Reportage
In episode two of this investigation, our ex-
perts continue to analyze reasons for ab-
sence of Arab apps from the most down-
loaded apps list. Experts seek to bridge
the gap betweenArab and non-Arab apps.
First, Eng. Maher Al Mulla, Project Man-
ager M-Government, telecommunica-
tions Regulatory Authority (TRA) objects
to the phrasing of the question “when will
there be most downloaded Arab apps?”
He states the question is too general.
He adds that upon investigating the most
downloaded apps, we have to specify the
country because he believes that no Arab
app can be among the most downloaded
apps in the United States for instances cit-
ing that the number and group of target
audience differ. Therefore, it is hard for an
Arab app to rank among the top twenty
apps worldwide.
There are many Arab apps, some are suc-
cessful and some need thorough revamp-
ing. When we compare between the most
downloaded apps on Apple store in say
the United Kingdom and the UAE, we will
find a huge difference. Apps that provide
users with services inside their own coun-
try are on the most downloaded apps list.
Therefore, Al Mulla believes that the most
downloaded apps questions involves
many details that must be taken into con-
sideration when conducting in-depth re-
search.
He points out another issue namely the
developers’ culture. He indicated that by
comparing between Arab and US devel-
opers for instance, we will find a huge
difference and variety between the in-
frastructure and acquired culture. For
example, US Silicon Valley provides
developers with vast resources,
which contributed in creating an
innovative environment. With the
exception to the UAE, which
came a long way in providing
smart services and infrastruc-
ture that encourages innovation
and creativity, other Arab coun-
tries do not have infrastruc-
ture that motivates innovative
ideas. The existing apps are
only individual efforts.
Al Mulla points out that in the
Arab world, we lack sites that
assess Arab apps and technol-
ogy effectively. These sites are only
Technology experts discuss reasons for lack of most downloaded Arab apps
When will there be most downloaded
Arab apps?
m
Gov continues seeking an answer to its question: When will there be most down-
loaded Arab apps? There is no doubt that the significant rise in smartphone
usage in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, corresponds to an increase in app
downloads and usage. Users in the Middle East are increasingly using entertain-
ment apps (movies and music), social media, news, travel and business apps on their
smartphones on a daily basis. This calls for the development of Arab apps that keep
par with international standards.
By: Mohamed Munir
0,01% of apps
achieve financial
success in 2018
