Al-Amn Magazine

W Techno l ogy t rends i n GCC count ri es A b i rd ’ s eye overv i ew EDUCATION hile still heavily reliant on oil and gas production and exports, countries in the Middle East are making a massive effort to diversify their economies - namely in new technologies and digital transformation. In fact, countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are investing heavily in digital technologies across government and private sectors. The recent Al Amal (Hope) Mars mission, undertaken by the UAE, helped raise the profile of technology skills in the GCC, but the region’s governments and firms have more down-to-earth plans for technology development and education that will benefit all of the region’s inhabitants. Due to climate change, the rise of renewable energies, and increased global competition, this initiative was already well underway, but declining oil prices in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic are kicking digitization efforts into overdrive in the region. Let’s dig into current technology trends in GCC, how these are impacting non-oil industries, and how you can prepare your workforce to tackle the digital economy. GCC overview In 1981, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) entered into an economic agreement forming what is now known as the GCC. The goals of this union have been wide-ranging from commonality in culture, regulations, currency, technological and scientific innovation, and much more. Most recently, members of the GCC are focusing largely on diversifying their economies from hydrocarbons to digital technologies. They are making progress, albeit somewhat slow. That said, S&P Global predicts that non-oil GDP in Gulf countries will reach nearly 37 per cent by 2022. That is up from 29.2 percent in 2012. Now, let us understand the recent technology trends. What’s driving recent technology trends in GCC countries? GCC countries are faced with implementing new business models to accommodate digital transformation in industries and changing social and political conditions. More women are now entering the workforce, as well as Gen Z. On top of that, there is a growing population of ultra-wealthy people. In UAE alone, it is expected that the millionaire class will grow by 60 percent from 2019 to 2030. This is forcing businesses and governments alike to provide more personalized products and services that cater to these specific demographics. In addition, the lack of local high-tech talent is spurring investment in upskilling in the region. What are GCC member countries investing in? To meet the demands of the digital age, organizations