Gulf Telecom Sector Boosts

Gulf states stand out in regional ICT subscriptions, but data shows there is still tremendous scope for greater broadband and Internet penetration across the region.

Gulf citizens have surpassed most of their global counterparts in fixed and telecom subscriptions, but still lag behind in broadband penetration, according to the latest data from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the global telecom association.

The UAE had the highest penetration in Middle East North Africa in fixed line subscriptions, and was ranked 17th globally. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, led mobile subscriptions with nearly two mobile lines for each citizen.

Bahrain, however, was the surprise leader in regional broadband penetration, with nearly 14% of the population subscribed to the high end network.

Not to be left behind, Qatar led the Internet penetration with nearly 86% of the population able to access the web.

Zawya