Middle East market profile

The Gulf states are becoming a regional hub for several industries, with their influence extending to include Eastern Africa, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, South Asia and Europe.

Exporting to the Gulf states can provide the ideal launch pad for expansion into these regions. The key Gulf states are:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• Bahrain
• Qatar
• Kuwait

While political stability in the region is an issue, in the long term the region is expected to grow significantly on the back of its young and ambitious workforce. The diversification of the Middle East economies will also see growing investments, as well as influence, in these regional areas.

The diversification of these states is a long-term trend and will be the consistent thread driving the development of new industries in the region.

• Austrade, Doing Business – Qatar

In 2023-24, Queensland’s merchandise exports to Middle East countries were valued at over $1.1 billion. And the region is a strong market for Queensland services, tourism and education.

The Gulf states of the Middle East are looking to diversify their economies, which will provide ongoing opportunities for Queensland companies – especially those with an online presence – in the food and agriculture, education and training, healthcare and infrastructure sector