Public sectors in Gulf well placed to invest in IT

Rapidly growing populations and profits from the energy sector have left the public sectors in Gulf states better positioned than ever before to invest in world-class IT.

Education, healthcare, and e-government projects, are set for increases in IT expenditure over the next three years, according to industry experts.

One regional source said a single Ministry of Health project in Saudi Arabia was calling for bids over $130m (Dh477m) for IT solutions.

"The Gulf's public service organisations are in an ideal position to invest wisely for the long-term needs of their citizens," said Sergio Maccotta, Managing Director, SAP Middle East and Africa.

"But they face similar challenges to their private sector counterparts – cost pressures, increased public scrutiny, and rapid changes in policies and regulations," he added.