Jan 22, 2021
What will 2021 mean for tech in the Middle East? Experts predict the biggest trends
The MENA region is in the middle of a digital transformation, which 2020 and COVID-19 has only accelerated
The MENA region is in the middle of a digital transformation, which 2020 and COVID-19 has only accelerated. I asked five experts to share the tech trends they see influencing the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) this year, with digital payments, greater investment in AI and mobile, coupled with the need for greater focus on cybersecurity, all getting a mention.
A look into big projects ahead
Among the things to look out for on the Middle East tech scene in 2021 is the Expo 2020 event, which is due to take place in Dubai in the UAE for six months starting from October says Matthew Reed, practice leader, Middle East and Africa & Asia Pacific, at Omdia.
“The event, which was postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic but will still be known as Expo 2020, is expected to showcase advanced technologies and applications including autonomous vehicles, smart city services, and space exploration, with the latter based on the UAE’s launch of an unmanned spacecraft to Mars in July 2020.
Read the full list of predictions and insights at https://www.zdnet.com.
Expert insights are provided by:
- Jawad J Abbassi, head of Middle East and North Africa at GSMA
- Carrington Malin, entrepreneur, marketer and writer focused on emerging technologies
- Racha Ghamlouch, Innovation & Business Adviser, Co-curator MENA’s digital digest
- Matthew Reed, practice leader, Middle East and Africa & Asia Pacific, at Omdia
- Ayman Ismail, Jameel chair of entrepreneurship, The American University in Cairo
Read more of my Middle East tech stories on ZDNet at: https://www.zdnet.com/meet-the-team/eu/damian-radcliffe/
