In recent years, the Middle East has emerged as one of the most dynamic frontiers for intelligent connectivity and smart mobility.

Saudi Arabia, driven by its Vision 2030 program, has launched large-scale projects in high-speed rail, public transport, and vehicle-road collaboration, attracting a wave of international automakers and tech companies. 

But businesses cannot place all their bets on one single market. The key question is: after Saudi Arabia, could Qatar and Kuwait become the next strategic opportunity points?

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1. Policy Direction: Big Moves in Small Markets

In the Middle East, government policy often sets the pace of market development. While smaller in size compared to Saudi Arabia, both Qatar and Kuwait demonstrate strong policy momentum. 

Qatar:

The 2022 FIFA World Cup was a turning point for its public transport system, driving large-scale investments in metro, smart bus scheduling, and road infrastructure.

The government continues to advance the Smart Doha initiative, emphasizing electrified transport and digital dispatching platforms.

Qatar actively seeks international partnerships, particularly in connected vehicles, mobility platforms, and data-driven urban transport.

Kuwait:

Under its Vision 2035, Kuwait aims to enhance transport efficiency and implement intelligent transportation systems (ITS).

With centralized funding and government-led procurement, pilot projects can achieve strong demonstration effects.

Despite its small geographic size, Kuwait shows high dependency on international automotive and technology solution providers.

Oman :

Currently piloting road digitalization, smart lighting, and connected road infrastructure.

With flexible policies, Oman is well-suited for small-scale pilot projects.

In all three countries, strong policy willpower is accelerating mobility digitalization, creating important entry windows for global players.

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2. Replicating the “Saudi Model”: Transferable or Not? 

Saudi Arabia has been the must-win battleground for global smart mobility companies. Several success patterns from Saudi can be adapted to Qatar and Kuwait:

Localized Partnerships

In Saudi, many international companies reduced entry barriers by forming joint ventures with local firms or government entities.

This model also applies to Qatar and Kuwait, aligning with policy orientation while building trust.

Policy Alignment

In Saudi, smart transport projects are embedded in the national Vision 2030 framework.

In Qatar, alignment with Smart City initiatives is key; in Kuwait, projects must fit into Vision 2035.

Phased Implementation

In Saudi, companies often start with pilot projects in Riyadh or Jeddah before scaling nationwide.

In smaller markets like Qatar and Kuwait, entry may begin with specific sectors or scenarios, such as public buses, port logistics, or dedicated transport lines.

In short, the model can be replicated, but the rhythm must be adjusted. Saudi’s projects are national-scale, while Qatar and Kuwait favor “small but high-impact” demonstration projects.

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3. Challenges and Opportunities: Why Pay Attention?

Expanding into these markets comes with both challenges and opportunities. 

Challenges:

Limited market size makes it difficult to sustain very large projects.

Administrative procedures can be complex, with high reliance on local partners.

Shortage of technical and managerial talent requires companies to provide additional localized training and support.

Opportunities:

Populations are concentrated in capital cities, making projects easier to implement and demonstrate.

Strong financial capacity ensures steady public investment in smart transport.

Clear policy direction provides certainty for international businesses.

Thus, while Qatar and Kuwait are not “the next Saudi Arabia”, they are critical nodes in the regional puzzle. They can serve as accelerators for broader Middle East strategies.

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4. Sirun’s Observations 

As a global connected vehicle and fleet management solutions provider, Sirun has gained extensive overseas experience in Saudi Arabia, Russia, and other markets. 

We have learned that:

While small markets cannot match Saudi in scale, their policy-driven speed and project focus often enable faster execution.

For companies like Sirun, offering end-to-end intelligent fleet and mobility management platforms, Qatar and Kuwait are ideal for scenario-driven, customized entry points. Quick demonstration projects can then expand regional influence.

From a strategic perspective, Qatar and Kuwait represent the “second wave of opportunity points” after Saudi Arabia.

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Conclusion

Saudi Arabia will remain the central battleground in the Middle East. But companies aiming for long-term success cannot overlook Qatar and Kuwait. 

Their smaller size is offset by clear policies, strong public funding, and readiness for international collaboration.

For intelligent mobility and fleet management providers, these markets may well become the priority entry points over the next three to five years.