about personal safety among employees. In addition, the region's oil & gas sector is expected to drive the PPE market. Africa is expected to witness limited growth in the PPE market owing to low development in several countries and economic disturbances. Although mining and quarrying sectors are dominant in Africa, the lack of regulatory frameworks and awareness about personal protection hamper the regional market. Conventions on worker health and safety issues and practises, such as total quality management (TQM), are predicted to boost demand for PPE by requiring industries to comply with standards governing employee safety on the job. Furthermore, due to the increasing threats, regulators in the Middle East and Africa have put rigorous rules on firms to adopt PPE to keep personnel safe. Growing health concerns, an increase in the number of surgeries, and the spread of viral infections such as COVID-19 and Ebola in industrialised and developing countries are driving demand for protective equipment, which helps reduce the danger of virus exposure. For example, the Ebola virus outbreak in 2016 has left its mark thus far, leading to an increase in PPE demand from the medical / healthcare sector during the forecast period. For example, in 2018, the Ebola epidemic in Central Africa is fuelling demand for personal protective equipment and PVC-based medical devices. At the same time, the increase in cosmetic and plastic surgeries among young people is also contributing to the growth in the scope of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. Moreover, the agencies and the market players are expected to promote such measures to strengthen the safety standards, which act as a driver for the Middle East & Africa PPE market during the forecast period.

Religious and cultural beliefs can play a significant role in the use of PPE in the Middle East and Africa. For example, in some Muslim countries, the use of face masks and head coverings is already common due to religious practices, which may have contributed to the widespread adoption of masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. In some areas of the Middle East and Africa, there may be limited awareness of the importance of PPE or limited access to PPE products. This can be due to a variety of factors, including economic constraints, lack of education, and limited supply chain infrastructure. In industries such as oil and gas, construction, and mining, PPE is more commonly used and often mandated by regulatory bodies. Employers in these industries are responsible for providing their workers with appropriate PPE and ensuring that it is used correctly. In some cases, there may be resistance to using PPE due to cultural or traditional beliefs, lack of education, or perceptions that PPE is uncomfortable or unnecessary. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of PPE in the Middle East and Africa, leading to increased awareness and demand for these products. Governments, organizations, and individuals are taking steps to improve access to PPE and promote its use to prevent the spread of the virus. The significant presence of pharmaceutical companies in the country indicates the growing need for protective clothing, such as face shields, gowns, and gloves. As a result, the South African market for PPE for the life science industry is on a growth path. South Africa has manufactured many items for use as personal protective equipment, including 2,005,000 surgical masks and 216,500 KN95 respirators. This has been produced for the exclusive use of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers to protect them from any infection. Based on the product type, hand protection is dominating the market owing to high prevalence into manufacturing industry.

Based on the report, the market is segmented into three major countries including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Among them, UAE is dominating the market in 2022. The growing pervasiveness of COVID-19 in the country has pushed the administration to develop effective measures to contain the infection spread. For instance, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) deployed self-driving vehicles to distribute PPE kits, consisting of gloves, sanitizers, and masks to the residents & workers of a residential complex in Sharjah. Furthermore, in conjunction with Dubai Police, the Dubai-based 3D printing business Proto21 created 1,000 reusable 3D-printed face masks for frontline cops. In conjunction with government and private-sector partners, the UAE's Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has established a new national system for personal safety equipment (PPE). A first-of-its kind initiative in the Middle East region, the system outlines a set of technical specifications for the manufacture of face masks, protective and medical gloves, eye shields, medical clothing, chemical sterilisers, disinfectants and other products that are in line with international best practices. The initiative's creation is part of the ministry's duty in improving the UAE's industrial capacity, assisting the country's business sector, and creating sophisticated industries. The system, which has been approved by the UAE Cabinet, is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2021, when it will serve to ensure high quality standards for PPEs provided in UAE markets and prevent any sub-standard products from reaching the shelves.

Government regulations for personal protective equipment (PPE) in the Middle East and Africa vary by country and depend on the specific industry or workplace. Many Middle Eastern and African countries have established occupational health and safety regulations that require employers to provide PPE to workers in industries such as construction, mining, and manufacturing. These regulations may specify the types of PPE required for different hazards, such as hard hats for falling objects, safety glasses for eye protection, and gloves for hand protection. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Middle Eastern and African countries have established guidelines for the use of PPE in healthcare settings, public transportation, and other high-risk settings. These guidelines may require the use of face masks, gloves, and other protective equipment to prevent the spread of the virus. Some Middle Eastern and African countries have established regulations for the import and export of PPE, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These regulations may include requirements for product certification and quality control, as well as restrictions on exports to ensure domestic supply. Customs regulations may also impact the import and export of PPE in the Middle East and Africa. For example, some countries may require PPE to be labeled in a specific language or may impose tariffs on imported PPE.

In 2021, the Saudi Arabian government announced plans to invest $2.7 billion to develop local PPE production capacity. The investment is part of the country's efforts to reduce its dependence on imports and strengthen its domestic manufacturing sector. In 2020, UAE-based Company Pure Health launched a line of sustainable PPE products made from recycled materials. The products, which include face masks, gowns, and gloves, are designed to reduce waste and environmental impact while providing effective protection against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. In 2021, the Kenyan government launched an online platform to help small businesses and organizations procure PPE and other COVID-related supplies. The platform, called the Kenya COVID-19 Fund Disbursement Dashboard, allows users to purchase PPE and other supplies from pre-qualified suppliers at competitive prices. In 2020, South African company Gidon Uniforms developed a reusable face mask made from a material that is both breathable and water-repellent. The mask can be washed and reused up to 30 times, providing a more sustainable alternative to single-use masks. In 2020, Moroccan company HEM Textiles developed a COVID-19 testing booth that provides a safe and hygienic environment for testing individuals for the virus. The booth, which is equipped with PPE and air filtration systems, is designed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in healthcare settings.

Major Companies present in the market:

3M, Ansell Ltd, DuPont, Avon Protection Plc , Delta Plus Group, Honeywell International, Inc. , Lakeland Industries Inc, MSA SAFETY INC., Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Kimberly-Clark Corporation

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 Personal Protective Equipment market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Personal Protective Equipment market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report:

• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

By Product Type

• Hand Protection
• Protective Clothing
• Respiratory Protection
• Protective Footwear
• Eye and Face Protection
• Hearing Protection
• Head Protection
• Fall Protection
• Others (Skin Protection, etc.)

By End-Use Industry

• Healthcare
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Oil & Gas
• Fire fighting
• Food
• Others (Mining, Transportation, Automotive)

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; the author has started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender.

Intended audience

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