Top Technology Trends in GCC Countries

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is rapidly evolving into a technology hub, with governments and businesses heavily investing in emerging technologies to drive innovation and economic growth. The region’s strategic location, favourable business environment, and young and tech-savvy population make it an attractive destination for tech investments.

In this article, we will explore the top technology trends transforming the GCC region, and the initiatives governments and businesses are undertaking to drive innovation.

Top Technology Trends in the GCC Region

1. 5G

The deployment of 5G networks is one of the most significant technology trends in GCC. The GCC countries are investing heavily in 5G infrastructure, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia leading the way. By the end of 2025, the UAE’s telecom regulator aims to provide 5G network coverage to all areas of the country. In addition to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, other GCC countries such as Qatar and Bahrain are also investing in 5G technology.

2. Artificial intelligence (AI)

The UAE launched the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in 2017, which aims to position the country as a global leader in AI research and development by 2031. The strategy focuses on several key areas, including enhancing government services, developing a skilled workforce, and promoting research and development in AI.

Qatar also launched its National Artificial Intelligent Strategy in 2021, which aims to develop and deploy AI technologies across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and transportation. The strategy also focuses on developing a skilled workforce in AI and promoting research and development in the field.

3. Blockchain

Blockchain technology is gaining momentum in the GCC region as a secure and transparent way to store and exchange data. GCC governments are exploring the use of blockchain to reduce fraud, increase transparency, and streamline processes.

The UAE has launched the Emirates Blockchain Strategy 2021, which aims to implement blockchain technology in various government sectors, including health, education, and transport. In the finance sector, the UAE-based digital bank, Mashreq, has implemented blockchain technology to streamline its Know Your Customer (KYC) process.

4. Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is not only an essential component of the GCC’s digital infrastructure but also a key enabler of the region’s economic growth. Cloud-based solutions are helping businesses in the GCC to achieve this goal by enabling them to innovate faster, reduce costs, and scale their operations.

In 2021, Amazon Web Services (AWS) opened its first data centre in Bahrain, providing cloud computing services to customers in the GCC region. The data centre accelerated the adoption of cloud computing in Bahrain and the surrounding countries.

Moreover, the adoption of SaaS in the GCC region is enabling companies to access applications and services over the Internet — without the need to install them on their own servers. In healthcare, SaaS is used for electronic medical records and telemedicine, while in the oil and gas industry, it is utilised for data management and analysis.

A few types of SaaS technology include communication and collaboration tools, customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning, board management software, marketing automation, and e-commerce.

5. Boardroom automation

Boardroom automation is a growing trend in the GCC region, with businesses increasingly adopting digital solutions to streamline their operations and improve efficiency. Boardroom automation technology involves using digital tools to manage board meetings, documents, and communications, reducing the reliance on paper-based processes.

The benefits of boardroom automation include enhanced security, faster decision-making, and improved governance. GCC countries are also investing in these solutions to improve corporate governance and increase transparency.

Convene, an innovative board portal supporting businesses across the GCC region, is designed to automate board tasks and streamline processes with its powerful features. These features include meeting scheduling, document management, live voting, and more.

As boardroom automation technology continues to evolve, its adoption is expected to increase across various sectors in the GCC region.

6. Robotic process automation (RPA)

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a software-based solution that automates repetitive, rule-based business processes. It can perform tasks such as data entry, data extraction, and data processing, among others. In the GCC region, RPA is being used to optimise business processes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.

In finance, RPA is used to automate tasks such as account reconciliation, invoice processing, and payroll processing. As for the healthcare industry, RPA is used to automate tasks such as patient registration, appointment scheduling, and medical billing. In Saudi Arabia, RPA investments are expected to reach $27.4 million by 2023, according to IDC. Overall, the adoption of RPA technology in the GCC region is expected to increase in the coming years.

7. Cybersecurity

The GCC region is a hub of economic activity and innovation, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals. A growing number of GCC organisations are deploying a zero trust architecture — preventing unauthorised access and cutting down breach costs.

And in response to insider threats, one of the Middle East’s top techniques, such as UEM (Unified Endpoint Management), DLP (data loss prevention) solutions, IAM (Identity and Access Management), and EDR (Endpoint detection and response), are being deployed by organisations.

Besides these techniques, implementing a board management software like Convene is helpful. Convene offers multiple layers of security measures, including two-factor authentication, single sign-on, user permissions, remote wipe, real-time monitoring, and audit trails to protect against insider threats and ensure only authorized users have access to sensitive information.

Last 2022, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) also released the Financial Sector Threat Intelligence Principles that aim to scale up cybersecurity practices within the industry. Leading digital tools like Convene stay compliant with SAMA Framework to ensure best cybersecurity practices, and that security risks are effectively managed throughout the organization.

In recent news, the UAE Cyber Security Council and US tech giant Oracle signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote cooperation in the field of cybersecurity. This collaboration aims to strengthen UAE’s cybersecurity preparedness, and kickstart joint cybersecurity developments.

Navigate Fast-Changing Tech Trends with Convene

The fast-evolving technology trends in the GCC region require companies to quickly adapt to remain competitive in the market. To remain at the forefront, businesses must leverage the latest technological advancements to enhance their operations and provide exceptional customer experiences.

Convene is a trusted board management software for businesses in the GCC region. Its advanced features and secure infrastructure make it an ideal solution for modern businesses that seek to adapt to the ever-changing tech landscape. With Convene, organisations can easily manage board meetings, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure compliance with regulations, all while staying ahead of the latest technological advancements.

Learn more about how Convene can help you remain competitive in today’s fast-paced digital world.