The Middle East has become quite famous as one of the world’s strongest economic regions. Most countries in the Middle East have strong economies and plenty of incentives for potential entrepreneurs and investors. As such, it should be no surprise that the Middle East is a great choice for a lot of different industries. Today, we’ll be going over the top 8 thriving industries in the Middle East in case you want to start a business there yourself.
1. Oil and gas
Starting with the obvious one, the oil and gas industry is the backbone of the Middle Eastern economy. The region is home to some of the world’s largest oil and gas reserves, with Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq being the major driving force behind the industry. The oil and gas industry has driven economic growth in the region for decades and remains a vital source of income for many Middle Eastern countries. However, if you plan on getting involved in this industry, remember that staying organized is absolutely vital. There are a lot of things to keep track of, so being organized is a must for any business in this industry.
2. Logistics
The logistics business is alive and well in the Middle East, more specifically in Saudi Arabia. This is because Saudi Arabia has a very diverse economy. Because of this, a ton of businesses rely on the logistics industry to stay operational. This is the case in the Middle East overall, but it’s particularly apparent in Saudi Arabia. As such, taking part in the logistics business is an easy way to turn a profit in the Middle East. However, for logistics businesses especially, having a secure facility for your goods is vital. After all, keeping the things you’re transporting safe should be a top priority, so having a safe storage space is vital.
3. Tourism
Tourism is a significant source of business for many Middle Eastern countries, specifically those in the Gulf region. The United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Qatar have invested heavily in building world-class tourist infrastructure. This includes luxury hotels, theme parks, and cultural attractions, which are all made specifically to accommodate tourists from all over the world. The region’s rich history and cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for tourists from around the world. All in all, tourism is a large part of the Middle Eastern economy, and the industry is only going to grow. Still, if you plan on starting a tourism business, consider the benefits of a good website. After all, most potential customers will simply leave if the website is unintuitive or annoying.
4. Financial services
Most Middle Eastern countries have very strong economies, and in turn, the financial services industry is alive and well. As a matter of fact, of all the thriving industries in the Middle East, financial services are the most widespread. Everything from banking to asset and investment management can be found in every Middle Eastern country. This industry boasts some of the largest businesses in the Middle East, with some of them being massive international companies. However, when opening an office in the Middle East, experts from Four Winds KSA note that you should rely on experts to get your office equipment moved in. Office equipment is very fragile, so it’s best to let the expert handle the transport.
5. Healthcare
The Middle East has a rapidly growing population, and with that growth comes a rising demand for healthcare services. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have invested heavily in building excellent healthcare facilities throughout their respective countries. This includes hospitals, clinics, and research centers, and private clinics in particular are very popular. Additionally, pharmaceuticals are incredibly important to the region and contribute a lot to making healthcare one of the thriving industries in the Middle East. All in all, if you’re looking to start a business in the Middle East, the healthcare industry is a safe bet.
6. E-commerce
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought the E-commerce industry into the limelight worldwide. In the Middle East, this can especially be seen and felt in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. These two countries had the highest number of new users during (and even after) the pandemic. As such, if you know how to handle the business properly, you can easily turn a profit with E-commerce in the Middle East. Additionally, consider how you can help your business grow with SEO, especially when it comes to E-commerce. Getting your name out there is vital, so don’t shy away from any advantage you can get.
7. Construction
The Middle East is home to some of the most ambitious construction projects in the world. From towering skyscrapers to massive infrastructure projects, the region is undergoing a massive building boom. The construction industry is a major employer in the region, and companies from around the world are vying for contracts to work on these projects. All things considered, this industry has a lot of competition in the region. But, between the more ambitious projects and more typical construction, there is plenty of business to be found here.
8. Technology
The Middle East has emerged as a major tech hub in recent years. Dubai and Tel Aviv, in particular, have become centers for innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting talent from all over the world. The region is home to a tech-savvy population and the government has proven very supportive of the tech industry. With all of this combined, the tech industry is alive and thriving in the Middle East and shows signs of growing rapidly in the coming years.
Top 8 thriving industries in the Middle East – the takeaway
The Middle East is home to a lot of massive industries, which is the main reason why the region is now economically strong. Businesses from all over the world are interested in investing in the region, and it’s easy to see why. After all, there are few other places in the world with such diverse economies. We hope this list of the top 8 thriving industries in the Middle East helped you out, and we wish you a good day.