Middle East and Africa Plain Bearing Market Outlook, 2028

The Middle East and Africa region is a substantial and rapidly growing market for plain bearings. Plain bearing demand in this region is driven by a variety of industries, including automotive, manufacturing, oil and gas, power generation, and construction. Plain bearings are in high demand in the Middle East, which is recognised for its oil-rich economies, where they are used in vital gear and equipment for drilling, refining, and transportation processes. Furthermore, the African continent, with its developing industrial base and rapid infrastructural development, represents a prospective market for plain bearings in a variety of industries such as mining, agriculture, and transportation. The region's growing emphasis on technical breakthroughs and innovation generates demand for high-performance plain bearings that offer enhanced efficiency, durability, and reliability. The economies of the Middle East and Africa are diversifying, with a focus on industrialization and manufacturing. As these industries evolve and expand, so does the demand for machinery and equipment, which drives the demand for plain bearings. Extreme temperatures, desert surroundings, and difficult operating circumstances are common in the Middle East and certain African locations. Plain bearings that can endure high temperatures, dust, sand, and corrosive substances are critical in such situations for maintaining optimal performance and minimising downtime. Manufacturers who provide specialised plain bearings for these conditions have a significant advantage in this niche market. The African continent is rapidly urbanising and developing infrastructure, such as transportation networks, power plants, and manufacturing facilities. Plain bearings are required for these projects in a variety of applications, such as construction machines, locomotives, turbines, and conveyor systems. The region's rising emphasis on infrastructure development offers a substantial demand for simple bearings.

According to the research report, “Middle East & Africa Plain Bearing Market, Outlook, 2028", published by Bonafide Research, the market is expected to reach market size of USD 879 Million by 2028. The automotive and aerospace sectors require lightweight and high-performance bearings to minimise vehicle and aircraft weight. This is increasing demand for plain bearings built of sophisticated materials like carbon fibre composites and ceramics. The manufacturing industry is being transformed by 3D printing technology. It is being used to produce plain bearings with complex shapes that were previously impossible to produce using standard processes. This opens up new possibilities for simple bearing manufacturers in the region. The combination of condition monitoring systems and predictive maintenance techniques has gained traction in the plain bearing market in MEA. Manufacturers and end-users may monitor the operation of plain bearings in real time, identify possible faults, and schedule maintenance proactively, minimising downtime and optimising equipment reliability, by utilising sensors, data analysis, and machine learning algorithms. Furthermore, the implementation of business 4.0 principles and the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) have had an impact on the plain bearing business. Connected bearings with sensors can provide useful data on operating conditions, load distribution, and wear patterns, allowing manufacturers to optimise designs, increase performance, and deliver value-added services. The Middle East and Africa region has been investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Plain bearings are required in solar tracking systems, wind turbines, and other renewable energy equipment for these projects. As the transition to sustainable energy continues, the need for plain bearings in this area may increase.

UAE is expected to be one of the fastest growing markets of plain bearing in Middle East and Africa region. Beyond oil and gas, the UAE has effectively diversified its economy, focusing on industries such as manufacturing, construction, transportation, and logistics. The expansion of these industries increases the demand for machinery and equipment, which increases the demand for simple bearings. AE has also made considerable investments in renewable energy initiatives, including solar and wind energy. These initiatives necessitate the use of plain bearings in solar tracking systems and wind turbines, adding to the demand for specialised plain bearings in the renewable energy sector. Because of its important geographical location, the UAE acts as a gateway to the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The country's strong logistics and transportation infrastructure make it an appealing trade and commerce centre, creating prospects for plain-bearing producers and suppliers to cater to a wider market.

Based on type, the market includes journal, linear, thrust, Angular contact and other. The journal type holds the significant market share of the market in MEA. Journal bearings are well-known for their capacity to handle tremendous loads, making them ideal for applications involving high loads and difficult operating conditions in industries such as oil and gas, power production, and mining. These industries are significant in the MEA region, where plain bearings capable of sustaining heavy machinery and equipment are in high demand. Journal bearings are frequently seen as a more cost-effective choice than other types of bearings. They feature a simple design and are less expensive to make and maintain, allowing firms to save money. Journal bearings are a common choice across multiple industries in an area where cost concerns are crucial. Journal bearings are used in a variety of sectors, including pumps, compressors, turbines, engines, and rotating machinery. The MEA region includes a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, power generation, mining, and manufacturing, all of which rely on different types of machinery and equipment that use journal bearings. Journal bearings' adaptability makes them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications, leading to their large market share.

The OEM channel plays a crucial role for distribution of plain bearing in Middle East & Africa region. OEMs have comprehensive supply chain networks that include raw material procurement, manufacturing processes, product assembly, and distribution. Their engagement in the plain bearing market guarantees a seamless and efficient supply chain, allowing bearings to be available on time to fulfil the demands of diverse sectors in the MEA area. OEMs frequently require plain bearings that are custom-designed to fulfil their specific application requirements. Their involvement in plain bearing development drives manufacturers to innovate and customise bearing solutions to the specific needs of OEMs and their different industries. By catering to varied applications in the MEA region, this collaboration encourages technological improvements and fosters the growth of the plain bearing market. OEMs often have a significant market presence and customer base in the MEA region. Their purchasing decisions and specifications directly impact the demand for plain bearings. OEMs' preference for specific plain bearing brands or types can influence end-users and create a ripple effect in the market. Their involvement plays a crucial role in driving demand for plain bearings and expanding the market in the MEA region.



Recent Developments:
• SKF: SKF, a leading global bearing manufacturer, announced on February 14, 2023 that it has opened a new manufacturing plant in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The plant will produce plain bearings for the automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors.
• NSK: NSK, another leading global bearing manufacturer, announced on March 8, 2023 that it has opened a new research and development center in Cairo, Egypt. The center will focus on developing new technologies for plain bearings used in the automotive and aerospace sectors.
• Schaeffler: Schaeffler, a third leading global bearing manufacturer, announced on April 12, 2023 that it has acquired the plain bearing business of Timken in the Middle East and Africa. The acquisition will strengthen Schaeffler's position in the region.

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 Plain Bearing market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Plain Bearing market analysis
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

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

By Type:
• Journal
• Linear
• Thrust
• Angular Contact
• Other

By Application:
• Automotive
• Industrial
• Aerospace
• Others (Railway, Agriculture, etc.)

By Distribution Channel:
• OEM
• Aftermarket

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 listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the 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 conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Plain Bearing 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.