Samsung seeks no. 1 position in Middle East and North Africa

Celebrating its growing success in the Middle East and North Africa, Samsung Electronics outlined its regional strategy and 2011 product portfolio at the second Samsung Regional Forum. Innovations in Internet-connected TVs, consumer-inspired digital cameras and the latest mobile technology, combined with plans for developing Samsung’s regional market presence, were laid out in the context of Samsung’s unifying principle – the Smarter Life.

Before a crowd of media and partners, Sung Yong Hong, president of Samsung Electronics Turkey, defined the pillars of Samsung’s Smarter Life philosophy: Smart Design – Creates intuitive designs that increase functionality for consumers, Smart Experiences – Provide a wide variety of applications, games and programming delivered on a broad range of platforms through bright and dynamic screens, and Smart Connections – Allow Samsung devices to automatically connect to each other, sharing content and enhancing user experiences.

SangSuk Roh, president of Samsung Electronics Levant, added, “We are aiming to gain the No. 1 position in all MENA countries through our focus on Smart TV, 3D, and home appliances. Within 2011, we’ll also continue to focus on high-end smart phones, new models with the latest features and applications.”

In 2010, Samsung achieved record sales of US$4.4 billion in the region, representing a 34 percent growth from stronger sales and improved partner relationships. This achievement contributed to the company’s global revenues of US$135.8 billion—the most successful in Samsung’s history.

“Additionally, with strong oil prices and increasing government investments, we expect the regional economy to continue improving and competition to be fierce in 2011,” Mr. Roh said. “Samsung will continue to look for opportunities to become stronger and more flexible as we compete for market leadership across product categories. Our goals are ambitious as we seek to become an ultra-premium and iconic brand that is preferred throughout the MENA Region.”

As the television becomes the centerpiece of technology in the living room, Samsung aims to strengthen and simplify its product features to create a connected, intuitive TV experience that entertains consumers. Samsung’s new narrow bezel design, flagship LED TV Series and its new Smart Hub feature employed across 2011 LED TV and Blu-ray products seamlessly accomplish this.

In addition to superior design features, Samsung has incorporated advanced Smart TV features to enhance consumers’ entertainment. Samsung’s Smart Hub is a simple menu system used to connect, discover and enjoy a wide range of content. Users can easily search for movies, shows and videos via connected devices, browse the Web from their TVs and access a wide variety of apps from Samsung Apps, the world’s first application store for the television. Samsung‘s 2011 TV premium series—above LED D5500 series and PDP D8000—will offer Smart TV features.

The Middle East and North Africa region will also see several other visual display and home entertainment innovations from Samsung this year including Blu-ray Players, Blu-ray Home Theater Systems, Accessories, and Displays. 

Samsung also unveiled an impressive lineup of digital cameras, camcorders and a family of interchangeable lenses, namely the NX series, SH100, ST700, and Q10 in recognition of what consumers want from their devices—to easily capture and share images on the spot.

Both the Q10 camcorder and Samsung’s premium camera range deliver Smart Experiences through an easy to use, touch-based user interface called Smart Touch UI. This interface, based on Samsung’s expertise in touch mobile phones, gives users the ability to drag, click and control ‘app-style’ icons, and easily flip through photos. 

Middle East and North Africa Forum attendees had the opportunity to explore Samsung’s new class of Android -based smart phones and tablets in the GALAXY family line, a powerful lineup exemplifying the Smarter Life in the areas of speed, screen and content.  The lineup is composed of the GALAXY S II, GALAXY Tab 10.1, and GALAXY Tab 8.9. 

In addition, five new members join the GALAXY family of smart phones, the GALAXY Ace, GALAXY Fit, GALAXY Gio, GALAXY mini, and GALAXY pro, each designed with a specific audience in mind. 

In the world of Digital Appliances, the Smarter Life is supported by Samsung‘s philosophy of Smart Thinking and its commitments to advancing the market through innovations in technology and energy efficiency.  The lineup includes the AW3 Series refrigerator, Eco bubble Series and Scout 2 washing machines, Navibot Silencio vacuum cleaner, OmniPro oven, and the P-Series and T-Series air conditioners.

Samsung’s expansion in IT Solutions products–including notebooks and printers–are on display at the Middle East and North Africa Forum, led by the Notebook Series 9, an ultra-premium offering that infuses chic design with advanced hardware for consumers who seek utility and sophistication.

Samsung is also involved in the MENA business community and society. In 2011, the company’s CSR programs across the region will come under the umbrella of Samsung Electronics’ global Hope for Children initiative. Programs such as Samsung IT Classroom, Samsung Dreams and Samsung 100 Students will be executed with the collective mission of providing the best tools and support for future generations.