GCC weather forecasting services market report size, share, growth drivers, trends, opportunities & forecast 2025–2030

GCC Weather Forecasting Services Market Overview

• The GCC Weather Forecasting Services Market is valued at USD 2.7 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for accurate weather predictions across sectors such as agriculture, aviation, and energy. The rising frequency of extreme weather events, including sandstorms and heatwaves, has heightened the need for advanced forecasting services, leading to significant investments in Doppler radar, satellite-based observations, and AI-driven analytics. The region’s focus on climate resilience and disaster preparedness further accelerates market expansion.
• Key players in this market include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The UAE leads due to its advanced technological infrastructure and ongoing investment in smart city initiatives, including real-time weather monitoring for urban planning. Saudi Arabia’s vast geography and diverse climate conditions necessitate robust forecasting, particularly for agriculture and energy. Qatar’s rapid urbanization and economic diversification drive demand for tailored weather services, especially in construction and transportation.
• In 2023, the Saudi Arabian government enacted the “Meteorological Law, 2023” issued by the Saudi National Center for Meteorology. This regulation mandates the integration of advanced weather forecasting systems in all major infrastructure projects, requiring real-time data sharing and compliance with national meteorological standards. The law covers construction, transportation, and energy sectors, aiming to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and climate risk management across the Kingdom.

GCC Weather Forecasting Services Market Segmentation

By Type:The market is segmented into Nowcasting Services, Short-range Forecasting Services, Medium-range Forecasting Services, Long-range Forecasting Services, Climate Services, Environmental Monitoring, Weather Data Analytics, and Others. Each segment delivers specialized solutions for end-users, with medium-range and short-range services increasingly vital for operational planning in logistics, energy, and agriculture. Nowcasting is critical for aviation and emergency response, while climate services and environmental monitoring support long-term risk mitigation and sustainability initiatives. Weather data analytics is gaining traction for predictive modeling and business intelligence.

The dominant segment is Medium-range Forecasting Services, accounting for the largest market share. This segment is increasingly utilized by agriculture and energy sectors for operational planning and risk mitigation. Enhanced computational models and satellite imagery have improved the accuracy and reliability of medium-range forecasts, making them essential for business continuity and government decision-making.

By End-User:The market is segmented by end-users: Aviation, Energy & Utilities (including Renewables), Agriculture, Transportation & Logistics, Marine, Media & Retail, Emergency Services, and Others. Each segment has distinct requirements, with aviation and energy sectors demanding high-frequency, real-time data for safety and efficiency. Agriculture relies on tailored forecasts for crop management, while transportation and logistics require predictive analytics for route optimization. Emergency services depend on rapid alerts for disaster response, and the marine sector utilizes specialized forecasts for navigation and safety.

The Energy & Utilities sector is the leading end-user, driven by the need for precise weather data to optimize energy production and grid management, especially as renewables expand. Aviation remains a significant segment, relying on advanced forecasting for flight safety and operational efficiency. Agriculture and logistics continue to increase their adoption of weather services to mitigate risks and improve productivity.

GCC Weather Forecasting Services Market Competitive Landscape

The GCC Weather Forecasting Services Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as National Center of Meteorology (NCM) – UAE, Saudi National Center for Meteorology (NCM) – Saudi Arabia, Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD), Oman Meteorology (Directorate General of Meteorology, Oman), Kuwait Meteorological Department, Bahrain Meteorological Directorate, StormGeo, DTN, The Weather Company (an IBM Business), MeteoGroup, Vaisala, Tomorrow.io (formerly ClimaCell), AccuWeather, Fugro, Weathernews Inc. contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

GCC Weather Forecasting Services Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Accurate Weather Predictions:The GCC region has witnessed a surge in demand for precise weather forecasts, driven by its climate-sensitive sectors. For instance, the agriculture sector, contributing approximately $12 billion to the GCC economy, relies heavily on accurate weather data to optimize crop yields. Additionally, the tourism industry, valued at around $60 billion, requires reliable forecasts to enhance visitor experiences, indicating a robust market for weather forecasting services.
• Expansion of Agriculture and Tourism Sectors:The GCC's agriculture sector is projected to grow by 5% annually, reaching $15 billion in future, necessitating advanced weather forecasting to mitigate risks. Concurrently, the tourism sector is expected to attract over 60 million visitors, generating significant revenue. This growth creates a pressing need for accurate weather predictions to support both sectors, thereby driving demand for enhanced forecasting services across the region.
• Government Investments in Climate Resilience:GCC governments are increasingly investing in climate resilience initiatives, with over $25 billion allocated for infrastructure improvements in future. These investments include advanced weather forecasting systems to better prepare for extreme weather events. For example, the UAE's National Climate Change Plan emphasizes the importance of accurate weather data, fostering a favorable environment for the growth of weather forecasting services in the region.

Market Challenges

• High Operational Costs of Advanced Forecasting Systems:Implementing state-of-the-art weather forecasting systems can incur significant costs, often exceeding $6 million for comprehensive setups. This financial barrier limits access for smaller service providers, hindering competition and innovation in the market. As a result, many regions may continue to rely on outdated systems, which can compromise the accuracy and reliability of weather predictions.
• Limited Public Awareness of Weather Services:Despite the critical role of weather forecasting, public awareness remains low, with only 35% of the population actively utilizing available services. This lack of engagement can lead to underutilization of advanced forecasting technologies, ultimately affecting the market's growth potential. Increased efforts in public education and outreach are essential to enhance the perceived value of weather services in the GCC.

GCC Weather Forecasting Services Market Future Outlook

The future of the GCC weather forecasting services market appears promising, driven by technological advancements and increasing awareness of climate-related issues. As governments prioritize climate resilience, investments in innovative forecasting technologies are expected to rise. Furthermore, the integration of AI and machine learning will enhance predictive capabilities, allowing for more accurate and timely weather information. This evolution will likely lead to greater collaboration between public and private sectors, fostering a more robust and responsive weather forecasting ecosystem in the region.

Market Opportunities

• Integration of AI and Machine Learning in Forecasting:The adoption of AI and machine learning technologies can significantly enhance forecasting accuracy, with potential improvements of up to 35%. This integration allows for real-time data analysis, enabling more precise predictions and timely alerts, which can be crucial for sectors like agriculture and tourism, ultimately driving market growth.
• Development of Mobile Applications for Real-Time Updates:The increasing smartphone penetration in the GCC, projected to reach 95% in future, presents a lucrative opportunity for mobile weather applications. These apps can provide real-time updates and personalized forecasts, catering to the needs of users and enhancing engagement with weather services, thereby expanding the market reach.