Middle East & Africa Art and Craft Market Outlook, 2029

The art and craft market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) has evolved significantly over time, affected by a variety of cultural, historical, and economic reasons. The market offers a diverse range of things, from traditional handicrafts and textiles to contemporary artworks and creative design pieces. MEA's art and craft market is distinguished by a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern artistic expressions, making it a thriving segment of the larger creative economy. In recent decades, MEA's art scene has evolved dramatically. The Gulf States' oil boom has resulted in an infusion of riches, boosting interest in art as an investment and status symbol.

The construction of art fairs, galleries, and museums, notably in cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Cape Town, has propelled the region to the forefront of the global art industry. The pandemic revealed the sector's weaknesses, particularly among traditional craftspeople who rely on in-person sales and markets. However, it has hastened the development of digital platforms, allowing artists and craftspeople to access a larger audience through online sales and virtual shows. Many artists are experimenting with new materials and processes to create one-of-a-kind products that appeal to current customers. For example, the use of digital technologies in traditional crafts, such as 3D printing in ceramics or textiles, has opened up new possibilities for creativity and manufacturing.

According to the research report, "Middle-East & Africa Art & Craft Market Outlook, 2029,", Middle-East & Africa art & craft market is anticipated to add to more than USD 1.24 billion by 2024-29. Notable organisations include the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, which promotes local artists and maintains a lively cultural landscape, and the South African Craft and Design Institute, which assists craftspeople across the country. These organisations play an important role in promoting the arts, offering resources, and enabling cooperation between artists and corporations. Traditional craft fairs and bazaars remain essential distribution avenues for local artisans, offering direct connection to consumers.

However, the rise of e-commerce has changed how artists market their items, allowing them to access a global audience via online channels. In recent years, various internet marketplaces and platforms have evolved, with an emphasis on showcasing MEA craftsmen and their crafts. Countries in the region, particularly the Gulf States, have become significant importers of art and craft products in an effort to expand their cultural offerings and foster a healthy art scene.

At the same time, several MEA nations export traditional crafts to worldwide markets, such as Moroccan carpets, South African beadwork, and Egyptian fabrics, which appeal to consumers seeking authentic and one-of-a-kind products. Trade agreements and regional alliances have helped to facilitate the trade of art and craft products. Initiatives aiming at encouraging local craftsmen and fair trade methods have gained traction, helping to raise MEA crafts' prominence on a worldwide scale.

Market Drivers

Emphasis on Sustainability: Consumers are increasingly conscious of environmental challenges, which is prompting them to seek out sustainable and ethically sourced products. Artisans that use environmentally friendly materials and procedures are gaining prominence.

Collaboration with International Brands: Partnerships between local artists and international businesses increase exposure and market reach. These collaborations frequently produce one-of-a-kind objects that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design.

Digital Transformation and E-Commerce Growth: The rise of e-commerce platforms has given craftsmen the opportunity to access a worldwide audience, facilitating online sales and marketing. Digital platforms like Etsy and local online marketplaces have made it easier for craftsmen to promote their work.

Market Challenges

Limited Marketing and Business Skills: Many artisans have traditional talents but lack the business knowledge and marketing tactics required to succeed in competitive markets. This skill mismatch may hinder their growth potential.

Fragmented market structure: The art and craft market in MEA is frequently fragmented, with many small-scale craftspeople lacking official organisation or representation. This fragmentation might create difficulties in marketing and distribution.

Market trends

Development of Art and Craft Education Programs: Educational efforts geared at fostering artistic and craft abilities are growing, with a focus on business training, marketing, and design innovation to empower craftsmen and increase their marketability.

Integration of Technology into Craft: Traditional crafts are increasingly using technology, such as 3D printing and digital design, allowing craftsmen to innovate while maintaining the integrity of their skill.

In the Middle East and Africa (MEA) art and craft market, art and craft tools are emerging as the leading product category due to the increase in DIYs.

This development can be ascribed to a variety of factors, including the growing popularity of DIY (do-it-yourself) projects, an increase in the number of art workshops, and the overall expansion of the region's creative sector. As more people want to express themselves creatively via various mediums, the need for high-quality art supplies like paints, brushes, drawing tools, and other craft items has increased. The availability of unique tools developed for certain crafting activities piques consumer interest, making it easier for amateur and professional artists to pursue their creative endeavours.

Leading domestic enterprises in this industry include Faber-Castell, which is known for producing high-quality drawing and painting equipment and has a strong presence in several MEA nations. Sakura Colour Products Corporation is another significant player in the art supply market, offering a varied assortment of markers and watercolours to both children and professional painters. Additionally, Royal Talens, with its vast choice of paints and fine art materials, is gaining traction in the region.

These companies not only supply critical tools, but they also invest in educational programs, workshops, and collaborations with local artists, which increases their market presence and reputation. The overall expansion of the art and craft tools segment reflects a dynamic and growing creative ecosystem in the MEA area, fuelled by both local talent and international influences.

In the Middle East and Africa (MEA) art and craft market, personal use applications are leading, driven by a surge in DIY projects, home crafting, and a growing interest in creative hobbies.

Crafting has become a popular activity among families, children, and hobbyists, with a noticeable surge in demand for paints, paper crafts, and DIY kits. This tendency is especially prominent among millennials and Generation Z customers, who value creativity and self-expression as part of their lifestyle. Kraft & Art, a well-known UAE company that specialises in DIY craft kits and materials for individual crafters, is one of the leading local enterprises catering to the personal use segment. Dawood Publicity & Advertising is another important participant, noted for its diverse line of art supplies that appeal to hobbyists and schools throughout the region.

Furthermore, Art House in South Africa focusses on providing high-quality art materials to both the personal and educational markets, with an emphasis on accessibility and quality. These companies have adapted to changing consumer expectations by providing a diverse range of inexpensive, inventive, and user-friendly items that appeal to personal crafters.

While commercial applications exist, such as in schools and professional art studios, they are currently dwarfed by the rapid expansion of personal crafts. The growing emphasis on mental health and the therapeutic advantages of arts and crafts reinforces personal use's dominance in the MEA market. This tendency reflects a transforming landscape in which creativity is increasingly seen as an essential component of daily living.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) leads the Middle East and Africa (MEA) art and craft sector, owing in large part to its lively cultural landscape.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the top country, thanks to its dynamic cultural scene, strong tourism business, and major investments in arts and education. The UAE has established itself as a cultural hotspot, sponsoring several art fairs, exhibitions, and festivals that draw worldwide artists and craftspeople. Events such as Art Dubai and the Abu Dhabi Art Fair not only highlight local talent but also create partnerships between regional and international artists, increasing the prominence of the UAE's creative scene. Furthermore, the UAE's diversified population has helped to create a rich tapestry of artistic expression, with influences from numerous civilisations enriching the local art scene.

Furthermore, the UAE's educational institutions are emphasising art and craft programs to encourage young engagement and skill development in creative fields. The rise of e-commerce platforms in the UAE has also helped to grow the art and craft sector, allowing local artisans and enterprises to reach a larger audience both domestically and abroad. This accessibility, along with a growing customer demand in one-of-a-kind, handmade products, has created an ideal atmosphere for both personal and commercial crafting initiatives. The UAE's strategic investments in culture, education, and commerce, together with its diversified artistic community, have positioned it as the market leader in the MEA art and craft system. This dynamic climate encourages innovation and originality, enticing both local and international stakeholders to join in the thriving art scene.

Considered in this report

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• Art & craft products market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type

• Painting and Drawing
• Paper Crafts
• Kids Crafts
• Arts and Crafts Tools
• Others

By Application

• Personal Use
• Commercial Use

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 Art & craft products 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.