Middle East & Africa Water Sports Gear Market Outlook, 2028

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) water sport gear market is a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry that encompasses a wide range of water-based activities. With its diverse geographical features, including extensive coastlines, pristine beaches, and numerous water bodies like the Mediterranean and Red Seas, the Persian Gulf, and the Indian Ocean, the MEA region offers a rich canvas for various water sports. Popular activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kite boarding, sailing, and fishing thrive in this region, attracting both locals and tourists. Tourism plays a pivotal role in the MEA water sports gear market. The MEA region is a magnet for travellers seeking aquatic adventures. Tourists often indulge in water sports, fostering a demand for gear rentals and sales, including snorkelling equipment, paddleboards, and kayaks. Diving, in particular, is a significant attraction given the region's rich marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and underwater treasures. Additionally, some MEA countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, have a strong sailing culture, hosting international sailing events and contributing to the demand for sailing gear. Water parks and resorts have proliferated in the MEA region, offering a plethora of water-based attractions that require specialised gear and equipment. Luxury water sports experiences, such as yacht charters and jet skiing, cater to a high-end market, further diversifying the industry. Investment in water sport infrastructure, including marinas, diving centres, and water sports schools, has significantly facilitated access to and participation in water sports for individuals across the region. Moreover, the burgeoning middle class in select MEA countries has more disposable income to invest in recreational activities, including water sports, making it a driving force behind market growth. Environmental concerns and a growing emphasis on sustainability have also led to an interest in eco-friendly water sports gear crafted from sustainable materials. In line with global trends, the MEA water sport gear market has experienced the benefits of online retail growth, enabling consumers to access a wide range of water sport gear conveniently. Additionally, competitive water sports, cultural traditions featuring water-based activities, and an emphasis on water safety through the use of safety gear have all contributed to the multifaceted and thriving nature of the MEA water sport gear market.

According to the research report, Middle East and Africa Water Sport Gear Market Outlook, 2028, the Middle East and Africa Water Sport Gear market is anticipated to cross USD 1.52 billion in size by 2028. The MEA region boasts extensive coastlines along the Mediterranean and Red Seas, the Persian Gulf, and the Indian Ocean. This varied geography provides abundant opportunities for water-based activities, from surfing along the coastlines to diving in coral-rich reefs, attracting both locals and tourists. MEA is a global tourism hotspot, welcoming visitors from around the world. Tourists often engage in water sports as part of their travel experiences, stimulating demand for water sport gear. Popular destinations like Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh and Dubai offer diverse aquatic adventures. Furthermore, certain MEA countries, such as the UAE and Oman, have strong sailing traditions. They host international sailing events and regattas, bolstering the demand for sailing gear, including sailboats, rigs, and accessories. Given the emphasis on water safety in the region, there is a steady demand for safety equipment such as life jackets, rescue boards, and emergency communication devices. The Arabian Gulf region has a rich history of pearl diving. Pearl divers traditionally used specialised gear, such as weighted baskets and nose clips, for their underwater activities. While pearl diving has largely transformed into a historical practise, the region's connection to the sea is reflected in contemporary water sports and the gear used for activities like scuba diving and snorkelling. Many MEA countries host water sports festivals and events that celebrate their maritime heritage. These festivals often include traditional boat races, cultural performances, and exhibitions of water sports gear. These events serve as platforms to showcase both traditional and modern water sports. Fishing has been a way of life for many coastal communities in the MEA region. Although modern fishing methods have evolved, traditional fishing gear and practises are still celebrated and preserved. The influence of traditional fishing culture can be seen in the design and functionality of certain water sports gear. In some coastal regions, traditional diving techniques have been passed down through generations. These techniques influence the design and use of diving gear, such as fins and masks, preserving a connection to the region's diving heritage.

Products types include water sports clothes, boards, sailboats, swim masks and goggles, personal watercraft, life jackets, buoyancy control devices, cylinders, diving propulsion vehicles, swim fins, decompression chambers, and others. In the Middle East and Africa water sport gear market, swim masks and goggles will grow at the highest CAGR rate. MEA offers a wide range of water-based activities, from snorkelling and scuba diving to swimming and water sports. Swim masks and goggles are essential gear for these activities, providing clear underwater vision and eye protection. Furthermore, the MEA region boasts diverse marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, colourful fish, and other underwater attractions. Tourists and locals alike are drawn to these marine wonders, creating a high demand for swim masks and goggles to explore the underwater world comfortably. MEA is a popular tourist destination, attracting travellers from around the world. Tourists often participate in water activities, including snorkelling and scuba diving, and require swim masks and goggles for a safe and enjoyable experience. MEA countries like Egypt, Oman, and the UAE have vibrant scuba diving cultures. Dive enthusiasts rely on quality dive masks and goggles for underwater exploration and encounters with marine life.

Based on the countries, the UAE is expected to cross USD 300 million by 2028. The UAE enjoys an extensive coastline along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, providing ample opportunities for various water sports. This coastal geography has spurred the growth of water-based activities. The UAE's climate, characterised by hot and sunny weather for most of the year, allows residents and tourists to engage in water sports throughout the seasons. This consistent demand drives the water sports gear market. The UAE has invested heavily in developing waterfront areas, marinas, and resorts, which feature a range of water sports facilities. These developments have increased accessibility and the popularity of water-based activities. The Dubai International Marine Club hosts various prestigious sailing events, including the Dubai to Muscat Yacht Race and the Dubai water sports Festival. These events attract international participants and promote sailing in the region. The UAE boasts some of the world's most impressive water parks, including Wild Wadi Water Park and Yas Water world. These parks require specialised gear and contribute to the water sports gear market. Dubai, in particular, is a global tourism hub. Tourists from all over the world flock to the city, many of whom seek water-based activities, fueling the demand for water sports gear rentals and sales.

Based on the age group, which includes adults, kids, and geriatrics, the adults are doing more water sports than the kids and geriatrics. Many countries in the Middle East and Africa have extensive coastlines, rivers, lakes, and desert oases, making water sports a natural choice for recreational activities. The warm climate in these regions often encourages people to engage in water-based activities. As some countries in the Middle East and Africa experience economic growth and development, more people have disposable income to spend on leisure activities, including water sports. This can lead to an increase in the purchase and use of water sports gear. The availability of water sports training programmes and schools can encourage adults to learn about and participate in various water activities. Access to education and training can significantly impact participation rates. Both the Middle East and Africa are popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from around the world who are interested in water sports. Tourism can drive the demand for water sports gear and encourage local adults to participate as well.

Based on the distribution channels, which include the franchise store, specialty store, online store, supermarket/hypermarket, and others (resort shops, boating and marine supply stores, direct sales, tour operators, etc.), in the Middle East and Africa, specialty stores are a growing market. There has been a growing interest in water sports in these regions due to factors such as improved economic conditions, urbanisation, and increased exposure to global trends through media and tourism. As more people take up water sports, there is a higher demand for specialised equipment, which specialty stores are well equipped to provide. Both regions are popular tourist destinations, attracting travellers interested in water sports. Tourists often seek specialised equipment for activities like diving, snorkelling, and paddle boarding, driving the growth of specialty stores that cater to these needs. There are many specialty stores that provide water sport gear products on the market, including Decathlon, Adventure HQ, Al Boom Marine, The Dive Shop, and many more.

Companies Covered In this Report:

The Columbia Sportswear Company, Adidas AG, Decathlon S.A., Under Armour, Inc, Speedo International Limited, Beneteau, Quiksilver, Sea-Doo, Helly Hansen AS, Head Sport GmbH, Cressi Sub SpA, TYR Sport, Inc. and Beuchat International.

Considered in this report

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

Aspects covered in this report

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

Countries covered in the report:

• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

By Products

• Water sports Clothes
• Boards
• Sailboat
• Swim Mask & Goggles
• Personal Watercraft
• Life Jackets
• Buoyancy Control Device
• Cylinder & Diving Propulsion Vehicle
• Swim Fins
• Decompression Chamber
• Others

By Age Group

• Adults
• Kids
• Geriatric

By Distribution Channel

• Franchise Store
• Specialty Store
• Online Store
• Supermarket/Hypermarket
• 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 organizations related to the Gems & Jewelry 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.