> REGIONAL FOCUS MIDDLE EAST
Growth in tough times B
efore the recession hit, the Middle East seemed to be the golden ticket for pro audio manufacturers. Massive investment in infrastructure and a growing tourism trade made way for new hotels, clubs and restaurants, in addition to less glamorous but prosperous venues like hospitals, train stations and airports. And while the recession has blunted the sharp boom, and political unrest has left a question mark over some areas in the region, InfoComm has found that the opportunities in the Middle East are still abundant. According to the InfoComm’s Global Market Definition and Strategy Study (MDSS) the Middle East/Africa pro-AV market grew from US$1.56 billion in 2006 to $2.17. The report further states that the Middle East/Africa pro-AV market is one of the faster growing global markets, with figures projecting that it will reach US$3.14 billion by 2012.
Saudi Arabia is reportedly the largest, single market in the Middle East, according to the MDSS, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the market, with Qatar a close second with regards to AV spend. Further findings reveal that the fastest growing products are displays, AV conferencing equipment, control systems, streaming media and web casting, and wireless connections and software, which opens multiple avenues for pro audio sales. The MDSS also shows that sound reinforcement is growing faster than many other pro-AV products in Middle East/Africa, and that there has been increasing demand for improved audio
26 audioPRO May 2011
systems in videoconferencing applications. New applications and new customer sets, such as telemedicine, are also helping growth in the region.
The MDSS also concludes that there is further need for audio firms in the area. The report states: “There are not many pro- AV design/consulting firms in either the Middle East or Africa. Systems integrators – especially in Africa – usually handle project design, although distributors and dealers will sometimes take this on themselves. Design work in the Middle East, especially for large projects, is often done by consulting based in the UK, Australia and the US. This has helped the growth of the design business in the UK in particular, but has hurt the development of design in the Middle East. Further strength was given to this argument by the World
Bank. After reviewing the Global Economic Prospects January 2011 report, it stated: “The global economy is transitioning from a rapid, bounce-back with global GDP projected phase of recovery toward a slower, more sustainable paced phase, with global GDP projected to increase by 3.3 per cent and 3.6 per cent during 2011 and 2012 respectively. Further developing economies will expand by six per cent or more, more than twice the 2.4 per cent and 2.7 per cent growth expected in 2011 and 2012 for high-income countries. This growth will once again be led by strong domestic demands in these countries.” Facts and figures aside, local companies are finding that the area offers a wealth of diverse opportunities...
The Middle East/Africa pro- AV market grew from US$1.56 billion in 2006 to US $2.17.
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www.audioprointernational.com
The Middle East offers a wealth of opportunities for pro audio manufacturers and suppliers. Andrew Low finds out the sectors and firms that are taking advantage of the prosperity in the area...
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