As the pace of technological advancement continues to accelerate, Middle East enterprises are increasingly turning to the use of digital technologies to improve their operations and reduce costs. This report highlights the top priorities for implementing ICT solutions in the region. These include government policies, investment plans, talent development, and the growth of ICT companies. The report’s key recommendations are comprehensive and mutually reinforcing. They complement the many initiatives currently underway in the region.
The report covers key technologies, including cloud computing, enterprise applications, security, mobility, and collaboration.
It also discusses enterprise priorities in Middle East ICT investment plans and reviews which vendors, providers, and consulting companies are currently able to meet the growing needs of the region’s businesses. The report also includes a breakdown of the preferred buying approaches of Middle Eastern enterprises. The report also details the overall ICT budget allocation and identifies the top technologies in the region.
In terms of technology investments, email archiving is the most popular content management solution in the Middle East, primarily driven by compliance requirements. Meanwhile, data analytics and data marts will continue to grow, driven by the exponential growth of data. Further, Kable predicts that enterprises will continue to seek green IT solutions as well. The report further states that 91% of enterprises plan to invest in enterprise applications over the next two years.
Governments in the Middle East should set ambitious targets in terms of mobile Internet coverage. They should also invest in public Wi-Fi access and fixed-broadband infrastructure. Regional telecommunications network operators must focus on improving access and coverage for the region’s most disadvantaged residents. Additionally, the private sector should play a greater role in defining digital curricula. It should establish relationships with faculty members and collaborate with schools.
Enterprises in the Middle East should consider the benefits of 5G technology.
In the United Arab Emirates, the country has recently launched a 5G network, the fourth fastest in the world. Etisalat has already invested in research and development of international standards for 6G. This new technology will undoubtedly bring new opportunities for U.S. companies, as the region is increasingly reliant on mobile data.
Developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another area that is high on the list of Middle East enterprise IT investment priorities. The UAE government is promoting a university of artificial intelligence (AI) in Abu Dhabi as part of its efforts to develop digital talent. In fact, the country’s Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (2031) is expected to involve many large government projects that will require the expertise of foreign companies. American companies will have an advantage in these projects, due to their advanced technologies.