How the Middle East is Bridging the Gap with Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley is known as the gold standard for technology but companies in the Middle East are turning the tide. Several companies there are starting to bridge the gap by improving the links to Silicon Valley companies.
Silicon Valley does not have a monopoly on IT because there is nothing special about that geographical area. However, there is a high concentration of talent there, which creates a recipe for success. The Middle East is creating pools of their own talent to compete with Silicon Valley and spread the best IT companies around the world. Continue reading for a list of noteworthy IT companies in the Middle East.
Fetcher
On demand deliver via an app is a great innovation from Silicon Valley companies – especially when you introduce blockchain technology to the equation. The kind of technology that cryptocurrencies use and you can learn about them if you click here. Fetcher is the Middle East version that’s packed with rich features enabling customers to quickly get their parcels delivered and at a fair price.
It’s a 6-year-old start up that has dominated the delivery marketplace and customers love the simplicity. The app is setup to provide great delivery directions to a location that lack a formal address.
Careem
This is a ride hailing app that was started by 2 guys in 2012. They are now serving customers in Pakistan and Turkey with a vision to expand further. Ride sharing apps are one of the most popular smartphone accessories to come out of Silicon Valley and this Middle East company has come up with their own version.
It works by the same principles as apps like Uber. You search for a driver with the app and they pick you up. The simplicity means that people have fast and convenient access to a taxi service.
SouQ.com
Amazon might be taking over the world with eCommerce sales, but Souq.com is their version in the Middle East. The platform is a secure marketplace for entrepreneurs and customers alike. The number of transactions is growing.
They actually formed an alliance with Amazon back in March 2017, which means they have close ties with the Silicon Valley approach. The marketplace is seeking to expand all over the Middle East and users love the convenience.
Final Thoughts
As the IT services and infrastructure improve worldwide, the number of traditionally viewed companies, like from Silicon Valley, will increase in the Middle East. There is a big gap in the market right now for various services in the Middle East and entrepreneurs are taking advantage of the demand.
There is no need to review the wheel with these services. One can look at the innovation in Silicon Valley and create a similar version at the other side of the globe. Eventually, the playing field with IT services might be spread more evenly and it could reduce the technological gap.
