ICT
From The Report: Saudi Arabia 2022
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Saudi Arabia’s ICT sector is primed for considerable expansion in the coming years as digital technologies become ever-more central to cross-sectoral operations and performance. Recently, the government has made significant financial and time savings after successfully shifting many internal processes and public services online, raising efficiency, productivity and coordination across and between its various ministries. Multiple government bodies have been formed over the past decade to oversee the progressive integration of disruptive digital innovations into daily life, with notable expansion in the e-banking and e-commerce spaces signalling an increased public appreciation of and familiarity with electronic processes.

This chapter contains interviews with Osama Al Dosary, CEO, Salam; and Omer Alnomany, CEO, solutions by stc.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

New possibilities: Large-scale digital economy initiatives, robust infrastructure and prudent legislation drive the economy’s growth
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The ICT sector is primed for considerable expansion in the coming years as digital technologies become increasingly central to cross-sectoral operations and performance. Recently, the government has made significant financial and time savings after successfully shifting many internal processes and public services online, raising efficiency, productivity and coordination across and between its various ministries. Multiple government bodies have been formed over the past decade to oversee the progressive…

Analysis

Talking shop: A robust regulatory framework, developed infrastructure and an active consumer base are facilitating expansion in the sector
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In the last two decades e-commerce has transformed the global retail sector. The adoption of e-commerce accelerated further at the beginning of 2020 due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many customers switched to safer and more convenient digital shopping channels. “The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated e-commerce adoption in the region, and this carries profound implications for the way marketing is conducted, with social media marketing booming as a result,” Krishan Chutani, CEO of Darbur…

Interview

Bridging the divide: Osama Al Dosary, CEO, Salam, on bolstering network coverage through focused investment strategies
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Interview:Osama Al Dosary To what extent has the Covid-19 pandemic affected the deployment of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband infrastructure in Saudi Arabia? OSAMA AL DOSARY: As part of the Vision 2030, the National Transformation Programme aimed to increase fibre broadband coverage to reach 3.5m households by 2020. Three telecoms operators – Dawiyat, stc and Salam – partnered with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to achieve this sizable undertaking. However,…

Interview

Enabling evolution: Omer Alnomany, CEO, solutions by stc, on opportunities to enhance the Kingdom’s regional status as an ICT powerhouse
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Interview:Omer Alnomany In what ways can the local ICT sector accelerate Saudi Arabia’s post-pandemic recovery? OMER ALNOMANY: Every crisis offers an opportunity, and the Covid-19 pandemic was no different. We are emerging stronger from it, thanks to positive developments in the ICT market, including in terms of digital solutions. IT spending has increased across the economy as the importance of digitalisation has become apparent. The pandemic had a significant global impact, but we are emerging…

Analysis

Plugged in: The widespread rollout of 5G is unlocking productivity gains
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With connectivity widely recognised as a key driver of the post-Covid-19 economic recovery, GCC countries are poised to expand their 5G networks. 5G in the GCC The UAE unveiled its Industry 4.0 initiative in October 2021 to increase innovation and productivity, lower the industrial sector’s carbon footprint and add some $6.8bn to the economy by 2031. The programme is a cornerstone of the government’s roadmap to ensure that the economy remains dynamic over the next half century. The plan will…

Analysis

The competitive edge: Harnessing artificial intelligence to bolster economies while strengthening sustainability
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As part of ongoing efforts to diversify their economies and build a platform for sustainable future growth, MENA nations are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI). A slew of recent investment and initiatives – primarily in academia and the government, but also in the private sector – has reinvigorated interest from industry leaders around the globe in the potential for AI to strengthen the efficiency and sustainability of MENA economies. AI could bring about an additional $320bn…