In the run up to the Intersec show from 22nd - 24th January in Dubai, the organiser has explored the future prospects for the smart home market in the Middle East region.

Currently growth in the Middle-East smart home market is mainly driven by UAE due to factors such as consumer awareness and high disposable income.  On the other hand countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait offer key growth opportunities to the market players owing to rising number of foreign nationals and increasing construction of luxurious residential societies and villas

The smart home market growth is primarily dependent on new construction as retrofitting the existing infrastructure would significantly add to the cost of the entire automation system. However, with the emergence of wireless technologies, automation in existing homes can be done without any major structural changes. In the smart home market, HVAC control, lighting control and security & safety segments are prime revenue generating segments.

Over the next six years, it is predicted that the growth of the smart home market in the entire Middle-East region would be majorly fuelled by declining costs, compatibility with present appliances, economic conditions and upcoming smart home projects.

The construction market is expected to be affected in all major Middle-East countries due to the fall in oil prices, where a significant effect would be visible in the Saudi Arabian market. Many of the real estate projects were put on hold or delayed during 2015-16. The Saudi Arabian market is expected to recover post 2017, which would drive investments and spending in the country.

As the Middle-East smart home market is still at the budding stage, the region lacks framed standards. However, with growing awareness, the standards are expected to be formed, which would further spur the growth of the market.