ICDL GCC Foundation, the regional arm of the ECDL Foundation and the governing body of the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) programme in the Gulf region, has reinforced its commitment to continue to support the widespread of digital literacy and into remote areas in the Gulf countries as increasing number of individuals are enrolling in the ICDL programme.
Read more: ICDL IT literacy programme stretches to the remote areas in the Gulf region
Spending on IT in the Gulf States (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar) exceeded US$4.08 billion in 2004. Over the next few years, according to a recent IDC study,
Economic diversification and various e-government initiatives will drive the IT markets of the region, with finance, communications and manufacturing verticals investing heavily in IT, as they fight to increase their customer base and streamline operations, says global research firm IDC. By 2008, IT spending in the region should top US$5.85 billion.