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ICT Sector Research Highlights

The Report: Oman 2025

ICT Sector Analysis

Oman is actively advancing its ICT and telecommunications sectors as part of its broader goal to become a digital-first economy. This transformation is reshaping the country’s financial landscape...

Report: Strategic investment driving green energy, digital innovation and sustainable growth in Oman

Oman is embarking on a transformative journey under Vision 2040, combining innovation and sustainability to redefine its economic landscape. This report showcases...

The Report: Ajman 2025

Digital Economy Sector Analysis

The digital economy in Ajman is rapidly evolving, driven by advancement in technology and strategic initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and connectivity. The emirate benefits from high mobile...

The Report: Bahrain 2024

ICT Sector Analysis

Bahrain’s expanding ICT sector highlights the country’s commitment to economic diversification and innovation, positioning it as a globally competitive economy. With a young, tech-savvy population...

ICT Sector Analyses

Overview

Economic diversification boosts Oman's cybersecurity

Oman’s strategic emphasis on ICT and telecommunications underpins its vision of becoming a digital-first economy. This focus is transforming the sultanate’s financial landscape while positioning it as a leader in regional and global digital transformation. As of September 2024, 98% of households in Oman had internet access, solidifying its status as a centre for connectivity, innovation and cybersecurity...


Interview

Talal Al Mamari, CEO, Omantel

On the steps businesses are taking to adjust to the changing digital environment


Interview

Bassam Al Ibrahim, CEO, Ooredoo Oman

On balancing the demand for innovation and cybersecurity concerns


Analysis

Boost to Oman's artificial intelligence drives economic diversification

With global spending on AI projected to reach $632bn by 2028, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 29% between 2024 and 2028, Oman has launched its National Programme for AI and Advanced Digital Technologies. Unveiled in September 2024 as part of Oman Vision 2040, this initiative will play a key role in the country’s digital transformation and economic diversification strategy...


Interview

Bader Al Zidi, CEO, Vodafone Oman

On the development of telecommunications and advancing digital infrastructure


The Report: Saudi Arabia 2024

ICT & AI Sector Analysis

Saudi Arabia’s ICT sector, the largest in the MENA region, is valued at $44bn and contributes 4% to GDP. The sector’s growth is driven by digital transformation across government and industries...

Report: Oman’s digital economy and its transformative potential

Oman’s digital transformation is revolutionising its economy and society. With the National Programme for Digital Economy driving progress, the country is bolstering its telecommunications...

ICT in Emerging Markets

Economic View

Ali Boumediene, CEO, Bomare

On boosting Algeria’s potential to export technology to new markets


Economic News

Gulf countries explore e-sports as part of diversification plans

As Gulf countries implement plans to diversify their economies and create jobs, they are increasingly investing in the growing industry around competitive video games known as electronic sports (e-sports). In February the gaming unit of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Savvy Games Group, purchased a $265m stake in China’s Tencent Holdings-backed e-sports company VSPO, becoming its largest equity holder. Savvy Games Group also increased its share of Japanese gaming giant Nintendo...


Economic News

The GCC’s latest efforts to bolster cybersecurity

With global geopolitical instability elevating the threat of cyberattacks against businesses and government agencies, the six countries of the GCC are rapidly building more robust and comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to respond to the evolving nature of cyberthreats. In a January 2023 survey of 117 global leaders from 32 countries and 22 industries, 91% of respondents believed that a far-reaching, catastrophic cyber-event was at least somewhat likely in the next two years, while 43% believed that a cyberattack...


Economic News

The competitive outlook for artificial intelligence in MENA

As part of ongoing efforts to diversify their economies and build a platform for sustainable future growth, MENA nations are increasingly turning towards artificial intelligence (AI). A slew of recent investment and initiatives – primarily in academia and the government, but also in the private sector – has reinvigorated interest from industry leaders around the globe in the potential for AI to strengthen the efficiency and sustainability of MENA economies...


Economic News

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine elevates cybersecurity concerns for emerging markets

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused disruptions across the global economy, from food to energy, but it has also prompted an increase in the number and sophistication of cyberattacks, exacerbating similar impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a recent poll of 800 chief audit executives conducted by the UK-based Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors, 77% of respondents thought the war had elevated cybersecurity and data-security risks...


Global Platform

Leveraging technology and talent in Saudi Arabia

In this Global Platform video, Essam Alshiha, CEO of Saudi Business Machines, emphasises the importance of the cloud and other innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and the internet of things to remain competitive. Saudi Arabia's large youth population can help keep tech at the forefront of business operations and leverage the power of these tools.


Vidcast

ESG in Saudi Arabia's digital economy

As Saudi Arabia pursues a path of national digital transformation, stakeholders must take care to ensure the benefits of the digital economy are shared by the whole of society. In this latest vidcast in the OBG Talks series, Maha Alnuhait, stc's General Manager of Sustainability, discusses how the pandemic served to raise awareness of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues among businesses in Saudi Arabia, and expands on the role of digital technology in advancing social development in...


Economic News

Emerging Market Trends 2021: Digital Transformation

The onset of the pandemic in 2020 gave rise to global acceleration in the uptake of digital platforms and services. This surge was consolidated in 2021, as it became clear – in emerging and developed economies alike – that digital is the new normal. While in some ways 2020 was reactive, with governments and businesses scrambling to implement digital approaches, 2021 was proactive, as those approaches were streamlined and synthesised...