Telecoms in the Middle East

As one of the biggest wealth generating regions on the planet over recent decades, parts of the Middle East have benefited from major infrastructure investments; however, because the region is also vast, many areas have fallen behind when it comes to adapting to new technologies in comparison with some other parts of the world.

Recently a full-scale telecommunications overhaul has been taking place in the Middle East. With a group of six Gulf States (The Gulf Cooperation Council or GCC) changing the communications abilities of the region beyond recognition. The GCC members, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Yemen and Saudi Arabia, initiated the installation of an inter-regional fiber optic network called FARAJ, which is ensuring telecoms will be future-proofed for many years to come.

Global business

It is no exaggeration to say the globalization of the world of commerce has been built on the worldwide communications network, the Internet. The fact that even SMEs in emerging economies can compete on the world stage by going online has leveled the playing field in so many ways. The process is a two-way street though, as entrepreneurs and businessmen around the world have played a large part in making sure everyone can benefit from new opportunities.

Prime example

A prime example of this can be found in the person of Ehsanollah Bayat, the founder of the Afghan Wireless Communication Company. Not only has Bayat made a significant contribution to his home country by setting up a stable telecommunications infrastructure, he has also introduced new systems and technologies, such as prepaid calling cards, and helped strengthen local economies by giving access to the wider global market.

Bayat has been rightly recognized for the ways he has improved the living standards of millions of people across several countries, receiving honors that include the prestigious 2010 Mahatma Ghandi Humanitarian Award.

Global village

In many ways the world really is getting smaller as more people in every region begin to have access to the advantages of Internet access. As well as sharing knowledge and information, business communities can come together irrespective of distance, and help, support and trade with each other.

A study by Accenture Development Partnerships in association with NetHope found that consumers in emerging markets are increasing in importance for businesses operating across the spectrum. Increased levels of connectivity as provided by the latest GCC initiatives in the Middle East, and the work of individuals such as Bayat, is giving businesses of all sizes the chance to gain access to a truly global marketplace.

Long standing problems facing companies that wish to grow in difficult circumstances, such as limited investment funding, small budgets and poorly trained workforces are becoming less important. Even the application of new forms of trusted payment systems based online are having significant effects and making currency exchange less of a hurdle for both buyers and sellers.

The way that all of this is continuing to interlink economies, countries and cultures can only be a good thing for a world which is becoming ever more interconnected (and more sustainability inclined) with each passing day.

The post The rise of telecom companies (and entrepreneurs) in the Middle East appeared first on Green Prophet.

In these days, when jet setting around the globe is becoming less popular due to environmental concerns, it’s worth remembering there are lots of fascinating destinations right here in the Middle East. Try a staycation!

Just a couple of hours on a plane can take you to cities full of breathtaking sights, fascinating historic buildings and museums full of treasures. These are some of the best. Most of these cities rely on tourism dollars. Supporting the local economy of these cities helps the locals build a more resilient and peaceful future for all.

Luxor

Built on the site of ancient Thebes on the banks of the Nile, and incorporating the temples of Karnak, this magnificent city is a place where you come face-to-face with the ancient world. It’s just a stone’s throw from the West Bank Necropolis, which is home to the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. As well as Ancient Egyptian ruins you can see relics of the Assyrians, Babylonians and Romans. The weather is dry and can get very hot, so the best time to visit is winter.

Dubai

A stunning modern city that has risen to become one of the world’s foremost business centers, Dubai is known for its amazing skyscrapers, including the sail-like Burj Khalifa. It may be expensive but if you appreciate luxury you’ll find it a fantastic place to shop. A city built on pearls and later on oil, it reflects its rich heritage not only in its modern architecture but also in its magnificent mosques. The climate is hot, humid and windy, so it’s best to visit in winter.

Riyadh

The Saudi Arabian capital is a fascinating combination of ancient and modern. It developed as an oasis settlement and you can still visit the Masmak fort that dates back to that era. The gates at Thumaira, Al-suwailen, Dukhna, Al-Madhbah and Shumaisi are well worth seeing, as are the city’s historic palaces. Towering over these are some of the Middle East’s most striking modern buildings, including the Kingdom Tower and the Al Faisallyah Centre. Riyadh has a great selection of vacation apartments and is another winter destination that is extremely hot in summer.

Nazareth

The center of Arab life in Israel, Nazareth is a city steeped in Roman, Byzantine and early Christian history, and it’s an intriguing place to explore. It also has some beautiful mosques, including the Masjid al-Abiad, the Masjid al-Salam and the Makam al-Nabi Sain Mosque. You can walk the Jesus Trail between Christian religious sites or visit the Islamic shrines of al-Sheikh Amer, Shihab e-Din and Nabi Sa’in. The climate is warm but comfortable between November and March.

Petra

No longer occupied but well worth visiting, the Rose City is truly without equal and has been described as a wonder of the world. Its magnificent public buildings overlook its royal tombs and a natural amphitheater where there are statues of ancient gods. It’s also not far from the Dead Sea, renowned for its therapeutic properties and remarkable to swim in. You’ll find plenty of accommodation in the nearby town of Wadi Musa. Visit in the middle on winter if you want to explore in comfort.

Abu Dhabi

The other great city of the Emirates, Abu Dhabi has some truly spectacular modern architecture, a glittering royal palace and the sumptuous Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which is built of white marble and decorated with gold and precious stones. It has more moisture available than other nearby cities and as a result it’s able to maintain some beautiful public gardens; it also has wonderful beaches. It’s best to visit between November and February. Sometimes fog rolls in off the sea at this time of year and adds to the sense of being somewhere magical.

With cities like this so close at hand, there really is no need to leave the Middle East to experience an amazing break.

The post 6 best Middle Eastern cities to visit for a staycation appeared first on Green Prophet.