Countries in the Middle East are making significant strides in 5G technology adoption and deployment. Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar have commercially deployed 5G network services.
Meanwhile, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran are also in the planning stages for 5G implementation.
Middle East 5G technology investments
In 2020, mobile technology and services made a significant contribution to the global economy, generating $4.4 tn. This figure is expected to reach around $5 tn by 2025, according to the Mobile Economy 2021 Report.
Furthermore, the report highlights that digital transformation is a primary goal of government plans in the Middle East. These governments are making massive investments in technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) as part of their national strategies.
For instance, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Qatar’s National Vision 2030 development plans all emphasize the importance of digital transformation. In line with this, a recent study shows that around 61 percent of companies surveyed in the Middle East plan to invest in 5G-enabled campus networks.
Embracing this cutting-edge technology holds immense potential for businesses, as it paves the way for a wide range of exciting opportunities.
Enhancing connectivity
According to forecasts, 5G mobile subscriptions in the Middle East and North Africa region are expected to rise significantly. In 2022, there were 24 mn 5G mobile subscriptions in the region. This number is projected to reach 270 mn by 2028.
5G technology provides faster network speed and capacity, enabling businesses to process vast amounts of data in real-time. This helps organizations make efficient and effective decisions for improved performance.
Moreover, it promises low latency, ensuring that businesses can process data in real-time with high accuracy and reliability. This is advantageous to businesses that rely on instant feedback and response, such as those in the healthcare or manufacturing sectors.
In addition, its stable and reliable connections give businesses uninterrupted productivity, even during high traffic periods. This helps businesses avoid costly downtime and maintain consistent network speeds.
Read: Gartner forecasts worldwide IT spending to grow 4.3% in 2023
Empowering remote work
The implementation of 5G technology is also empowering remote work in the region. Firstly, it provides greater bandwidth for video conferencing and remote collaboration. This improved connectivity enhances productivity.
Furthermore, it enables access to real-time data and applications from anywhere. This allows remote workers to easily retrieve and work with up-to-date information, leading to faster project completion and better outcomes.
Moreover, it promotes work-life balance and flexibility. With the ability to connect to work resources and collaborate remotely, employees can adjust their schedules and work from preferred locations.
Improving Internet of Things
The evolution of the IoT, powered by 5G networks, could prove life-enhancing. Already, the Gulf countries have led the way in adopting 5G technology in the region.
Countries in the Middle East are prioritizing the adoption of 5G technology to transition from oil-dependence to knowledge-based service economies. They invest in infrastructure development and partnerships with technology providers for a smooth transition.
By embracing 5G, Middle Eastern countries, especially in the Gulf, are aiming to diversify their economies and stimulate innovation. Additionally, they seek to capitalize on opportunities in digital technologies and position themselves as regional leaders in the digital era.
Their commitment reflects a future where technology-driven innovation plays a central role. Prioritizing 5G adoption, they take significant steps towards their goals and position themselves as global players in the digital economy.
Boosting industry verticals
5G technology implementation in the Middle East is set to revolutionize various industry verticals.
In health and telemedicine, remote consultations and monitoring can be greatly improved. Meanwhile, in manufacturing and logistics, 5G brings advantages like effective automation and predictive maintenance.
Along with this, smart cities will also benefit from 5G technology. It improves environmental monitoring and optimizes resource allocation. This leads to sustainable practices and a healthier living environment for residents.
Likewise, with lightning-fast connectivity and real-time communication, city services, residents, and businesses can seamlessly interact. Efficient management of infrastructure and resources is another advantage that smart cities can achieve through this technology.
Creating new opportunities
The advent of 5G technology likewise creates new opportunities and opens doors for various advancements.
For one, it enables the integration of emerging technologies such as AI, virtual reality, and augmented reality. This combination of technologies can revolutionize industries and enhance user experiences.
Moreover, the development of innovative products and services becomes more feasible with the implementation of 5G. It provides the potential for expansion into new markets as well. The increased connectivity and scalability offered by 5G networks allow businesses to enter new regions and cater to a broader customer base.
Looking ahead
The impact of 5G technology on businesses in the Middle East has been nothing short of remarkable. With 5G, the possibilities are limitless, and the potential for continued growth is unparalleled.
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