Report

The Saudi Arabia unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market size reached around USD 134.17 Million. The market is assessed to grow at a CAGR of 15.40% between 2025 and 2034 to reach nearly USD 561.97 Million by 2034.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft that has no passenger or pilot. Also known as a drone, it can be entirely or partially independent. Sometimes it is remotely controlled by a human pilot during the launch and recovery of an operation.

The extensive use of drones in the agriculture sector for soil assessment, crop monitoring, aerial mapping, and precision pesticide spraying is propelling the Saudi Arabia unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market expansion. The Agricultural Development Fund of Saudi Arabia is dispensing nearly USD 220 million for high-tech greenhouses between 2021 to 2025. Such funds are primarily dedicated to incorporating techniques like drones into the agricultural field.

Key Trends and Developments

Increasing geopolitical concerns, rising use of UAVs in security and policing, favourable government initiatives aimed at economic diversification, and technological advancements and innovations are positively impacting the Saudi Arabia unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market growth

Feb 13th 2024

Saudi Arabia acquired the Chinese Wing Loong-10B (WL-10B) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), a long-endurance and high-capability drone to strike its aerial and reconnaissance strike operations.

Feb 6th 2024

KSA's SAL Saudi Logistics Services Co. signed an MoU with Space Age to transform and localise the drone sector and enhance transportation and shipment efficiency through the use of drones.

Aug 7th 2023

Saudi Arabia entered into a strategic agreement with Turkey's Baykar Tech to localise the manufacturing of drones in the country and strengthen its capabilities.

Jul 18th 2023

The Saudi Arabian Defence Ministry signed an agreement with Turkish defence firm Baykar to buy Turkish drones to bolster its defence capabilities and enhance the readiness of its armed forces.

Growing concerns regarding geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts

UAVs have become crucial in modern warfare and armed conflicts due to increasing concerns surrounding regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

Rising use of UAVs in security and policing

UAVs are increasingly used in security and policing activities to monitor large crowds and provide aerial reconnaissance in sensitive areas due to their ease of deployment, ability to cover vast areas, and relay of real-time data.

Favourable government initiatives aimed at economic diversification

The introduction of favourable initiatives by the Saudi Arabian government, notably Vision 2030, aimed at economic diversification and localising 50% of its defence spending is boosting indigenous manufacturing of UAVs in the country.

Technological advancements and innovations

Advancements in collision avoidance technology, navigation systems, artificial intelligence, and payload capacity are making drones easier to operate, safer, and more reliable while boosting their efficiency and cost-efficiency.

Saudi Arabia Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Trends

The structural transformation of supply chains, coupled with the growing focus on enhancing the efficiency and time effectiveness of logistics operations, are positively influencing the Saudi Arabia unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market. With the robust growth of the e-commerce sector, drones are emerging as viable transportation solutions to reduce vehicular emissions, overcome traffic, and lower operational costs while fulfilling instant delivery requirements.

Saudi Arabia is expected to emerge as a hub for drone technologies in the coming years due to the country's complex desert, mountain, and water terrain and growing backlog across road infrastructure. The government is also integrating various regulations to facilitate the integration of drones into logistics infrastructure, aiding the market growth.

Market Segmentation

"Saudi Arabia Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034" offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Class

- Small and Medium UAV
- Large UAV

Market Breakup by System

- Software
- Platform
- Payload
- Datalink
- Ground Control Station
- UAV Launch and Recovery System
- Others

Market Breakup by Function

- Inspection and Monitoring
- Remote Sensing
- Product Delivery
- Search and Rescue
- Surveying and Mapping
- Border Management
- Photography and Film Production
- Others

Market Breakup by End Use

- Military and Defence
- Civil and Commercial
- Logistics and Transportation
- Energy and Power
- Construction and Mining
- Others

Large drones dominate the Saudi Arabia unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market share due to their applications in different end-use sectors

Large drones are used for business and professional purposes, especially in fields such as defence, agriculture, construction, and public safety, among others. These drones are termed as "large" due to their enormous capabilities such as high payload capacity and endurance. Advancements in technologies are expected to surge the use of large drones as alternatives for fighter jets for combat capabilities and rapid enemy detection in the forecast period.

Meanwhile, short drones can travel up to 90 miles and are typically used for intelligence and espionage gathering, whereas medium UAVs boast a distance range of 400 miles and are used for scientific studies, intelligence gathering, and meteorological research.

The use of UAVs in the military and defence sector is growing amid the rising geopolitical and regional tensions

The military and defence sector holds a significant share of the Saudi Arabia unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market. Unmanned aerial vehicles have become a game changer for reshaping the fate of the modern military. These vehicles perform multiple functions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, combat operations, and targeting to strengthen the defence sector. Unmanned aerial vehicles mitigate the risks associated with a human pilot and can be deployed in any environment irrespective of its hostile or hazardous nature.

Countries like Saudi Arabia are also investing in the adoption and manufacturing of drones due to increased geopolitical tensions. In March 2022, Advanced Communications and Electronics Systems Co. of Saudi Arabia signed an agreement with China Electronics Technology Group Corp. to manufacture military drones in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, UAVs are utilised in construction sites for 3D mapping and modelling, aerial photography, volumetric measurement, and construction progress monitoring. Growing focus on enhancing efficiency, improving safety standards, and reducing expenses of mining and construction activities are anticipated to fuel the Saudi Arabia unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market expansion in the coming years.

In the civil and commercial sector, UAVs are used in diverse applications, including inspection, monitoring and management, photography and videography, and aerial mapping and surveying, among others. Architectures use UAVs in real estate for 3D views of the property for prospective clients, engineering firms deploy drones for critical activities such as road construction planning and transmission cables, and the technology is increasingly used to claim insurance during an accident.

Competitive Landscape

Major players included in the Saudi Arabia unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market report are attempting to enhance the capabilities of drones

Other Saudi Arabia unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market players include Parrot Drone SAS, Autel Robotics Co., Ltd, Drone Solution Services Pte Ltd, Airbus SE, Boeing Co, and BAE System, among others.