The global MENA golf cart market size was valued at $69.07 million in 2017, and is projected to reach $125.1 million by 2031, registering a CAGR of 5.6% from 2022 to 2031.
A golf cart is an electric-powered or gas-powered low-speed vehicle originally manufactured for use in golf courses. It is the best and most suitable vehicle for short-distance travel across the golf courses, hotels, malls, and personal sites. Golf carts are available in various models based on seating capacity including two, four, six, and eight seaters.
Golf carts are a lightweight, affordable, small, and efficient type of transportation. Such carts are simple to use, and they are appropriate for utility applications in commercial environments. Consequently, they offer economical transportation and commuter options for business end users. In addition, golf cart functionality is improved by technological developments in electric motors, batteries, and electric vehicle efficiency. Development in such carts is anticipated to propel the growth of the market.
Development programs arranged by Saudi Arabia to boost the growth of golf and related business are expected to create demand for golf carts across the country. For instance, in 2020, the Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi has given an opening keynote speech at the inaugural Golf Saudi Summit to outline Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become recognized as the most innovative market in golf sport within the next 10 years. He also mentioned, in the coming days, attendees will see first-hand how the nation has taken major strides in golf development through Golf Saudi’s commitment to creating a new eco-system, which has focused on Golf Saudi’s five key development pillars including access and infrastructure, events, national team and academies, mass participation, and tourism.
The presence of golf courses and country clubs and their requirement for advanced golf carts are anticipated to propel the demand for the market across the region during the forecast period. For instance, in May 2022, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Abu Dhabi received 45 brand new golf carts. Each cart is fully equipped with the latest Club Car Connect GPS system, allowing golfers to have accurate yardages to the pin as well as offering access to a host of other features.
Moreover, the expansion of golf cart dealers to cater to the demand for golf carts across the region is a major factor that is anticipated to drive the growth of the market across Bahrain. For instance, in August 2021, Bahrain International Golf Course Company (BIGCC), the parent company of The Royal Golf Club, announced that it is the first official distributor in Bahrain for world-renowned cart brands such as Club Car & Garia, Iseki tractors, and Trojan batteries. The new showroom, located at The Royal Golf Club, provides customers with an interactive opportunity to experience all the brands and find out more about each product.
The increase in the presence of premium golf courses and country clubs in the region, growth in inclination toward eco-friendly golf carts, and rise in the growth of the tourism and hotel industry are the major factors that propel the MENA golf cart market growth. However, lower power and speed and high initial maintenance and purchasing cost are the major factors hampering the growth of the market. Furthermore, technological advancement in golf carts and reduction in the cost of fuel cells and batteries are the factors expected to offer growth opportunities during the forecast period.
The MENA golf cart market is segmented on the basis of passenger capacity, vehicle speed, fuel type, application, and country. By passenger capacity, it is classified into two passengers, four passengers, six passengers, and eight and more passengers. By vehicle speed, it is bifurcated into low speed vehicles and high speed vehicles. By fuel type, it is divided into gasoline and electric. By application, it is categorized into golf courses, personal services, and commercial services. By country, the market is analyzed across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Morocco, Jordan, Tunisia, and the rest of the MENA. .
By Passenger Capacity
Four Passengers segment is projected as the most lucrative segments
Some leading companies profiled in the MENA golf cart market report comprises Club Car, Ellwee, EVOLUTION ELECTRIC VEHICLE (HDK ELECTRIC VEHICLES), Suzhou Eagle Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Co., Ltd, Electric Car UAE (Happy Jump for Electric Cars), Hitachi, STAR EV (JH GLOBAL SERVICES, INC.), Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc, Waev Inc, and Yamaha Golf Cart.
Increase in presence of premium golf courses and country clubs in the region
Over the last 30 years, golf has flourished in the region because of its distinctive environment. Its golf courses are combined with the region's rich resources such as warm and humid environments, and rolling sand dunes that provide a designer's dream of creating world-class golf courses. In addition, developments of high-class and premium golf courses across the region are expected to create demand for golf carts. For instance, in December 2022, Royal Greens, the unique golf course and clubhouse of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), triumphantly won three important honors at the 9th annual World Golf Awards. The Middle East's Best Golf Course 2022, Saudi Arabia's Best Golf Course 2022, and the World's Best Golf Clubhouse 2022 was awarded to Royal Greens during the award ceremony held in Abu Dhabi as a result of the club's ongoing efforts to create a pristine destination for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Moreover, the increase in the number of golf courses is supported by the rising number of people who have an inclined interest in golf. Also, an increase in disposable income leads to a rise in the expenditure of recreational time and discretionary income of the population. This directly boosts growth in premium golf courses and country clubs. All these factors collectively boost the growth of the Middle East and North Africa golf cart market.
By Vehicle Speed
High Speed Vehicle segment is projected as the most lucrative segments
Growth in inclination toward eco-friendly golf carts
The conventional gas-powered vehicle makes use of an internal combustion engine to generate power. In an ideal scenario, the combustion system fully incinerates the fuel and only creates carbon dioxide and water as waste, however, the combustion system generates various greenhouse gases, leading to environmental pollution. On the other hand, an electric vehicle uses an electric motor powered with a continuous supply of current; thus, it does not create any pollutants. Thus, owing to this, there is an increase in inclination toward eco-friendly golf carts such as electric and solar-powered golf carts.
In addition, many manufacturers announced their plans with green technology initiatives in the region, which is also anticipated to propel the growth of the market. For instance, in November 2022, EV battery company, Neuron Energy expanded its product range by launching its own golf cart under the brand name 'Adler' as part of its green technology initiative. Adler offers a range of golf carts for personal travel, cargo, leisure, and medical needs. With this new product offering, Neuron Energy plans to expand into the Middle East through export.
Moreover, growth in urbanization, a rise in attractive offers on electric golf carts, and the development of infrastructure for electric vehicles by developing nations including public charging stations, and others, which results in a growing inclination of consumers toward e-motors. For instance, in April 2022, Waleed bin Salman, executive vice president of business development and excellence at Dewa, stated, “We promote green and sustainable transport in Dubai by providing a robust public charging network for electric vehicles across Dubai.” Additionally, the UAE is stepping up efforts to switch to more environmentally friendly technology, most notably through its Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, which aims for $163 billion (about 600 billion Dh) to be invested in clean and renewable energy sources over the next three decades.
By Fuel Type
Electric segment is projected as the most lucrative segment
Low power and speed
Golf carts are vouched for their compact size and high maneuverability but these two come at the expense of power and speed. Engines of this vehicle are optimized to run on low speeds and create less pollutants, and are best suited in places where low speed locomotion is required but might not be very popular in the market, which favors power and speed. Horsepower generated by these carts is low and is not ideal for too many passengers, heavy loads, or driving in steep hills, which is expected to hamper growth of the market. Engines of this vehicle are optimized to run at low speed and create less pollutants, and are best suited in places where low speed locomotion is required but might not be very popular with the market, which favors power and speed. This is anticipated to impede the growth of the market.
Distance covered by a regular vehicle on a full tank far outclasses distance covered by golf carts be it electric variant or gas powered one. In case of electric powered golf carts, battery size is smaller and capable of covering distance of just 12 miles and requires frequent visit to charging station. This is expected to reduce demand for golf carts, thereby restraining the market growth.
By Application
Commercial Services segment is projected as the most lucrative segment
Technological advancements in golf carts
Automobile companies are focused on production of advanced golf carts that have lower particular emission and are of relatively low cost. New solo rider technology and adaptive golf cart designed for single user allows disabled people to access golf course and games as well. Innovations such as extreme golf carts and solar power golf carts also boost the market growth. One of the most recent developments in golf cart technology is the Golf Board, a golf cart that is inspired by skateboards. The Golf Board is driven by front and back gear boxes providing power to all four wheels. A rider controls the vehicle in an upright position as if riding a skateboard, leaning right or left to make turns. The Golf Board has been well received by golfing community as it speeds up the game and according to manufacturers has up to 75% less impact on turf than traditional golf carts. Such advancements for golf carts are expected to create numerous opportunities for key players for market expansion.
COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The COVID-19 outbreak severely impacted the automotive sector on a global level, which led to a considerable decline in vehicle sales and inconsistency of raw materials. Many small and big players in the golf cart sector are witnessing issues such as a halt of production activities and mandated plant closures by governments. Amid the lockdown, a shutdown of various manufacturing facilities and shipping delays has made getting a new golf cart and replacement parts a challenge.
By Country
Saudi Arabia would exhibit the highest CAGR of 6.6% during forecast period.
KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS
- This study presents the analytical depiction of the MENA golf cart market analysis along with the current trends and future estimations to depict imminent investment pockets.
- The overall MENA golf cart market opportunity is determined by understanding profitable trends to gain a stronger foothold.
- The report presents information related to the key drivers, restraints, and opportunities of the MENA golf cart market with a detailed impact analysis.
- The current MENA golf cart market is quantitatively analyzed from 2017 to 2031 to benchmark financial competency.
- Porter’s five forces analysis illustrates the potency of the buyers and suppliers in the industry.
MENA Golf Cart Market Report Highlights
| Aspects | Details |
 By Passenger Capacity |
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 By Vehicle Speed |
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 By Fuel Type |
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 By Application |
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 By COUNTRY |
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 Key Market Players | YAMAHA GOLF-CAR COMPANY, ELECTRIC CAR UAE, WAEV INC., SUZHOU EAGLE ELECTRIC VEHICLE MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., ELLWEE, TEXTRON SPECIALIZED VEHICLES INC., CLUB CAR, HITACHI, LTD., .EVOLUTION ELECTRIC VEHICLES, STAR EV CORPORATION, USA |
Analyst Review
The MENA golf cart market is expected to witness remarkable growth in the future owing to the rise in the tourism and hotel industry in the region. An increase in the popularity of golf carts is an opportunity for the tourism industry. Whether rented or traveling in personal electric golf carts, travelers can visit destinations and different tourist attractions while producing zero tailpipe emissions. The golf carts offer economic, environmental, and social benefits to tourists. The major reason for the increase in the use of electric golf carts at tourist destinations is due to increased fuel costs, leveraging new technologies, and decreasing dependency on fossil fuels. A rise in the growth of tourism in the region is expected to fuel the growth of the golf cart market across the region.
For instance, according to a joint survey by the World Travel & Tourism Council and Oxford Economics, tourist arrivals in the Middle East increased by 89% and in Africa by 51% in 2022 as compared to 2021. In addition, in November 2022, according to the World Tourism Organization, the Middle East region saw a 225% increase in international arrivals year-on-year in January-September 2022, achieving 77% of pre-pandemic levels.
However, golf carts are used as a mode of transportation or utility vehicles for campuses by users. Initial cost varies with different types of features required such as radios, built-in refrigerators, air conditioning, and GPS. Golf cart requires a lot of regular maintenance such as service brakes, rear axle, batteries, and others, and incurs high cost. Hence, high initial cost as well as maintenance cost restricts growth of the MENA golf cart market.
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