The Growth of the CubeSat industry in the Arabian Gulf

The CubeSat Industry has seen significant growth in recent years worldwide, and the Arabian Gulf region is no exception. This resulted in several countries in the Arabian Gulf region launching numerous CubeSats with potential applications in various fields and innumerable purposes that can contribute to the advancement of the space sector and the research field of space. The increased interest is driven by the quicker development time and the relatively lower costs compared to traditional satellites. Additionally, rideshare launches allow multiple small satellites to be put into their respective orbits simultaneously, reducing the launching costs considerably. A CubeSat is ideal for providing countries with easier access to space and a way to expedite the take-off of their ambitious space programs. Though they may have limited capabilities compared to their counterparts, imposed by the technical limitations in size, mass, and power requirements, these missions play a key role in advancing the countries' space sector and promoting research activities in space sciences and technology. In addition, these space initiatives aid in developing local expertise in space related fields, including engineering and data analysis. Furthermore, developing space projects calls for collaboration with international organizations for space-related projects. This provides opportunities for knowledge-sharing and technology transfer, enabling the region to develop its space industry more quickly and effectively. The CubeSat industry in the Arabian Gulf is expected to keep growing in the coming years, with more countries developing and launching their CubeSat missions. The region can potentially become a major player in the global space industry, and CubeSat technology is a key factor in achieving this goal. As more countries launch CubeSat missions, the industry will continue to grow and evolve, providing new and exciting opportunities for research, exploration, and innovation. This paper reviews the different CubeSat missions launched by countries in the Arabian Gulf region, categorized by mission type, main objectives, and payloads. It will further discuss the importance of these projects in developing the space industry in the area.