Saudi technopreneur and space economy investor Sheikh Abdullah Zaid Al-Meleihi, Chairman of Saudi Excellence Co., announced major Gulf investment plans in the space and satellite technology sector, aiming to strengthen the Gulf region’s presence in advanced space industries and future technologies.
Al-Meleihi stated in a press release that the coming phase will witness the launch of strategic partnerships and investments with international technology companies specializing in satellite systems, remote sensing, satellite imaging, advanced communications technologies, as well as artificial intelligence and space data analytics projects.
He explained that the global space economy has now exceeded USD 600 billion, with forecasts projecting it to surpass USD 1 trillion in the coming years, driven by rapid growth in satellite services, space communications, surveillance technologies, and intelligent data analysis.
He further noted that the Middle East space market is experiencing significant growth, with the regional space economy in the Middle East and Africa reaching approximately USD 18 billion, led by Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. The region is witnessing major expansion in satellite projects, space services, and space-related infrastructure.
Al-Meleihi added that government spending on the space sector across the Middle East and North Africa has increased by nearly 69% in recent years, reaching approximately USD 2.5 billion in 2025, with continued growth expected over the coming decade.
He emphasized that the satellite market in the Middle East is witnessing strong demand in areas such as satellite internet, high-resolution imaging, security services, border monitoring, natural resource management, and support for smart city, energy, agriculture, and transportation projects.
He also stated that recent geopolitical developments, wars, and global conflicts have significantly accelerated governments’ and investors’ interest in the space sector, given its strategic importance in communications, security, crisis management, and decision-making systems.
According to Al-Meleihi, Gulf countries possess substantial investment capabilities that position them to become major players in this vital sector, particularly through economic visions focused on innovation, advanced technologies, and economic diversification beyond oil revenues.
He revealed that Saudi Excellence Co. is currently building international alliances with leading global space technology companies while coordinating with Gulf investment and financing institutions to support long-term strategic projects across the Middle East and Africa.
He also disclosed future plans to launch specialized projects in satellite services, advanced space applications, and AI-powered space data analytics, contributing to technology transfer and the development of the region’s knowledge economy.
Al-Meleihi concluded by emphasizing that the coming years will witness intensified global competition in the space sector and that international partnerships and advanced technologies will be key to building a strong space and investment ecosystem that supports sustainable development and economic innovation in the region.
