Middle East Internet usage touches 2000%

Access to the Internet has been expanding dramatically in the Middle East and North Africa over the past years. A new study by Euromonitor International provides some interesting general key indicators. The Middle East's Internet usage has grown a phenomenal 1,987 percent from 2000 to 2011 - the highest rate in the world. With almost 70 million Internet users and growing, the region is also witnessing a surge in malicious software and web-based attacks the region going directly to developing wireless technology with high bandwidth capability, instead of fixed network as developed countries did, immediately placing itself at an advantage. The interdependency of four industries, Telecom, IT, Media and Electronics, which has been going on for two decades, unified by the internet Mobile phone improvements and for mobile phone subscriptions to double to 600 million by 2010 from the current figure of 300 million. The young profile makes Internet users a promising consumer market as they are more likely to be influenced by global consumer trends. The dominance of Arabic is an advantage as it allows addressing a wide audience in many countries. Judging by blogs, Internet users seek primarily content relating closely to their country, rather than regional issues. Online retailing offers consumers greater choice and convenience. Internet retailing is developing rapidly in the region, especially in the small Gulf States such as Kuwait and UAE. From international brand megastores offering electronics and entertainment products, to family-owned sweet shops, businesses are expanding their online presence to capture the growing market. Governments across the region are investing in e-government. According to a United Nations survey, UAE, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Egypt all substantially improved their e-government services and their level of readiness was above the global average. While Middle East remains the fastest growth region in the world, the slowest growing region of the world is North America, with a 57% annual growth rate.