Middle East & Africa Automotive Upholstery Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2025-2033)

Middle East & Africa Automotive Upholstery Market Size & Forecast

The Middle East & Africa Automotive Upholstery market was valued at USD 1,000 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a strong CAGR of around 6.50% during the forecast period (2025- 2033F). Growing Sales of SUVs and Premium Vehicles, and Regional OEM/assembly expansion and localization push are some of the factors that have promoted the market rise.

Middle East & Africa Automotive Upholstery Market Analysis

The Middle East & Africa Automotive Upholstery market has experienced notable growth over the years. With the rising demand for leather and synthetic upholstery, a large number of OEMs as well as aftermarket fitment providers have added these upholsters in automobiles. Additionally, rising demand for long-lasting, stain-resistant, and moisture-resistant upholstery in vehicles has driven extensive growth in demand for synthetic leather. Furthermore, demand for luxury and large SUVs has been a key driver of growth in the automotive upholstery market in the Middle East & Africa.

Middle East & Africa Automotive Upholstery Market Trends

This section discusses the key market trends that are influencing the various segments of the Middle East & Africa Automotive Upholstery market, as found by our team of research experts.

Shift Towards Synthetic Leather:

Due to the higher cost of leather-based upholstery, as well as consumers focusing on sustainable product usage and adoptions, the synthetic leather category is emerging as a winner in the automotive upholstery segment. Additionally, automotive manufacturers are also opting for synthetic leather in their wide range of models across the spectrum. This showcases a long-lasting luxury fitment that is durable, stain-resistant, and premium-looking as leather. The increasing preference for SUVs and premium sedans in MEA and the extreme heat, UV rays, and sand erosion are driving the need to have upholstery that remains cool, does not fade away, and is easy to wash. To enhance the comfort of passengers in the cabin and fuel efficiency, OEMs and aftermarkets are providing perforated breathable synthetics, antimicrobial finishes, and lighter backing fabrics. Increasing ride-hailing fleets and tourism transportation are also focusing more on low-maintenance interiors with increased replacement cycles. Recycled-content, vegan, and cyclical upholstery is encouraged by the regulators and ESG targets throughout the region.

Key Market Segmentation:

This section provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the Middle East & Africa Automotive Upholstery market report, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033.

The Passenger Cars segment has shown promising growth in the Automotive Upholstery Market.

Based on vehicle type, the Middle East & Africa Automotive Upholstery market has been segmented into passenger car, light commercial vehicle, and heavy commercial vehicle. Of these, the passenger car segment has held the major market share. Some of the key factors, such as the rising number of personal cars among the Middle East & African buyers, a higher focus on aesthetics of the personal car buyers as opposed to the commercial vehicle users, and cars moving towards feel-good and functional long-term ease of usability by the users, have promoted the rise of the automotive upholstery market in the MEA region. However, segments such as light commercial and heavy commercial vehicles are also exhibiting a rapid growth in the region, owing to the increasing focus on high-end load carrying vehicles, which are fitted with advanced electronics as well as premium soft touch upholstery. As the weather in the region is extreme, the customer often requires upholstery that can withstand long-term high temperature conditions and provide insulation in the cabin.

The Woven category held a significant share of the Middle East & Africa Automotive Upholstery Market.

The Middle East and African automotive upholstery market is divided into woven fabric and non-woven fabric, based on the type of fabric. The largest market share has been held by the woven fabric with the help of its wide range of applications in the high-volume passenger cars and commercial fleet, where its durability, abrasion resistance, and comfort are very essential. Woven fabrics are also more easily breathable in hot environments, have a broader color and pattern selection, and are usually cheaper to replace than superior fabrics, which makes them popular both as original equipment and aftermarket re-trimming. Lightweight and cost-effectiveness are driving the use of non-woven fabrics in headliners, backing layers, and acoustic uses, even though they are still secondary in visible trim surfaces.

The UAE is expected to grow at a considerable rate during the forecast period.

The automotive upholstery market in the UAE is rising at the fastest rate within the Middle East and African region, which is powered by massive car parc growth, demand for premium cars, and the existence of a highly established customization and aftermarket market. The automation of the luxury SUVs, business fleets, and transport based on tourism demand more robust, unglamorous interiors that can endure high temperatures, UV rays, and dust. This rapidly increases the use of synthetic leather, coated fabrics, and perforated, breathable structures that are stain-resistant, easy to clean, and provide better thermal comfort. For instance, in 2025, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Abu Dhabi Ports signed a deal with global automaker Stellantis to develop an automotive ecosystem in Abu Dhabi (UAE).

Middle East & Africa Automotive Upholstery Industry Competitive Landscape:

The Middle East & Africa Automotive Upholstery market is competitive, with several global and international market players. The key players are adopting different growth strategies to enhance their market presence, such as partnerships, agreements, collaborations, new product launches, geographical expansions, and mergers and acquisitions.

Top Middle East & Africa Automotive Upholstery Companies

Some of the major players in the market are Cartex Italia, Motus Integrated Technologies, Sage Automotive Interiors, TESCA, Macflex International Ltd, Feltex, Lear, Hayashi Telempu Corporation, BEESDAM, Ltd., and Nutech.

Middle East & Africa Automotive Upholstery Market Report Coverage

Reasons to Buy the Middle East & Africa Automotive Upholstery Market Report:

• The study includes market sizing and forecasting analysis confirmed by authenticated key industry experts.

• The report briefly reviews overall industry performance at a glance.

• The report covers an in-depth analysis of prominent industry peers, primarily focusing on key business financials, type portfolios, expansion strategies, and recent developments.

• Detailed examination of drivers, restraints, key trends, and opportunities prevailing in the industry.

• The study comprehensively covers the market across different segments.

• Deep dive Country-level analysis of the industry.

Customization Options:

The Middle East & Africa AUTOMOTIVE UPHOLSTERY market can further be customized as per requirements or any other market segment. Besides this, UnivDatos understands that you may have your own business needs; hence, feel free to contact us to get a report that completely suits your requirements.