The Middle East

The IT sector in Oman looks set to continue expanding on the back of a sharp rise in broadband and mobile phone take-up, together with falling costs across several services. However, while competition in the industry remains fierce, Oman is still struggling to close the gap on a number of its regional neighbours that are edging the Sultanate when it comes to innovation.

A new free zone planned in Abu Dhabi could spur on further investment in the local economy.

Wastewater recycling initiatives are expected to play an important part in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to meet rising demand and maximise output, both of which are seen as key ingredients for driving forward the Kingdom’s economic expansion.

Despite a rebound in tourism revenues last year, the sector continues to face a difficult operating environment with both regional instability and the potential for increased government taxation weighing it down.

Kuwait has announced it is conducting studies into the viability of extracting shale gas from recently identified reserves, although any commercial operation will likely be many years off.

The emirate’s aviation authorities have floated a proposal to expand what is already one of the busiest airports in the world, looking to double the planned capacity of Dubai International Airport (DXB) as part of what could be a major shift in government policy.