Emerging technologies lead to sustained growth of telecom industry in Middle East
The Middle East, a region known for its rapid adoption of cutting-edge technologies, is witnessing a transformative phase within its telecommunications sector, primarily driven by the integration of emerging technologies. This landscape shift is not only changing the operational processes of telecom companies but also ensuring the industry’s sustained growth and resilience.
At the heart of digital transformation, technologies such as large language models (LLMs) and artificial intelligence (AI) occupy the spotlight. Yet, it is the robust physical infrastructure deployed by telecoms that forms the backbone supporting these advancements. This crucial support is setting the stage for an anticipated industry growth, with projections forecasting the global telecommunications market to reach a valuation of $2.65 trillion by 2030. The Middle East, embracing these global trends, is poised to significantly contribute to this expansion.
The region opens a plethora of opportunities for telecom companies, especially with the burgeoning adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) across various sectors including smart cities, healthcare, and transportation. This landscape offers telecoms a golden chance to delve into and provide necessary connectivity solutions and platforms, aiding in the nurturing of the IoT ecosystem.
Highlighting the industry’s growth prospects, Bart Valkhof, Head of Information and Communication Technology Industry at the World Economic Forum, alongside Omar Adi, Partner Lead for the Middle East & Africa at the World Economic Forum, pointed out the exceptional growth trends within the Middle East. The telecom market in the region is anticipated to witness an increment of $20.57 billion from 2021 to 2026.
In the affluent and tech-savvy Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, telecoms are capitalizing on favorable macroeconomic conditions to extensively invest in 5G deployment. This focus is not only enriching consumer and business services but also establishing telecoms as crucial facilitators of digital transformation. With the GCC leading in terms of average monthly mobile data usage per smartphone—an expected 30GB per smartphone by the end of 2023—the region strides ahead of North America and Western Europe.
The embrace of 5G technology is critical in transitioning towards a business-centric model, a movement strongly evident in the Middle East where 61% of companies plan to invest in 5G-enabled campus networks. The advent of 5G is notably revolutionary, enhancing connectivity, data transmission speeds, and significantly reducing latency rates.
With its sights set on future advancements, the Middle East is also gearing towards the integration of 6G technology, with the UAE announcing plans for a 2030 launch. Complementing these are technologies like cloud computing, edge computing, and AI, which are becoming indispensable elements of telecom offerings. These technologies are crucial for businesses across various sectors, enhancing productivity, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making.
Many Middle Eastern countries are investing heavily in smart city projects, with telecom companies playing a pivotal role in providing the essential connectivity, cloud services, and cybersecurity solutions. These projects not only support the businesses in their digital transformation journey but also open new avenues for telcos to leverage the shifting market dynamics.
For telecom companies poised to thrive in the Middle East’s evolving landscape, it is paramount to stay informed on regulatory changes, technological advancements, and shifts in consumer behavior. By strategically aligning themselves with these transformative trends, telecom operators can ensure not just their growth but also contribute significantly towards the region’s digital future.
