gitex technology week to boost saudi arabia’s dynamic ict industry into global spotlight
KSA Companies to Demonstrate Expertise in Middle East’s Booming ICT Market
Saudi Arabia’s leading ICT companies will converge at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK September 8-12 to demonstrate their technological innovation and connect with international brands looking to take part in one of the region’s most dynamic ICT markets.
Major economic reforms and diversification initiatives have paved the way for increased investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s knowledge sector, resulting in major advancements within the Kingdom’s buoyant ICT industry.
In addition, the Saudi Arabian government’s forward-thinking economic diversification strategy and record-breaking oil revenues have driven extensive development in a range of verticals, with significant investments being made in the country’s communications sector.
Plans for mega-projects such as Economic City have provided further incentives for global ICT companies to set up in the Kingdom, propelling foreign direct investment into a country many now see as a flourishing technology hub.
“The Saudi Arabian ICT market has witnessed major development over the past year and remains a major point of interest for exhibitors and trade visitors to GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre.
“As one of the region’s most competitive ICT markets, Saudi Arabia is producing a new breed of innovative technology companies, capable of tailoring their solutions to meet the needs of regional companies,” he added.
According to IDC, Saudi Arabia accounts for nearly 45% of IT spending in the GCC - prompting a growing number of regional and international companies to establish a Saudi market presence and pursue lucrative development opportunities in its buoyant ICT sector.
Much of this spending can be attributed to the rapid rise in demand for desktops, notebooks and mobile devices. In 2006 alone, the Kingdom’s desktop, notebook and software sales reached US$1 billion, fuelled by the spread of internet access across the Kingdom.
The shift towards knowledge-based industries will also represent major opportunities for a myriad of IT product and service firms, with local IT solution providers such as Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) looking at ways to further develop their lines of business.
GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK has been identified as one of the region’s key business platforms and AEC looks forward to their participation to promote the company’s offering and connect with international players seeking to enhance their market share in Saudi Arabia.
“We want to use the exhibition to show international companies that are interested in penetrating the Saudi electronics market why AEC would be their ideal local partner. We plan on achieving this by demonstrating our leading IT solution capabilities and in-depth market expertise in international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) and advanced manufacturing technologies,” said Dr. Ghassan AlShibl, President & CEO of AEC.
GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will provide an essential forum to demonstrate the latest products and services from the Saudi Arabian market, with the show’s new sector-focused format providing a value-added experience for exhibitors looking to access key international players and receive maximum exposure to the global market.
Saudi Arabian companies can also benefit from GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK Global Conference, which includes an important industry keynote presentation from conference platinum sponsor IBM, insightful seminars, conferences and networking sessions for the ICT industry to network and exchange ideas. Visitors from the KSA can also look forward to a host of cutting-edge displays and product launches from some of the biggest brand names in the global ICT industry.
GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will run from 8-12 September 2007 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) featuring three dedicated industry events: GITEX Business Solutions, GULFCOMMS and Consumer Electronics, and will be held in association with GITEX Shopper, which takes place from the 6-12 September 2007 at the Airport Expo Dubai.
