Qatar among top 10 app developers in Gulf, says Strategy& Middle East

Qatar among top 10 app developers in Gulf, says Strategy& Middle East

Qatar is one among the top 10 improvers in terms of growth in the number of apps published; suggesting that local output in the Gulf region’s digital innovation is increasing rapidly, according to a report of Strategy& Middle East.

Qatar witnessed the highest growth of 41% in the number of apps published between 2010 and 2018 and was ranked second, said the report, quoting App Annie data.

"Three GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) countries — Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia — are among the top 10 improvers in terms of growth in number of apps published," the report said, adding the GCC economies could add between $138bn and $255bn to regional gross domestic product (GDP), depending upon how far they advanced.

As per the App Annie data, the UAE was in the third position with it reporting 37% growth in the number of apps published during the review period and Saudi Arabia ranked ninth with 24% growth.

Finding that the GCC countries have recorded strong digital sector growth over the last decade, the report said the GCC countries now need to take vigorous policy actions if they are to move from being mostly adopters of digital technologies to becoming disruptors hosting powerful local companies,