Information Technology in the UAE


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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The United Arab Emirates is the leading industrial, commerical and trading center in the Middle East.  The UAE's plan to economically diversify into the non-oil sectors has been succesful in large part due to a combination of an open, liberal, pro-business environment coupled with a strong telecommunications/information technology infrastructure. 

Although the ETISILAT monopoly controls almost all aspects of the telecommunications industry its services and products are very modern.  The organization has successfully maintained a high quality of service that is on par with western societies.  However, ETISALAT is, on average, more expensive than many other nations which precludes some segments of the population from enjoying many of the higher end value-added services. 

ETISALAT has also hindered the growth of the telecommunications market in many ways. The censorship regime imposed with the support of the government has deterred some potential users.  Access speeds are also a concern; however, ETISALAT is upgrading its services regularly.  The bottom line is that in order for growth to continue it is imperative that the ETISALAT monopoly be disbanded.  Complete deregulation will not only allow prices to decline but competition spurs innovation and encourages cost-effective solutions.

The Government of the United Arab Emirates has been the prime instigator in the advancement of information technology. It has funded significant projects such as Dubai Internet City, a free trade zone created specifically for e-commerce and  information technology related industries. Furthermore, the government takes legal issues associated with technology related offenses (cyber crime,copyright infringement, piracy, etc) very seriously.  Like most nations, the UAE is still grappling with legal questions that arise.  The system is not perfect; however, the government is taking the necessary steps to make the UAE internationally competitive in all industries.

 

Executive
Summary
Telecomm
Infrastructure
Liberalization
& Deregulation
Internet
Diffusion
Electronic
Commerce
Hardware
Manufacturing
Software
Development
IT Users
IT Labor
Market
IT
Geographics
IT
Financing
Government
Policies
Legal
Environment
Transborder
Data Flows
IT Strengths
& Weaknesses
Impacts on
Business
Sources
& Links
About the
Author
CIA World
Fact Book
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Impacts of National Information Technology Environments on Business
Kogod School of Business
The American University