Summary

Over the next few years, the sports industry in the Middle East is expected to witness significant growth in the world, despite the coronavirus pandemic. Beyond the challenges, the opportunities resulting from the fact that the sports industry is expected to grow faster in this region than anywhere else in the world over the forecast period. The region continues to be competitive by hosting "elite events" such as the Abu Dhabi and Bahrain Grand Prix, the Saudi Cup, the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championship, and the Aramco Saudi Ladies International, among others. Those events cover a wide range of sports with international fame and reach, like soccer, Formula 1, car and motorcycle races, tennis, horse riding, the Gulf, rugby, and even boxing. In the coming years, the region will host high-profile international competitions, such as the 2030 Asian Games. The main differentiator for the Middle East is that regional governments are actively seeking to use sport as a way to diversify their economies away from natural resources and to build social cohesion. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for example, have spent more than USD 65 billion on sports development.

According to the research report, "Middle East and Africa Racket Sports Equipment Market Outlook, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the market was valued at USD 224 million in 2022. The Middle East and Africa consist of several potential economies, such as South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the rest of the Middle East and Africa. This region is experiencing rapid economic development, which is resulting in rising consumer disposable income, improved lifestyles, and increased spending on recreational activities such as sports, among other things. People's participation in sports is increasing significantly across the region, owing to increased encouragement from governments such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, among others, for active participation in various sports. The countries in this region have recognized the potential of the sports industry and have been strategically investing in their resources and competencies across the sports sector for many years. The UAE has world-class facilities and venues, and it hosts local, regional, and international events that attract top athletes as well as grassroots involvement. New product innovations are the major factor driving the growth of the racket sports equipment market.

Strong government support and growing commercial maturity have contributed to raising the Middle East’s profile within sports in recent years. Experts have noted that the sports industry in the Middle East region is expected to grow faster than anywhere else in the world over the next three to five years. The Middle East and Africa region is also seen as the world’s fastest-growing sports tourism destination. Growing populations across key cities, a growing middle class, and improved marketing of events are seen as key drivers of this growth. In locations such as Dubai, the city itself is seen as a lure, with the sporting event often identified as a nice "add-on" to the planned visit. In recent years, the UAE has been home to a growing list of international events, ranging from the annual Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi to the Dubai Desert Classic and the Duty-Free Tennis Championship in Dubai.

Turkey, South Africa, Iraq, and Israel reported a high number of COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths in the MEA. According to the International Finance Corporation, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the economy of the MEA, which led to a decline in oil production, tourism, and remittances. Turkey has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the MEA, followed by South Africa and the UAE, among others. Due to the lockdown in Middle Eastern and African countries, various consumer goods companies remained closed, which led to a reduction in the sale of various products, including tennis racquets. Tennis has been widely played during numerous other events, such as the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. In addition to this, local governments continue to build additional facilities, including tennis courts, children’s parks, and outdoor fitness areas within public spaces. Local governments in important cities are working to promote sports traditionally played only by the elite, such as tennis and golf. Furthermore, tennis equipment such as racquet frames, which were previously of a standard size and shape and made primarily of laminated wood, are now manufactured in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials, with the most significant milestone being the introduction of metal frames.

Sports associations and governments have been at the forefront of developments over the last few years. All such factors are expected to propel market growth over the forecast period. The market in the Middle East has also shown an impressive growth rate, primarily due to the establishment of manufacturing plants. The availability of sports apparel with improved properties such as moisture management, temperature control, and other performance-enhancing features that prevent discomfort and potential injury has piqued the interest of consumers, who have been observed to be willing to pay more for such added benefits. South Africa leads the market in terms of countries, with a 34% market share in 2022.

According to the report, the market is segmented into various sports types, including tennis, table tennis, badminton, squash, padel, and others. Among them, badminton is leading the market in 2022. In the Middle East and Africa, AirBadminton, introduced by the BWF in late 2019, is a relative of traditional badminton played with an AirShuttle—an outdoor shuttlecock that allows for better outdoor play, further increasing the accessibility of the sport for all. With support from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and AirBadminton Dubai, 26 Special Olympics United Arab Emirates (UAE) athletes showcased their talents at Expo 2020 Dubai on October 8, 2021. An event of massive global recognition, Expo 2020 Dubai enabled athletes and unified partners to compete in a one-day air badminton tournament that continued the push for inclusion generated by Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. However, with hundreds of courts in public parks, commercial centers, hotels, private homes, and on towering rooftops, the new national craze is hard to miss. There are as many as 100,000 amateur and professional pairs in the country of 2.8 million. The UAE has firmly placed itself as a global destination for sports events, with the country’s sports industry poised to log steady growth over the next few years.

Major Companies present in the market:
Head NV, Yonex Co., Ltd, Völkl Int. GmbH, Fila Holdings Corporation, Nike Inc, Puma, karakal, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Victor Rackets Ind. Corporation

Considered in this report
• Geography: Middle East & Africa
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report
• Middle East & Africa racket sports equipment market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise racket sports equipment market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report:
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

By Product Type:
• Rackets
• Balls
• Bags
• Eyewear
• Accessories (Cap, Wrist bands, Headband, Racquet grip, Racquet Strings, Racquet Covers, Gloves Etc.)

By Sports Type:
• Tennis (Lawn Tennis)
• Table Tennis
• Badminton
• Squash
• Padel
• Others (Racquetball)

By Distribution Channel:
• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Online Stores
• Other Distribution Channels

By End-User:
• Men
• Women
• Kids


Badminton, tennis, squash, table tennis, and lawn tennis are all examples of racket sports. A racket sport is one in which a hollow rubber ball, tennis ball, or shuttlecock is used. Racket sports can be played both indoors and outdoors. Racket sports have a variety of health benefits for the body. These include bone and muscle strengthening; improved balance, coordination, and flexibility; calorie burning; stress reduction; and the lowering of other health risks. Because of these advantages, consumers are becoming more interested in racket sports. Over time, this has increased the demand for racket sports equipment. Racket sports equipment is lightweight, breathable, washable, and environmentally friendly. They are also available in a variety of sizes, lengths, and weights. The process of designing and manufacturing racket sports equipment has evolved significantly over time. The increase in the number of racket sports courts worldwide is driving the racket sports equipment market's growth.

According to the research report, "Global Racket Sports Equipments Market Overview, 2023–28," published by Bonafide Research, the overall market is projected to reach a size of USD 4880 million, increasing from USD 3670 million in 2022 and registering a CAGR of around 5%. Racket sports can also aid in the maintenance of healthy body weight and the reduction of resting blood pressure. Racket sports do have some muscle-strengthening benefits, both for the upper body and arms and legs. They can also improve coordination, balance, and general mobility. There are more than 30 racket sports played worldwide. However, the most commonly played racket sports include tennis, badminton, squash, ping pong (table tennis), and racquetball. Badminton is the market leader, accounting for more than 40% of the market in 2022. Due to the easy availability of raw materials and low labor costs, the segment is anticipated to witness higher growth during the forecast period. Also, racket sports, mainly badminton, are gaining much more attention and popularity, mainly due to the rise of the region’s star players competing and winning. Countries such as India and China are expected to drive regional market growth.

The market-share growth in the offline segment will be significant during the forecast period. The segment comprises specialty stores, hypermarkets, supermarkets, and online channels. On the other hand, mono-brand stores are retail stores owned by product manufacturing companies. These are standalone retail outlets that provide a wide range of products manufactured under the same brand, including specialty stores. The distribution of racket sports equipment through this segment is increasing, as the rich look and feel of these stores tend to attract a huge number of customers. These factors will drive market growth in the forecasted period. Further, the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest-growing market for racket sports equipment during the forecast timeframe. Countries in the Asia-Pacific region like China, Japan, and Korea have already been actively involved in the sport. Thus, the overall growing popularity of the sport is likely to propel the market for racket sports equipment in the near future.

Based on the product type, the market is anticipated to be dominated by rackets in the analytical year due to the increasing global popularity of badminton, squash, and lawn tennis. As for the end users, men dominate the market with more than 40% of the market share, followed by women. According to players in the racket sports equipment industry, the major obstacle attributed to the pandemic was the disruption of the supply chain. Furthermore, all the distribution channels were nearly shut down in the first quarter of the pandemic. However, online channels such as Amazon and Flipkart were delivering the products. The key players included in the market analysis are Babolat VS S.A., Yonex Co., Ltd., Head Sports, Volkl Ski International GmbH, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Amer Sports Corporation, Pacific Holding GmbH, Solinco Sports, Donnay, PowerAngle LLC, Karakal, Maus Feres, Authentic Brands Group, FILA Inc., Nike Inc., and Counter-Strike Table Tennis.

Covid-19 Impacts:
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of a majority of athletic competitions. The precautionary measures imposed by governments led to the closure of many non-essential companies, social withdrawal, bans on public meetings, and stay-at-home directives for numerous countries around the globe. A majority of sports equipment manufacturing companies and community fitness centers were closed, leading to reduced demand for sports equipment worldwide. However, the market is gaining back to its normal phase as the pandemic is slowly receding.

Major Companies present in the market:
Amer Sports Oyj, Babolat, Head NV, Yonex Co., Ltd, Völkl Int. GmbH, Fila Holdings Corporation, Nike Inc, Puma, karakal, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Pacific Holding Gmbh, Li-Ning Studio LLP, Tibhar, Gamma Sports, Harrow Sports. Victor Rackets Ind. Corporation

Considered in this report
• Geography: Global
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report
• Global racket sports equipment market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region-wise racket sports equipment market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Regions covered in the report:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle-East & Africa

By Product Type:
• Rackets
• Balls
• Bags
• Eyewear
• Accessories (Cap, Wrist bands, Headband, Racquet grip, Racquet Strings, Racquet Covers, Gloves Etc.)

By Sports Type:
• Tennis (Lawn Tennis)
• Table Tennis
• Badminton
• Squash
• Padel
• Others (Racquetball)

By Distribution Channel:
• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Online Stores
• Other Distribution Channels

By End-User:
• Men
• Women
• Kids

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and analyzing government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the racket sports equipment industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.

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