MUSLIMS in the Middle East are gearing up for what could be the most mobile-enabled Ramadan yet. The region is embracing mobility in record numbers, pushing smartphones and tablets into the limelight as crucial organizational and awareness-raising tools when the holy month commences. “Mobile technology is clearly more widely available and important in the region this year, and it will undoubtedly make its influence felt throughout Ramadan,” said David Gorodyansky, CEO and founder of Internet privacy and security pioneers AnchorFree. “Ramadan requires a huge amount of coordination, which can be now be supported by an unprecedented galaxy of apps. What's more, smartphones and tablets can add a powerful new dimension to the ability to share experiences with friends and family both near and far throughout the holy month. Interestingly, the proliferation of visually-appealing, user-friendly apps is also proving a compelling way for non-Muslims to learn about the significance of the occasion.”
Eight million new subscribers signed up to Middle Eastern telecom operators during Q1 2013, according Ericsson's recently published Mobility Report. – SG
