GCC EdTech Market Research Report: Forecast (2024-2030)

Market Insights & Analysis: GCC EdTech Market (2024-30):

The GCC EdTech Market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 8.12% during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-30. The governments across the GCC region are prioritizing education and technology as key pillars of economic modification and national development strategies. Substantial investments in education infrastructure, digital transformation, and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) integration have fueled the demand for EdTech solutions. Government initiatives such as smart learning programs, digital classrooms, and e-learning platforms are driving the adoption of technology-enabled education across schools, universities, and vocational institutions.

In addition, the expansion of soft skills is the application of social and emotional learning is positively enhancing the market size across the region. Gamification and gamified learning are also utilized to engage and motivate students, and analytics & data are used to track and improve learning outcomes. The EdTech Industry in the area has been expanding rapidly due to several causes, including a growing number of young population, increased internet & smartphone penetration, and a growing need for high-quality education. For instance:

• In accordance to the Asia Education Review, in 2023, the total number of students in the GCC is projected to reach 14.2 million by 2027, an addition of 1.1 million from the current level, K-12 enrolments in the region are expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.5% to reach 11.7 million by 2027.

Moreover, the GCC education sector has grown considerably over the past few years with governments focusing on expanding their economies & enhancing the quality of education. Thus, with the growing recognition of the importance of lifelong learning & continuous skill development in the GCC region, the GCC EdTech Market is anticipated to grow considerably in the forthcoming years.

GCC EdTech Market Driver:

Economic Expansion Driving Increased Education Budgets – The GCC economies have witnessed a strong recovery from the slowdown caused by the pandemic and the decline in oil prices. To overcome the challenges, the regional governments introduced unprecedented reforms while emphasizing upon economic diversification and private sector participation. According to the IMF, the GCC nations grew by 7.5% in 2022, as compared to 3.4% in 2021. It is further expected to expand at a pace of 2.9% in 2024. This is attributed to the successful implementation of pandemic mitigation strategies, fiscal stimulus measures, positive business and tourism sentiment driven by mega events (EXPO 2020 Dubai and FIFA World Cup 2022), improving geo-political situation within the GCC in combination with the revival in oil & natural gas prices resulted in a significant increase in the education budgets.

Also, as the global economy remains under pressure with new surprises, the reform momentum established by the GCC nations during the period of low oil prices are expected to increase the education budgets in the upcoming years, further contributing in enhancing the market size during 2024-2030.

GCC EdTech Market Opportunity:

Rising Adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tools – AI-powered adaptive learning platforms and intelligent tutoring systems personalize learning experiences for students and are expected to provide a flourishing opportunity in the GCC EdTech Market. This personalized approach can cater to diverse learning styles & abilities, allowing educators to provide targeted support and interventions to help students succeed academically. In addition, AI-based EdTech solutions extend beyond traditional K-12 and higher education settings to support lifelong learning and professional development initiatives. Online courses, micro-credentials, and personalized learning pathways powered by AI algorithms enable individuals to acquire new skills, enhance their employability, and adapt to changing market demands, contributing to lifelong learning and career advancement. For instance:

• Core42, a G42 company, and a full-spectrum AI enablement solutions provider has signed a strategic partnership with AIREV, an AI-powered EdTech platform that helps students develop the skills in the years 2024.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have begun incorporating generative AI technology into their overarching AI strategies, thus creating opportunistic arena for the market during 2024-30.

GCC EdTech Market Challenge:

Navigating the Transition to New Educational Models to Impede Market Growth – Traditional educational institutions and educators resist adopting newer models of teaching and learning over familiar methods and training, thus posing a challenge for the GCC EdTech Market. Additionally, implementing newer educational models requires advanced technological infrastructure, including high-speed internet connectivity, digital devices, and software platforms. In some cases, educational institutions in the GCC region lack the necessary infrastructure to support the seamless integration of new models, hindering their adoption & effectiveness in the GCC EdTech Industry and likely hampering market growth.

GCC EdTech Market Trend:

Introduction of Personalized Learning in the EdTech Sector – In recent years, EdTech platforms across the GCC have experienced exponential growth, incorporating features such as adaptive learning, video content, and gamification is identified as a key trend in the GCC EdTech Market. These platforms support schools in providing higher engagement, flexibility, and accessibility to students in innovative ways. Furthermore, technological advancements have facilitated the emergence of new educational models, enabling the seamless integration of digital resources into traditional classroom settings and delivering personalized learning experiences to students at home.

Notably, several prominent British EdTech service providers have entered the GCC markets, offering personalized tools designed to enhance the learning process. Additionally, key players in the GCC region are leveraging robotics technology to better prepare the future generation for the job market. Also, amid increasing collaboration between EdTech firms and traditional schools, the UAE-based iCademy Middle East reported a significant 25% increase in student enrollment in virtual and blended learning programs during 2022, which positively elevated the market growth in the forecast period.

 GCC EdTech Market (2024-30): Segmentation Analysis

The GCC EdTech Market study by MarkNtel Advisors evaluates & highlights the major trends & influencing factors in each segment & includes predictions for the period 2024–2030 at the GCC regional level. In accordance to the analysis, the market has been further classified as:

Based on Education Type:

• Study Curriculum-based

• K-12
• Higher Education

• STEM-based
• Corporates

• Business Management-based

• Others

• Language Learning
• Arts & Craft
• Social-Emotional Learning
• Others

Higher Education segment under Study Curriculum-based education type held a dominant share in the GCC Edtech Market over the historical years. Higher education institutions in the GCC are increasingly embracing digital technologies to enhance teaching & learning experiences. EdTech solutions offer interactive and engaging learning platforms, digital textbooks, multimedia content, and virtual classrooms that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of students. These digital tools facilitate collaborative learning, self-paced study, and access to educational resources from anywhere, at any time, leading to more flexible & personalized learning experiences for students, positively enhancing the market size.

Moreover, national strategies, policies, and funding programs prioritize digital transformation, innovation, and excellence in education, driving investment in EdTech infrastructure, R&D projects, and capacity-building initiatives. Government partnerships with universities, industry stakeholders, and international organizations further stimulate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technology transfer in the higher education sector in the coming years.

Based on Platform Type:

• Pre-recorded Online Course Platform
• Real Time Education Delivery Platforms

The Pre-Recorded Online Course Platform type held a significant share in the GCC Edtech Market owing to the convenience & flexibility these platforms offer. Consumers nowadays prefer pre-recorded platforms since they provide individuals with complete freedom to access study materials at their own pace. The pre-recorded platforms also eliminate the constraints of following specified timetables and geographical limitations. As a result, the learning via these platforms becomes more convenient for the consumers & learners.

In addition, the conventional study module followed in the classrooms is fast-paced, and some students find it hard to match the teacher's pace. Therefore, to study & learn at their own pace, the students are gradually shifting towards these platforms, enhancing the market share of the Pre-Recorded Online Course Platform in the GCC Edtech Market.

GCC EdTech Market (2024-30): Country Projection

Geographically, the GCC EdTech Market expands across:

• The UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• Oman
• Bahrain
• Kuwait

Saudi Arabia held the dominant share in the GCC Edtech Market owing to the gradual integration of emerging technologies, such as AI & ML in schools, colleges, and other educational institutions in the country. The Saudi government has launched various initiatives to promote digital transformation in education, including the National Transformation Program (NTP) 2020 and Vision 2030. The rising young age population is in line with the greater emphasis given by the government towards education. Saudi Arabia has been focusing on minimizing the migration of local students for higher education to countries, such as the US & the UK by establishing universities in their own country. As a result, the demand for EdTech services has increased over time. For instance:

• In 2023, Saudi Arabia announced the construction of around 11 education projects under the new Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Furthermore, EdTech platforms in Saudi Arabia offer a wide range of digital learning solutions, including learning management systems (LMS), interactive educational content, virtual classrooms, and online assessment tools.

GCC EdTech Industry Recent Development:

• 2024: Baims, a Kuwait-based EdTech firm, has acquired the Egyptian live learning platform Orcas Tutoring to boost the USD 100 billion education market in the MENA region.
• 2023: Abwaab, the fastest-growing EdTech startup in MENA, announced the integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT to equip its students with a more personalized and rich test-prep experience.

Gain a Competitive Edge with Our GCC EdTech Market Report

• GCC EdTech Market Report by MarkNtel Advisors provides a detailed & thorough analysis of market size & share, growth rate, competitive landscape, and key players. This comprehensive analysis helps businesses gain a holistic understanding of the market dynamics & make informed decisions.
• This report also highlights current market trends & future projections, allowing businesses to identify emerging opportunities & potential challenges. By understanding market forecasts, companies can align their strategies & stay ahead of the competition.
• GCC EdTech Market Report aids in assessing & mitigating risks associated with entering or operating in the market. By understanding market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and potential challenges, businesses can develop strategies to minimize risks & optimize their operations.