grey_article_Immersive Technology in the GCC Transforming Industries and Shaping the Future

Immersive Technology in the GCC: Transforming Industries and Shaping the Future

/ Immersive Technology, Statistics/Projections / By

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—comprising the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman—are at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technologies to diversify their economies and enhance various sectors. Immersive technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), are playing a pivotal role in this transformation.

Current Landscape of Immersive Technology in the GCC

Sectoral Adoption

  1. Healthcare: Hospitals and medical institutions are integrating VR and AR for surgical simulations, patient rehabilitation, and medical training, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced operational costs.
  2. Education: Educational institutions are leveraging immersive technologies to create interactive learning environments, enhancing student engagement and knowledge retention.
  3. Retail: Retailers are adopting AR for virtual try-ons and immersive shopping experiences, thereby increasing customer satisfaction and sales.
  4. Real Estate: Real estate companies utilize VR for virtual property tours, enabling potential buyers to explore properties remotely.
  5. Tourism and Hospitality: The tourism sector employs VR to offer virtual tours of destinations, enhancing marketing efforts and customer engagement.
  6. Manufacturing and Industry: Industries are using AR and MR for equipment maintenance, training, and design visualization, leading to increased efficiency and safety.

Market Statistics and Projections

General Market Outlook

  • The global immersive technology market was valued at approximately USD 40.88 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 27.9% from 2025 to 2030, reaching USD 169.88 billion by 2030 (Grand View Research).

GCC Market Overview

  • The GCC Augmented and Virtual Reality market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 39% during 2023-2028, driven by the increasing adoption across various sectors (MarkNtel Advisors).

Country-Specific Insights

  • Saudi Arabia: With initiatives like Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in immersive technologies across sectors, including healthcare, education, and entertainment.
  • United Arab Emirates: The UAE is focusing on integrating immersive technologies in tourism, real estate, and retail, aligning with its smart city initiatives.
  • Qatar: Qatar is adopting VR and AR in education and healthcare, aiming to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

Industry-Specific Projections

  • Healthcare: The use of immersive technologies in healthcare is expected to revolutionize patient care, medical training, and therapy, leading to significant market growth.
  • Education: The education sector is anticipated to witness substantial growth in immersive technology adoption, enhancing learning experiences and outcomes.
  • Retail: Retailers are projected to increasingly adopt AR and VR to offer personalized and immersive shopping experiences, driving customer engagement and sales.

Technology-Specific Projections

  • Virtual Reality (VR): The global VR market is projected to grow from USD 20.83 billion in 2025 to USD 123.06 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 28.9% (Fortune Business Insights).
  • Augmented Reality (AR): The global AR market is expected to grow from USD 140.34 billion in 2025 to USD 1,716.37 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 43.0% (Fortune Business Insights).
  • Mixed Reality (MR): The global MR market is projected to grow from USD 4.4 billion in 2024 to USD 342.7 billion by 2037, demonstrating a CAGR of over 39.7% (Research Nester).

Future Outlook and Conclusion

The GCC region is poised to become a global leader in immersive technology adoption, driven by government initiatives, economic diversification efforts, and a commitment to innovation. As immersive technologies continue to evolve, they will play an increasingly vital role in transforming industries, enhancing user experiences, and driving economic growth across the GCC.

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