CAD research the Middle East
CADinteractive has just completed a detailed research study into the online behavior of internet users across the Gulf and Levant regions.
The research involved Arabic and English users through surveys and telephone interviews, with over 1,200 respondents in total.
What drives the Middle East?
A wide range of trends were revealed and insights discovered with both local and expatriate web users. Of particular interest were the cultural sensitivities displayed for and against censorship. Whilst the uptake of key online services, that we in the West take for granted, is very low; often due to availability or lack of these services.
Whilst iTunes is the Standard in the West, it’s lack of presence and difficulty of licensing rights for music has left the Middle East without any alternatives, therefore online music usage is low; not for a lack of want.
Social networking also came in for a rough ride, with a strong cultural emphasis on such services being seen as time wasting. Although a great deal of comment was made on how these services could gainer more use through better understanding of the culture.
All in, we here at CAD have been impressed with what we have learnt and are eager to apply it to the future work of our clients in the Middle East.
To find out more about our global research services please contact Laura Farrant.