Qatar has invested $220 million in its civil space activities for 2024, cementing its role as a core contributor to the region’s space ambitions, according to a new report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The investment, which contributes to the GCC’s emergence as a global hub for space innovation, is projected to grow at a rate of 5% annually through 2033.
The report highlights a comprehensive regional strategy focused on long-term growth and technological advancement in the rapidly evolving global space landscape.
“What we’re witnessing across the GCC is a comprehensive understanding that space industry success requires simultaneous excellence across multiple dimensions: financial commitment, partnership strategy, risk management, and policy integration, while maintaining patience for long-term returns,” said Thibault Werle, Managing Director and Partner at BCG.
A Core Pillar of GCC Space Ambition
The BCG report identifies Qatar, alongside the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as representing the core of the Middle East’s civil space investments. While the UAE leads with a $443 million investment in 2024, Qatar’s $220 million contribution is on par with that of Saudi Arabia. Together, these three nations are actively driving innovation and growth in the region’s $18 billion space market.
Focus on Downstream Services
Qatar’s investment currently accounts for around 5% of the regional market and gives it just under a 5% share of the downstream services market. This segment, which includes ongoing operations and services like satellite communications and earth observation, is increasingly merging with the digital industry by adopting AI and cloud computing. A key Qatari entity in this domain is Es’hailSat, which plays a crucial role in regional satellite communications.
About Es’hailSat
Es’hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, is a communications satellite operator headquartered in Doha. It owns and operates a fleet of satellites that provide broadcast, telecommunications, and broadband services across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond, forming a vital part of the region’s modern communications infrastructure.
Source: Zawya
