Middle East Airport Construction Boom Spikes Waiting Chair Orders by 32% in 2025

DUBAI — The Middle East is in the middle of an airport construction boom, with countries across the region building new airports and expanding existing ones to accommodate the growing number of travelers. And that boom is having a huge impact on the waiting chair industry, with orders for airport waiting chairs in the region spiking by 32% in 2025, according to a new report from the Middle East Furniture Manufacturers Association.

The report found that the region’s airports are expected to add more than 120,000 new waiting seats over the next two years, as part of more than $50 billion in airport expansion projects. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are building brand new airports and expanding existing ones, as they look to position themselves as global travel hubs, ahead of the 2029 Asian Games in Saudi Arabia and the 2030 World Cup in Qatar.

“ The Middle East is building the airports of the future, and that means they need the waiting chair solutions of the future too,” said Ali Al-Mansoori, secretary-general of the Middle East Furniture Manufacturers Association. “These new airports aren’t just bigger—they’re more luxurious, more technologically advanced, and more focused on the passenger experience. That’s driving a huge demand for high-end, smart, sustainable waiting chairs.”

The biggest project driving the demand is the new King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which is set to be the largest airport in the world when it opens in 2030. The first phase of the project, which is set to open in 2027, will add 60,000 new waiting seats, in a terminal that can handle 120 million passengers per year. The project has already placed orders for more than 25,000 waiting chairs, with more orders expected over the next year.

Dubai is also expanding its Dubai International Airport, adding a new concourse that will add 15,000 new waiting seats, and Qatar is expanding Hamad International Airport, adding 12,000 new seats ahead of the 2030 World Cup. These projects are driving massive demand for waiting chairs, as airports look to equip their new terminals with the latest seating technology.

The demand is not just for basic row chairs, either. The new airports in the Middle East are demanding premium, feature-rich waiting chairs, with integrated charging ports, wireless charging, IoT sensors, and luxury upholstery. Many of the new airports are also installing modular lounge-style seating, to create a more comfortable, welcoming experience for passengers.

“These airports want to offer a first-class experience to all their passengers, not just the ones in business class,” said Al-Mansoori. “That means they need waiting chairs that are comfortable, that have all the modern features, and that look luxurious. They’re not willing to compromise on quality, and they’re willing to pay a premium for the best products.”

The surge in demand has led to a boom for waiting chair manufacturers, both regional and global. Major global brands like Arconas, Leadcom, and Steelcase have all seen their sales in the Middle East grow by more than 40% over the past year, as they win contracts for these large airport projects. Regional manufacturers are also benefiting, as they work to meet the demand for local, customized solutions.

“ We’ve seen our orders from the Middle East triple over the past year,” said Sarah Lee, head of product development at Arconas. “We’ve won contracts for three of the big new airport projects, and we’re working on expanding our production capacity to keep up with the demand. It’s an incredibly exciting time for our industry.”

The boom is also driving innovation in the waiting chair industry, as manufacturers develop new products specifically for the Middle East market. For example, many manufacturers are developing chairs that can withstand the high temperatures and humidity of the region, with heat-resistant materials and UV-resistant coatings, for outdoor waiting areas.

According to industry analysts, the demand for waiting chairs in the Middle East is set to continue growing over the next decade, as the region’s airport construction boom continues. By 2030, analysts predict that the Middle East will account for more than 12% of the global airport waiting chair market, up from just 7% in 2024.

“ The Middle East is the fastest-growing market for waiting chairs in the world right now,” said Al-Mansoori. “These countries are building the future of air travel, and they’re setting the standard for what airport waiting areas can be. It’s an incredible opportunity for our industry.”