The Mena region is the world’s second largest outsourcing market, after China, and is expected to reach $7 billion by 2018, according to a report from Ernst & Young, a global professional services firm.

Industry experts from across the outsourcing, shared services, and business process outsourcing (BPOs) ecosystems gathered recently at the inaugural Outsourcing Outlook Forum to look at challenges and opportunities associated with these growing sectors in the Mena region.

Organised by Dubai Outsource Zone (DOZ), the event brought together over 180 attendees from various industries such as banking, healthcare, and tourism, who looked at the various outsourcing models available for businesses, as well as the positive impact that outsourcing can bring to enterprises across all sectors.

Industry experts also looked at the digital revolution that is taking place across the UAE and the wider region, which has meant a time of tremendous change, and is being largely driven by Smart City initiatives and the Internet of Things.

According to Cloud Security Alliance, 170 million emails are sent per minute worldwide, and there are over 700,000 Google searches. Companies are increasingly embracing new technologies and giving external providers ownership of data, particularly where ICT is not a core focus area, and innovation within the UAE is driving winning outsourcing solutions.

Majed Al Suwaidi, managing director of Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource Zone, said: “Access to facilities, talent and infrastructure have become the key criteria for companies when they are looking at locations to base their outsourcing operations, and Dubai’s cutting-edge infrastructure, business-friendly environment and excellent connectivity have set it apart as a sought after destination.”

“Large companies are increasingly looking to the UAE as an outsourcing hub for these reasons, and realising the wider business benefits that outsourcing, shared services and BPOs deliver.

“The UAE is embracing innovation across all industries and the Forum is part of our wider efforts to champion thought leadership, highlight the latest trends in technology, and provide a platform for industry players to come together and share knowledge and expertise,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service