Total spending on IT services in IT sector MENA 2019-2022

The total spending on the information technology services in the IT sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in 2022 was forecast to amount to around 16.17 billion U.S. dollars. In 2020, the total spending amounted to around 13.55 billion U.S. dollars.

IT industry during COVID-19 in MENA

COVID-19 caused IT projects throughout the MENA region to be halted or canceled. As the situation in the region improves and businesses recognize the full advantages of a robust digital environment, IT spending will likely recover to pre-pandemic levels in 2021. The value of cloud management and security services markets in the MENA region in 2020 was expected to reach 226 million U.S. dollars. People were more motivated to use internet options for shopping, communication, and remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, which resulted in lockdowns and the closure of businesses, restaurants, and supermarkets. Every country in the area has seen a significant surge in the use of mobile applications, particularly Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. It was forecasted that spending in the communication services in the information technology sector in the region in 2022 would reach 120 billion U.S. dollars.

GCC technology adoption

  Investments in technical progress, particularly in 5G technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, have poured into Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. 5G services were released in the region in 2019 and were the focus of smartphone users and gaming services in 2020. In 2019, most of the population in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia expressed a willingness to use 5G connections as soon as they become available in the market.