Internet penetration among Gulf states is unlikely to reach the levels in developed countries due to illiteracy and the number of unskilled workers who will not have access to the web, a report says.
This comes as mobile penetration continues to surge above 150 per cent on average in the GCC, although growth will slow due to market saturation, the report by the Madar Research Group shows.
A Gulf country with an illiteracy rate of 35 per cent will not have most of its population using the internet until technologies such as advanced voice recognition and video conferencing become widely used, said Abdul Kader Kamli, the president and research director of Madar Research Group.
The average internet penetration rate in the Arab world stood at 17.8 per cent last year, although it was almost 36 per cent in the GCC. The report did not break down specific country rates.
"It will never reach the level reached in developed countries such as Scandinavia," said Mr Kamli, the report's author.
"We visited some of the labour camps in Qatar and the UAE. About 60 per cent of the unskilled labourers use mobile devices but almost none of them use the internet. It will take a very long time to reach this level."
But Mr Kamli said internet use in the region would increase because of the popularity of social-networking websites such as Facebook, and blogs.
It will also benefit from Arabic translation services introduced by companies including Google and Yahoo.
"There will be growth in readership because blogs is a new channel for Arabic speakers and gives them more freedom to express themselves as it's not controlled by governments," Mr Kamli said.
Growth in mobile penetration rates will begin to slow to about 6 per cent over the next four years from 24 per cent last year.
To offset declining adoption, mobile operators will focus on providing new services to boost revenue, Mr Kamli said.
dgeorgecosh@thenational.ae
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
The Uefa Awards winners
Uefa Men's Player of the Year: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Uefa Women's Player of the Year: Lucy Bronze (Lyon)
Best players of the 2018/19 Uefa Champions League
Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool)
Defender: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong (Ajax)
Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Uefa President's Award: Eric Cantona
Match info
Athletic Bilbao 0
Real Madrid 1 (Ramos 73' pen)