The number of internet users in the Arab world is expected to rise to about 226 million by 2018, according to the Arab Knowledge Economy report 2015 - 2016. 

 

The Internet penetration rate will jump from about 37.5 per cent in 2014 to over 55 per cent in 2018, or about seven per cent above the estimated world average of 3.6 billion users, said the latest statistics in the report, which is being launched today (March 29) at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah Hotel.

 

Developed by Orient Planet Research, an Orient Planet Group venture, in co-operation with research consultant Abdul Kader Al Kamli, the report is a research study that provides insights and statistics on the region’s information-driven economic framework in the context of its dynamic and ever-expanding economy. 

 

It will throw light on major trends impacting the market within the region as well as other key indicators. 

 

The information featured in the report will serve as an invaluable tool for governments, economists and businessmen across the region as it provides a strong overview of various factors affecting the knowledge economy sector.

 

"The Arab World is in the midst of change following a number of social and political upheavals. In the face of these dynamic reforms, many countries within the region continue to make great strides in their efforts to shift to a knowledge-based economy, marking a noticeable improvement in knowledge society indicators," said Al Kamli.

 

"In fact, The Global Competitiveness Index (GCI 2015-2016) ranked Qatar 14th and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 17th among 130 nations in the overall outcome. The UAE ranked first globally in six out of the 114 indicators. This has encouraged the development of smart government initiatives," he said.

 

"We are optimistic that the data being presented within this edition of the Arab Knowledge Economy Report will serve as a point of reference for public and private organisations in the region as they develop their strategy for the coming years,” Al Kamli added.

 

Nidal Abou Zaki, managing director, Orient Planet Group, said: “The Arab world is in the middle of an economic evolution as a result of the changing oil prices. This has prompted a shift towards establishing a diversified economy with a particular focus on cultivating a knowledge economy evident in the increased investment towards ICT infrastructure as part of the region’s effort to move away from its dependency on oil. 

 

"Considerable improvement has been made across health, service delivery, among other sectors. The UAE is an emerging leader in e-government development globally and its level of digitalization is comparable with that of global leaders. 

 

"Dubai outranks digitally advanced world capitals, such as London, Oslo, Stockholm and Vienna in terms of Digital Governance. Muscat came second among Arab cities in this regard, followed by Riyadh, Cairo, Amman, Tunis, Casablanca, Baghdad, Kuwait and Manama.”

 

The report will provide comprehensive data on various trends within the knowledge economy. 

 

It also reflects increased investments towards technology and information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure as well as noticeable advancements in research and development as evident in the high numbers of patents registered in Saudi Arabia. 

 

The dynamic expansion of the knowledge economy is largely a result of the efforts of the countries within the region to shift their dependency from an oil-driven economy. 

 

This has led to pioneering initiatives for developing technical advancements in key economic sectors. Its influence has extended towards retail, hospitality and various other business areas.

 

According to the report, the six GCC states led the Arab region in terms of ICT indicators in 2015. Bahrain took a commanding lead, registering 74.15 per cent in Internet user penetration, while Kuwait registered the highest in mobile subscription penetration with 194.62 per cent.

 

Meanwhile, the Arab ICT Use Index examined four major indicators for each of the 18 Mena economies: mobile phone subscribers, fixed-line subscribers, Internet users, and installed computers. 

 

The presence of Arabic content was also studied, particularly through Wikipedia, a free online encyclopedia which allows any individual to add or edit its content. Wikipedia was launched on January 15, 2001 in its original English version, followed by a French version and subsequently in hundreds of other languages.  As of October 2015, Wikipedia boasted customized versions in 291 languages, including Arabic, and in total hosted more than 34 million articles, said the report.

 

The wide range of milestone achievements in the educational system can also be gleaned from the report as noted in the 2015 Academic Ranking of Arab Universities. King Abdulaziz University also ranked six worldwide in Mathematics.

 

Last year, five Arab universities appeared on the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). Four Saudi universities achieved a significant milestone by placing on the ranking in its latest issue released in June, placing first on an Arab and Islamic scale. - TradeArabia News Service