Increased Government Spending Fuels Kingdom’s IT Demand

Saudi IT Spend in 2011 Could Pass USD 6.4 Billion, Says Global Consultancy

Mobilk - Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – 15 August 2011 - Saudi government IT spending on infrastructure and security, particularly in the areas of communication and education, could push the total amount the Kingdom spends on IT hardware, software, and related services pass the USD 6.4 billion mark, according to IT consultancy, International Data Corporation (IDC).

Springboard Research, a leading technology research company, earlier this year reported that public sector IT spending in the Kingdom alone, is growing so quickly that it will likely hit USD 2.4 billion in 2013, up from around USD 1.6 billion in 2009, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.9 percent.

“Liberalisation of the telecommunications sector and increasing demand for Internet connectivity across different verticals are the two main drivers fuelling Saudi Arabia’s IT industry growth,” said Trixee Loh, SVP, World Trade Centre, organiser of the event.

 

“Research tells us that Saudi Arabia maintains one of the world’s fastest growing markets for safety and security solutions, equipment, and systems, as just one example. The Kingdom has invested billions of dollars to upgrade and increase security measures in cities, industrial installations, financial institutions, transportation infrastructure, and utility plants.”

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) regions leading technology event, and one of the three largest ICT exhibitions in the world, as it connects more than 136,000 industry professionals from five continents with over 3,500 suppliers, and is one of the most influential and high-profile events in the global ICT sector today.

“With today’s demand for instant access to the web and reliance on broadband connections, globally the trend has moved towards a ‘need-it-fast’ and ‘need-it-now’ environment. For companies like us, GITEX allows us to showcase our technology not only regionally but globally as delegates will be attending from all over the world. GITEX gives us a platform to introduce FONS International as one of the best solutions to meet the demands of an evolving technology landscape, and gives us the opportunity to share and highlight our projects with visitors and potential customers, allowing us to assure our marketing strategy and continue to expand globally,” commented, Abdulrahman Al Jenaidel, General Manager, Saudi FONS International Telecom Equipment Trading.

Ziad H. Al-Musallam, Engineering and Design Director of Saudi-based Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) said: “Our Telecommunication System Business Unit plays a major role in supporting Saudi local telecom requirements for systems development, manufacturing and system capabilities, repair and maintenance, telecom consultation services and other value added services.  GITEX is an excellent platform to demonstrate our products and services to our customers and international OEM’s.” 

Now in its 31st year, GITEX Technology Week is introducing a host of new features which are expected to appeal to Saudi visitors to the world’s third-largest ICT exhibition and conference, with the number of Saudi exhibitors doubling from 2010.

 

The brand new CyberSecurity @ GITEX edutainment feature will offer presentations on cybercrime awareness, as well as live demonstrations providing visitors practical advice on how to defend against attacks across a variety of platforms.

 

Also new to GITEX 2011, GITEX Digital Marketing offer Saudi visitors an opportunity to assess, evaluate, and better understand the full potential of what is becoming an essential business tool, while the GITEX Card Technology feature will highlight one of the most rapidly developing ICT sectors, smart cards.

 

The popular GITEX Mobile, Apps & Content World feature returns in 2011 with an even stronger and more comprehensive presence, as does the Government @ GITEX feature which provides an essential public sector element from which Saudi visitors are sure to benefit.

 

The ever-popular 2011 GITEX Conference programme includes: the Global Leaders Summit; the GITEX Telecoms Symposium, and the annual GITEX Cloud Confex.

 

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK runs from 9 - 13 October 2011 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.