24-Mar-20, European Council on Foreign Relations
Countries in the Arab world have long failed to create enough jobs for their growing working-age populations. The socio-economic problems resulting from this have contributed to the violent conflicts and civil strife that continue to shake the region.
Image: Ashish Laddha
Many Arab countries have long depended on hydrocarbons, but increasing access to the internet could provide the foundation of a new economic future. As governments across the region roll out economic diversification strategies, its technology sector – and its tech-savvy, often unemployed young people – has the potential to transform the economy.
And there have already been successes in the Arab world’s technology sector. Ride-hailing app Careem and online marketplace Souq have put the Middle Eastern technology industry on the map for global investors.