eXtra officials receive the award for its customer-centric approach. eXtra, Saudi Arabia's fastest-growing big box consumer electronics and home appliance retailer, has been recognized as "Innovator of the Year" by Symantec, the world's largest maker of security software for computers, best known for its Norton brand. Nader Hussein, Smart Products Services Manager, eXtra, collected the award at the Symantec Channel Excellence awards 2012, held in the Serdaal Balroom in Westin Mina Seyahi Hotel, Dubai. Symantec selected eXtra for the award based on the retail giant's partnership with Norton over the past three years, its success in driving the first white label solution for Norton Internet Security and PC Tools in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and in recognition of eXtra's customer-centric approach, as demonstrated by the consolidation of Norton's Internet Security and Virus Protection into its eXtra Shield service package. The package includes a comprehensive suite of solutions for all problems and difficulties that might face computer users, such as technical phone support for any operating system, program, fixed and wireless network, and Internet connection; remote 24/7 technical support via a PC; technical support and maintenance from certified and trained technicians available at Force 24/7 service centers located in all eXtra branches; in addition to many benefits and other services that provide computer users with peace of mind, anywhere and at any time. Mohammad Galal, Chief Executive Officer, United Electronics Company (eXtra), said: "We are delighted that our commitment to offering innovative value-added services has been recognized by Symantec through this award. From the very beginning, eXtra has been a company founded on innovation, and we remain totally committed to delivering products and services that meet the ever evolving requirements of our valued customers and partners." eXtra was recently voted by one of the Kingdom's leading economic newspapers as offering the "Best Retail Working Environment in the Kingdom." The company was also named as one of "The Top 200 Companies in the GCC" by Forbes Middle East, and also ranked as one of the Top 5 Services companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In both 2010 and 2011, eXtra was cited by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) as one of the Kingdom's fastest-growing companies. In addition, eXtra was also recently named as one of the Arabia 500 top companies in recognition of its exceptional growth and sustained commercial success. – SG
