Forty years ago, the signing of a historic agreement between Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates led to the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – one of the most powerful political bloc’s of the region. From it, emerged a union with common goals centered around culture, currency, the regulatory environment and perhaps most significantly, technological and scientific innovation.
Since the landmark treaty, GCC nations, together with countries across the wider Middle East, have been on a journey of mass transformation, with particular focus on how the region can carve out its own unique niche on the global technological stage. Big name tech firms, entrepreneurs and startups alike (not to mention six unicorns already in the mix) are keen indicators that our tech scene is booming, afforded by economic stability, an attractive climate for investment and a highly skilled workforce.
If projections are correct, the GCC’s tech sector alone could be worth an astonishing $780 billion by 2030 – reflecting a growth rate of 20% per year since 2022 and providing ample incentives for ongoing development in the field, and the time to double down on this is now.
Our desire to digitize and innovate is no secret – in fact it’s written into the very DNA of our national development strategies. Many GCC governments have articulated ambitious visions for the future, including Qatar’s National Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, all of which recognise and emphasize the role of technology and innovation in driving economic and social development.
Today, we’ve managed to transform Techno Q into a powerhouse in the region and our journey to becoming one of the most successful Systems Integrators has been no easy feat. We’ve played a key role in bringing some of Qatar’s biggest sporting events to life including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ™ and the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix and have recently become only the fourth company to ever list on the Qatar Exchange Venture Market. However, as with all outward and forward-looking companies, our vision extends beyond the borders of Qatar and we are insistent on joining hands with colleagues from across the region to not only expand but elevate experiences region-wide.
To put it simply, ‘we are greater than the sum of our parts’ and we can only compete on the world’s technological stage if we align our vision and cooperate by drawing on our collective knowledge, know-how and insight.
Although we are tied by a cultural and religious thread, each GCC country boasts varying strengths in specific technological fields. Here in Doha, the Qatar Science Technology Park has served as the country’s premier hub for applied research, technology innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship and has built a globally-recognised reputation as a renowned technology development hub. The QSTP is a ‘free zone’ that houses various international corporations such as ExxonMobil, Shell, ConocoPhilips, Microsoft, Cisco, as well as SMEs, research institutions, and local tech startups. Over in Saudi Arabia, there is a heavy investment in research around semiconductors, whilst the UAE is carving its own niche in Artificial Intelligence. Cooperation allows us to share expertise and knowledge, leading to a more rapid and comprehensive advancement in technology. By combining resources, GCC countries can invest more heavily in research and development (R&D), which is often capital-intensive. Shared resources can lead to the development of larger and more impactful pan-Arab projects which in turn boosts our presence on the global stage and can lead to the creation of technological hubs that attract global talent and investment.
GCC nations all face similar challenges. Water scarcity, harsh climates, and the need for sustainable energy solutions are collective issues and collaborative technological innovation can help develop solutions that are tailored to the region’s specific needs. This can also allow us to coordinate on technology policies and standards to facilitate smoother integration and interoperability across the region, benefiting businesses and consumers alike.
There is no doubt that we are on track to developing vibrant innovation ecosystems across the GCC, and our region is all but short of resources, talents, and visionaries. There is no reason why we cannot create an environment in which new ideas can flourish but also be pushed to the starting line through incubators, accelerators, and venture capital opportunities.
Our world is rapidly embracing digital transformation and the GCC stands on the edge of a generation-defining opportunity. If we can leverage our strengths and create opportunities for growth within the tech sector, the potential to boost economies whilst simultaneously nurturing a culture of innovation will ensure that our diverse, prosperous and intrepid region can not only remain at the forefront, but lead and direct the global technological landscape for generations to come.
Zeyad Al Jaidah is the Managing Director and Co-founder of Techno Q, a leading Qatar-based regional Systems Integrator specializing in Audiovisual, Extra Low Voltage, Broadcast Infrastructure, IT Business Solutions, Lighting Systems and Hospitality Solutions.