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.