This document discusses projected information and communication technology (ICT) spending growth in three Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries - Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar - between 2012 and 2015. Saudi Arabia is forecast to see the highest ICT spending at $24.8 billion in 2015, growing at a 10.3% compound annual growth rate. The United Arab Emirates is predicted to spend $23.8 billion in 2015 at a 15.9% growth rate. Qatar's ICT spending is projected to reach $4.4 billion in 2015 with a 12% growth rate. Significant investments in areas like technology parks, e-commerce, and telecom infrastructure are expected to drive ICT spending increases across the

1. Information & Communication
Technology Spends in GCC
Investments in technology parks, rising FDI, growing e-commerce are likely to drive ICT spend amongst the
three largest markets in GCC
SAUDI ARABIA
24.8
CAGR
10.3%
2012 2015
Source: Commercial Bank of Qatar, Zawya, Desk Research, Aranca Analysis
UAE
15.3
23.8
CAGR
15.9%
2012 2015
Source: Commercial Bank of Qatar, Zawya, Desk Research, Aranca Analysis
QATAR
3.1
4.4
CAGR
12.0%
2012 2015
Source: Commercial Bank of Qatar, Zawya, Desk Research, Aranca Analysis
Compiled by: Vibin Theril
ICT SPENDING GROWTH FORECAST (USD BN)
Significant investments in e-commerce related
platforms, incubation centers & smart cities
Growing gadget tech savvy youth population
coupled with entry of foreign players in the
GCC region, will speed up mobile and
broadband penetration
Federal eGovernment Plan 2012-2014 to
implement 36 initiatives in a span of 2 years to
improve eServices and eReadiness
Increasing investments in technology parks
across the emirate & incubation centers would
foster IT growth
Expected increase in adoption of ICT services
across educational institutions
An ambitious five year plan with government
planning to invest US$1.7bn over next 4-5
years for upgrading telecom infrastructure
33.3
©2014 Aranca. All Rights Reserved. www.aranca.com
If you wish to reproduce or use this infographic in any format, please email us at syndicate@aranca.com