Title: E-commerce evolution: a Gulf region review

Authors: Khalid W. Alrawi, Khaled A. Sabry

Addresses: Al-Ain University, Al-Ain, P.O. Box 64141, United Arab Emirates. ' Al-Ain University, Al-Ain, P.O. Box 64141, United Arab Emirates

Abstract: E-commerce has become a priority for many corporations since it is seen as a way to overcome many obstacles of the traditional distribution channels. To date, however, and despite the fact that e-commerce is likely to have far-reaching implications for the international market, only a few studies have explored e-commerce growth in the Gulf region from an international perspective. This paper reviews and examines some of the problems that e-commerce faces through looking at internal and external factors. The review shows that there is great potential for e-commerce in the Gulf region that needs attention from different disciplines and sectors. The paper concludes with a discussion of the possible factors that may contribute to e-commerce success in the region, including but not limited to government support, trust-related issues, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure and Information Technology (IT) skills development.

Keywords: e-commerce evolution; information systems; ICT development; Gulf region; information technology; electronic commerce; government support; trust; ICT infrastructure; IT skills.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIS.2009.025204

International Journal of Business Information Systems, 2009 Vol.4 No.5, pp.509 - 526

Published online: 16 May 2009 *

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