Middle East & Africa Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) Market Size and Forecast (2021-2035), Regional Share, Trend, and Growth Opportunity Analysis Report Coverage: By Type (Unit Load ASRS, Mini Load ASRS, Vertical Lift Module, Vertical Carou

The automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) market in the Middle East and Africa is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating that the market size will escalate from approximately US$ 182.43 million in 2024 to US$ 498.75 million by 2035. This growth trajectory reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% from 2025 to 2035, driven primarily by the burgeoning retail and e-commerce sectors in the region.

Executive Summary

The expansion of the retail and e-commerce industries is a significant catalyst for the ASRS market in the Middle East and Africa. According to data from Alpen Capital Limited, retail sales in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expected to grow at rates of 5.1% and 5.4%, respectively, between 2023 and 2028, reaching US$ 161.4 billion and US$ 139.1 billion. By 2028, these two nations are projected to account for 77.7% of the total retail sales in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), significantly outpacing the region's average retail growth rate of 4.6% CAGR during the same period. This robust growth in retail is creating fertile ground for the e-commerce sector, which is gaining traction across the Middle East and Africa. Notable online marketplaces such as Noon, Ounass, and Amazon (Souq) are expanding their presence in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, further stimulating demand for efficient storage solutions.

The e-commerce landscape is also witnessing substantial investment, with FinTech companies like Tamara securing US$ 150 million in funding to enhance the digital payments ecosystem, thereby supporting the growth of e-commerce. In Africa, the e-commerce market is projected to reach US$ 39.44 billion by the end of 2025, indicating a significant opportunity for ASRS providers.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The ASRS market in the Middle East and Africa can be segmented by type and end-user industry. The types of ASRS include unit load ASRS, mini load ASRS, vertical lift modules, vertical carousels, horizontal carousels, autostore systems, and others. In 2024, the vertical lift module segment dominated the market share.

When considering end-user industries, the market is divided into sectors such as automotive, food and beverages, electronics and semiconductors, e-commerce, chemicals, aerospace, retail, pharmaceuticals, and others. The automotive sector held the largest market share in 2024, reflecting the critical role of ASRS in enhancing operational efficiency in manufacturing and distribution.

Market Outlook

The integration of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) into ASRS is transforming warehouse operations. These technologies enable businesses to implement highly customized solutions for managing diverse product varieties and sizes efficiently. As warehouses increasingly need to accommodate various product types and packaging sizes to meet consumer demands, the reliance on automated systems is growing. Robotics is becoming a pivotal element in warehouse automation, enhancing the efficiency of ASRS by facilitating faster picking, sorting, and delivery processes with minimal human intervention.

Recent innovations in robotics, such as the launch of the Robots-to-Goods (R2G) system by Locus Robotics Corporation in May 2025, signify a shift towards dynamic, autonomous systems that streamline warehouse workflows. Similarly, ForwardX Robotics introduced the Max 1500-L Slim autonomous mobile robot (AMR) in November 2023, designed for versatility in warehouse and manufacturing environments. This AMR features advanced obstacle detection and navigation capabilities, allowing it to perform various tasks, including case picking and material handling, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.

The demand for warehouse automation solutions is driving the adoption of robotics, which is expected to significantly boost the ASRS market during the forecast period.

Country Insights

Geographically, the ASRS market in the Middle East and Africa includes key players from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, South Africa, and other regions. The UAE is currently the largest market, primarily due to the strong demand generated by the retail and e-commerce sectors. The UAE's tourism industry also contributes to retail growth, necessitating smart storage solutions to accommodate increasing consumer traffic. According to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, the UAE ranked as the 45th largest e-commerce market globally, with a turnover exceeding US$ 6.7 billion in 2024. This figure is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2024 to 2028, reaching an estimated US$ 9.3 billion by 2028.

Company Profiles

Key players in the Middle East and Africa ASRS market include Autocrib Inc, Bastian Solutions LLC, Daifuku Co Ltd, Kardex Holding AG, KNAPP AG, Mecalux SA, SSI SCHAEFER Group, Swisslog Holding AG, System Logistics SpA, and Vanderlande Industries BV. These companies are actively pursuing strategies such as market expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions to enhance their offerings and increase market share. Show more