Dual-Interface Cards to Grow Fastest in Saudi Arabia's Market

Market Overview

According to the latest market research study published by P&S Intelligence, the Saudi Arabian smart card market is projected to grow from an estimated USD 439.0 million in 2024 to USD 676.7 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. This growth is largely attributed to the country's rapid digitization across sectors and an increase in digital transactions and online shopping. Heightened focus on advanced access control systems further propels market expansion.

Additionally, government initiatives aimed at streamlining essential documentation and promoting contactless payments are fostering widespread adoption. Smart cards are increasingly utilized in banking, financial services, public transportation, and hospitality, highlighting their versatility and importance in supporting the nation’s digital transformation goals.

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Key Insights

Product Segmentation

Contactless smart cards are anticipated to dominate the market, accounting for approximately 45% of the revenue in 2024. Their popularity stems from extensive use in the BFSI sector and for access control in secure facilities. Dual-interface cards, which support both contact and contactless interactions, are expected to be the fastest-growing segment, with a CAGR of 7.7%. This growth is attributed to their versatility and widespread use in debit and credit card applications.

Component Analysis

Microprocessor-based smart cards are projected to hold the largest market share, contributing 60% of the revenue in 2024. These microprocessors function as compact computers, executing data processing tasks that include encryption and decryption, ensuring secure transactions and communications.

Application Areas

The BFSI sector is expected to be the largest application area in 2024, driven by the extensive use of debit and credit cards. These smart cards facilitate secure and swift payments through technologies like near-field communication (NFC) and radio-frequency identification (RFID). The government and security segment is anticipated to experience significant growth, propelled by the increasing issuance of digital identification documents, such as civil affairs cards and birth certificates. Notably, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's introduction of the Hajj smart card, Shaaer, exemplifies efforts to enhance digital services for pilgrims.

Regional Outlook

Al-Riyadh province is poised to lead the market, both in size and growth rate, with a projected CAGR of 35% during the forecast period. This leadership is attributed to a growing population, rising demand for banking cards, government-issued identities, and advanced access control systems. Ongoing infrastructure projects, including the development of metro lines and bus networks that utilize rechargeable smart card systems, further bolster the market in this region.

Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabian smart card market is characterized by consolidation, with prominent players such as Inkript, IDEMIA Group, GoldenChip Company (GCC), Thales Group, and Advance Card Technology Factory leading the industry. These companies are continually advancing their technologies to enhance security and authentication, thereby maintaining a competitive edge. For instance, in June 2023, Inkript produced its first biometric payment card based on Zwipe’s platform in the Middle East and Africa, highlighting ongoing innovation within the market.

In summary, the Saudi Arabian smart card market is on a robust growth trajectory, supported by technological advancements, sectoral digitization, and proactive government policies. The increasing demand for secure and efficient transaction methods positions smart cards as a pivotal component in the nation's digital transformation.

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Saudi Arabia's Data Center Server Market Poised for Growth by 2030

The data center server market in Saudi Arabia is forecasted to generate USD 784.1 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 1,368.0 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 9.7% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is propelled by factors such as global digital cloud adoption, advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, accelerating digitalization, and the widespread adoption of 5G technology.

The rapid advancements in ICT have enabled affordable, faster internet access, increasing internet usage. Additionally, digital payments and social media usage are rising steadily in the region. This demand has spurred the development of internet equinoxes worldwide, improving data center interconnections and, consequently, the need for enhanced server security and data management.

Saudi Arabia’s data centers are evolving, with servers being continuously improved to support efficient data processing. According to Ericsson, average mobile data traffic per smartphone in the region is expected to rise from 21 GB in 2023 to 56 GB by 2029, largely due to the expansion of 5G. By the end of 2020, Saudi Arabia launched 5G services in seven additional cities and provinces, bringing the total number to 51.

Key Insights:

• Rack Servers: Holding a 45% share in 2024, rack servers are popular for their compact design, ease of maintenance, and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for small to medium enterprises (SMEs).
• Tower Servers: Growing at a CAGR of 10.0%, tower servers offer cost-effective solutions, quick cooling, easy upgrades, and minimal overheating, catering to diverse business needs.
• BFSI Sector: Accounting for 35% of the market share in 2024, the BFSI sector’s expansion is fueled by the adoption of cloud-based solutions that enhance data management and reliability.
• Healthcare Sector: Growing rapidly at a CAGR of 10.3%, the healthcare sector’s demand for secure storage has surged due to the widespread use of health wearables, generating significant data.
• Regional Insights: Riyadh, holding 40% of the market share in 2024, is the leading region with 14 data centers, followed by Dammam, which hosts five data centers contributing to Saudi Arabia’s data infrastructure.

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Growth Forecast for Saudi Building Inspections Market

In 2024, Saudi Arabia’s building inspection services industry is anticipated to reach $182.9 million, with projections indicating it could grow to $316.7 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 9.6%. This growth will be driven by rising construction activity, real estate investment, and a growing population.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote inspections, utilizing digital tools to reduce human effort and maintain business continuity. Remote inspection systems significantly reduce costs and facilitate digital document exchange. Technology now enables inspections to be conducted using video, images, and electronic notes, streamlining the process for all involved parties.

With developments such as NEOM, other new cities, residential complexes, and industrial facilities, demand for inspection services has surged. These services are essential for ensuring construction quality and structural stability. In 2022, Saudi Arabia's National Development Fund announced over 1,429 infrastructure projects.

Key Insights:

• The home inspection segment will capture 45% of the market share in 2024, growing at a 10% CAGR. Comprehensive inspections cover everything from external structures to HVAC systems.
• Specialty inspections include services for sewer, septic, roofing, and irrigation systems, and their demand is rising due to increased consumer awareness of specific property issues.
• The outsourced inspection segment holds a 65% market share and will likely expand at a 9.8% CAGR, driven by the high-quality services provided by specialized companies.
• Al-Riyadh is expected to grow at a 10.2% CAGR, supported by its extensive residential and commercial construction.
• The Eastern Province, with large-scale construction and strict safety regulations, will hold 40% of the market in 2024.

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Rising Cyber Threats Propel Saudi Arabia’s Cybersecurity Market to New Heights by 2030

The Saudi Arabian cybersecurity market will generate an estimated revenue of USD 672.4 million in 2024, which is expected to witness a CAGR of 14.0% during 2024–2030, to reach USD 1,477.2 million by 2030. Some of the primary factors that are expected to enhance the growth of this market include further digitalization, government policies, and the use of Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is intended to introduce a variety of changes and diversifications that will help the country to decrease the dependence on the oil and gas sector by investing in infrastructure, e-commerce, healthcare, and innovative technologies. 

This is due to the fact that these industries are practically vulnerable to cyber attacks and traditional ways of protection are inadequate in recognizing new wave cyber threats. AI and machine learning, IoT and security, Information Security, and quantum computing are some of the new technologies in cybersecurity. 

Machine learning and artificial intelligence are the two most preferred technologies among them due to their ability to offer deep data analysis in conjunction with comprehensive real-time threat detection. This results into branding of the cyberspace and consequently detection of the lurking cyber threats in an early and accurate manner.

On- line privacy and security are a high priority for Saudi Arabian citizens as well as information that is considered confidential for the country. The following are the government laws and regulations they include but not limited to PDPL, Anti-Cyber Crime Law, SAMA CSF and NDMA.

Key Insights 

 Software is the largest category, holding a share of 55% in 2024.

 Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is the largest subcategory within software.

 AMI includes communication networks, data management systems, and smart meters.

 Enables bi-directional energy flow and integrates Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).

 Used for measuring and optimizing renewable energy transmission.

 Hardware category is significantly growing.

 Smart meters are rapidly growing within hardware.

 Provide insights about power consumption to consumers and utilities.

 Distribution is the largest category, holding a share of 45% in 2024.

 Fastest-growing category, advancing at a CAGR of 18.7% during 2024–2030.

 Power plants generate high voltages; low-voltage distribution lines reduce losses.

 Power distribution networks include feeders, substations, and transformers.

 Smart grid network brings intelligence to the distribution process.

 Wireless category is the faster-growing category.

 Advancing at a CAGR of 18.8% during 2024–2030.

 Most-advanced technology for communication at substations.

 Enables safe, dependable, low-latency bi-directional transfer infrastructure.

 Cost-effective, secure transmission of data, higher bandwidth.

 Al-Riyadh is the fastest-growing province.

 Advancing at a CAGR of 18.9% during 2024–2030.

 Rapid construction of commercial and residential buildings driving smart meter deployment.

 Al-Jouf province is the largest in terms of smart grid network usage.

 Presence of a huge solar power plant driving extensive use of smart grid networks.

 ENOWA, an energy utility company headquartered in Saudi Arabia, announced a high-voltage smart grid for NEOM in December 2023.

 CHINT showcased advanced microgrid solutions for large industrial parks at the Saudi Arabia Smart Grid Conference (SASG 2023) in December 2023.

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