PUBLISHED REPORTS

ISP Licensing Regimes in Seven Arab Countries: Comparative Regulatory Insights

SUMMARY:

In an era of accelerating digitalization, regulatory frameworks governing Internet Service Providers (“ISPs”) are pivotal in shaping national connectivity landscapes. These regulations influence key areas such as licensing procedures, infrastructure deployment, pricing models, and service quality benchmarks, directly affecting how ISPs operate within each country. Understanding these frameworks is essential for assessing regional trends, challenges, and opportunities in expanding digital access and fostering competitive ISP markets. Arab Advisors Group released a new report, “ISP Licensing Regimes in Seven Arab Countries: Comparative Regulatory Insights” in May 2025, which answers the following questions:

• • Who are the primary regulatory authorities overseeing Internet Service Providers (“ISPs”) in Algeria, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE? and what licensing regimes do they administer?
  • What type of license is needed to offer Internet services in each country?
  • How do ISP license durations, renewal conditions, and terms of validity vary across the countries under study?
  • What is the permitted scope of services under the terms of ISP licenses in each country, and how do these conditions shape market operations?
  • Which countries authorize ISPs to build and own their own network infrastructure, and where are they mandated to lease infrastructure from third parties under regulatory oversight?
  • What are the procedural requirements and evaluation criteria for obtaining an ISP license in each jurisdiction?
  • What financial obligations are imposed on ISPs in each country, including one-time licensing fees, annual payments, and revenue-sharing or contribution models?
  • What general regulatory obligations such as service quality, consumer protection, data retention, and reporting requirements are imposed on ISPs across the countries under review?