GCCmarket estimated to reach US$10.7 billion in 2023 as global players prepare for inaugural SPS Automation Middle East
The Gulf region’s automation industry is on track for double digit growth over the next five years, as recovering oil prices and government economic diversification plans boost demand for industrial and building automation technologies, according to new research.
A July 2018 knowledge report by consulting firm TechSci Research said the GCC market for industrial and building automation will be worth US$10.3 billion in 2023, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7 percent from an estimated US$5.6 billion in 2017.
Global events including the Dubai Expo 2020, and mega projects such as Saudi’s NEOM city are also driving forcesbehindadvanced control systems and processes in infrastructure development, while a sharp focus on the manufacturing sector led by Industry 4.0 means companies are searching for technologies to boost production output at a higher quality.
The whitepaper stated that the GCC’s industrial automation market growth is further aided by a predominantly young and educated population that’s more aware of automation and its applications across various sectors including manufacturing and services.
Challenges hindering development include high initial investments in new technologies, while a lack of common standards among connected devices and communication protocols also needs to be addressed.
These challenges and potential solutions are among the many topics and issues that will be up for discussion at the inaugural SPS Automation Middle East conference and exhibition, which takes place from 18-19 September 2018 at Dubai’s Festival Arena.
TechSci’s knowledge report was issued ahead of the two-day summit, which is the region’s only dedicated automation industry event. The biggest names in the automation business are on-board for the debut showcase, including official Launch Partnersfrom Germany: BECKHOFF Automation, Bosch Rexroth, SICK, Pilz, and LAPP.
Japanese headquartered Mitsubishi Electric is also a Launch Partner while American powerhouse Rockwell Automation has signed on as the show’s official Automation Sponsor.
They’ll be joined by another 25 highly targeted exhibitors, while award-winning case studies on Robotic Process Automation and navigating Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in food packaging are a couple of examples of lively presentations that comprise an engaging conference.
With digitisation driving business trends in the Middle East, organisations are increasingly adopting automation solutions in their processes. Martin Palmer, General Manager of SICK Middle East, said the UAE in particular was an early adopter of automation technologies relative to the region.
“From large logistics projects for roads, ports and airports through to the establishment of regional distribution hubs for multinational consumer goods companies, the UAE has established itself firmly on the regional industrial automation map,” said Palmer.
“Increasingly across the Middle East, we see automation becoming more relevant, especially as manufacturers seek to increase productivity and safety whilst the consumer demands higher quality and better value for money.”
Palmer said SICK’s involvement at SPS Automation Middle East 2018 coincides with its wider objective tocreate further awareness around automation in a Middle East market that’s still evolving: “There’s a genuine interest in the region for automation to reach the same levels as in Europe, USA and Asia,” he added. “This goes in line with quality control, and the latter is a huge driver for automation to ensure customer satisfaction and ultimate performance.”
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