In 2030, the number of mobile internet users in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) was forecast to reach around million, up from million in 2023. The mobile internet penetration rate in the region was projected to reach around percent of the population by 2030.
GCC technology adoption
Investments in technological innovation, notably in 5G technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, have risen dramatically in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. 5G solutions were introduced in the region in 2019 and will be the primary focus of smartphone users and gaming companies in 2020. In 2019, the majority of the population in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia reported a willingness to adopt 5G connections as soon as they become available in the market, but only around expected positive response after installation. The Middle East outperforms the rest of the world in terms of the rate at which new technologies are adopted, aided by the strong top-down attitude of local governments.
Technology sector post COVID-19 in MENA
COVID-19 caused the suspension or cancellation of IT projects in the MENA region. IT investment will likely recover to pre-pandemic levels in 2021 as the region's situation improves and firms realize the full benefits of a strong digital environment. Cloud management and security services in the MENA area are expected to be valued at million U.S. dollars in 2020. People were more likely to use online choices for shopping, communication, and remote working during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020, which resulted in lockdowns and the closure of businesses, restaurants, and supermarkets. Every nation in the area has seen a significant surge in the usage of mobile applications, notably Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. In 2022, the region's spending on communication services in the information technology industry was estimated to exceed billion U.S. dollars.