National Transformation in the Middle East

ICT and Digital Transformation technologies have an increasingly significant role in enabling these plans, especially as they gain maturity and new applications are developed. It is estimated that every 20 percent increase in ICT investment results in an over 1 percent growth in a country’s GDP. Middle East government entities are expected to spend over US$15 billion in 2018 in Digital Transformation enabling technologies. Whilst even the most advanced countries in the region still lag behind other global economies in terms of Digital Government according to National ICT indices.

The paper deep dives into six key themes that are considered of high priority to local policymakers whilst providing global experiences for successfully undertaking Digital Transformation across these themes. It subsequently, provides a roadmap and recommendations for regional government agencies to help them overcome roadblocks in the digital journey and unlock opportunities.

While the study is based on Deloitte and Huawei research, international Digital Government surveys, interviews with regional governments and subject matter experts, we do not however presume that ours is the last word on any given topic: our intent is to catalyze discussions and positive developments in the area in the best interest of regional governments, businesses and civil society alike.