9th Apr, 2024 | Arjun S.
Augmented Reality (AR) is changing how we see the world, blending digital info with our surroundings.
In Saudi Arabia, AR is gaining momentum, offering number of benefits across various sectors. From education to healthcare, retail, and tourism, AR is enhancing experiences and transforming industries.
The Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative is propelling this growth, fostering innovation and technological advancement.
This article explores the concept of AR, its current market status in Saudi Arabia, the benefits it offers, its impact on various industries, and its future prospects in the Kingdom.
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that adds digital info to what we see, making reality more interesting.
AR adds digital elements to what you already see, while virtual reality(VR) creates a whole new virtual world.
AR is typically experienced through devices like smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses, which use sensors and algorithms to detect the user's environment and overlay digital content accordingly.
AR applications can range from simple overlays, such as Snapchat filters or Pokemon GO, to more complex uses in fields like education, healthcare, and engineering.
By blending the virtual and physical worlds, AR has the potential to revolutionise how we work, learn, and interact with our surroundings.
Saudi Arabia is seeing more use of AR & VR tech for training, entertainment, and tourism. Industries such as healthcare, education, retail, and tourism are incorporating AR into their operations to enhance customer experiences and drive engagement.
Let’s explore the current market status of AR in Saudi Arabia, highlighting key statistics and trends from Statista that are shaping the industry.
The AR & VR market in Saudi Arabia is projected to generate a revenue of US$103.5 million in 2024.
It is expected to grow at an annual rate of 11.05% (CAGR 2024-2028), resulting in a market volume of US$157.4 million by 2028.
The largest segment in this market is AR Software, which is estimated to have a market volume of US$31.6 million in 2024.
By 2028, the number of users in Saudi Arabia is expected to reach 21.9 million.
In 2024, about 55.4% of people are expected to use AR, rising to 55.5% by 2028.
The estimated average revenue per user (ARPU) is US$2.8.
Augmented Reality (AR) is reshaping how businesses operate and interact with their customers, offering a wide range of benefits that are revolutionising the Saudi business landscape.
Let's explore some of the key advantages of AR in Saudi Arabia and how they are transforming industries across the Kingdom.
AR offers a unique way for businesses in Saudi Arabia to engage with their customers.
Whether it's through interactive product demonstrations or immersive experience for brands, augmented reality helps companies create memorable interactions that drive customer engagement and loyalty.
AR is transforming how employees are trained in Saudi Arabia.
From virtual simulations to on-the-job training, AR enables companies to provide hands-on learning experiences that are more effective and efficient than traditional training methods.
By enhancing the shopping experience, AR can drive sales and revenue for retailers in Saudi Arabia.
AR-enabled apps and experiences allow customers to visualise products in their own space before making a purchase, leading to increased conversion rates and higher customer satisfaction.
AR can help companies in Saudi Arabia save costs by streamlining processes and reducing the need for physical prototypes.
For example, in the construction industry, augmented reality can be used to visualise building designs, reducing the time and resources required for traditional planning methods.
AR can help businesses in Saudi Arabia visualise complex data sets in a more intuitive and interactive way.
This can lead to better decision-making and improved understanding of data across various industries, from finance to healthcare.
Augmented Reality (AR) is reshaping industries across Saudi Arabia, offering innovative solutions that enhance operations, improve efficiency, and drive growth.
This section explores the profound impact of AR on key sectors in the Kingdom.
In the healthcare sector, AR is changing the way medical professionals approach patient care and training.
Surgeons in Saudi Arabia can use AR to visualise patient anatomy in real-time during surgeries, leading to more precise procedures and improved outcomes.
AR is also being used for medical training, providing students with hands-on learning experiences that are more effective than traditional methods.
AR is revolutionising education in Saudi Arabia by providing students with immersive learning experiences.
Students can use AR to explore virtual simulations and 3D models, gaining a deeper understanding of complex concepts.
AR is also being used to create interactive textbooks and educational games, making learning more engaging and enjoyable for students of all ages.
In the retail industry, AR is transforming the shopping experience for customers in Saudi Arabia.
Retailers can use AR to create virtual fitting rooms, allowing customers to try on clothes and accessories virtually before making a purchase.
AR is also being used to provide customers with personalised product recommendations, helping them make more informed decisions.
AR is enhancing the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia by providing visitors with interactive guides and virtual tours.
Tourists can use AR-enabled devices to learn about historical sites and landmarks, bringing history to life in a whole new way.
AR is also being used to create immersive experiences that allow visitors to explore and learn about Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage.
In the manufacturing sector, AR is improving efficiency and productivity in Saudi Arabia.
AR can be used to provide workers with real-time instructions and visualisations, reducing errors and improving workflow.
AR is also being used for equipment maintenance, allowing technicians to access information and instructions hands-free, leading to faster repairs and reduced downtime.
As the world moves towards a future driven by technology, Saudi Arabia is poised to be at the forefront of the augmented reality (AR) revolution.
With an increasing number of consumers from Generation Z and a growing global adoption of AR, Saudi Arabia is set to establish itself as a leader in this field.
Looking ahead, the future of AR in Saudi Arabia will likely be closely tied to artificial intelligence (AI).
As AI continues to advance and become more prevalent, its integration with AR is expected to enhance AR experiences in all sectors.
While the initial hype around AI may eventually stabilise, its potential to advance AR experiences will likely endure, especially considering that AR has proven itself as a valuable business tool beyond just gaming or entertainment.
In conclusion, the future of virtual reality (VR) and the Metaverse in Saudi Arabia is set for significant growth, driven by advancements in data collection, AI, and machine learning.
As these technologies continue to evolve, they will play a crucial role in transforming various sectors, including healthcare, through the use of generative AI and object detection.
With a young and tech-savvy population, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to lead the way in adopting these technologies, creating new opportunities for brands and businesses.
Adapting VR and the Metaverse now will not only enhance customer engagement and experiences but also pave the way for innovative solutions in the future.
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