RIYADH: The desire of Saudi Arabia's youth for hi-tech gadgets is one of the key factors behind the unparalleled growth of the Kingdom's information technology (IT) sector, which is set to reach SR17 billion by 2014, said a high ranking official of the Riyadh Exhibition Center (REC). Mohammed Al-Hussaini, REC Deputy General Manager, said the Kingdom's IT sector is driven by key factors such as the huge investment in the public and private sectors, the robust national economy and the increasing demand for IT products and services due to the nature of the Saudi population, who are relying more on these gadgets than ever before. “There has been a high demand for IT products and services predominantly by the young and tech-savvy Saudi population. The commissioning of a number of major IT projects in both the public and private sectors and the unhampered growth in the national economy are factors contributing to the confidence in the Saudi IT market and investment opportunities,” he said. Al-Hussaini said REC is preparing to organize GITEX Saudi Arabia 2011 – the 10th International Information Technology Exhibition from May 16 to 19 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. It will serve as a platform to cater to the growing IT needs in the country. He said GITEX Saudi Arabia/Saudi Communications 2010 recorded over 100,000 visitors and had more than 450 exhibitors. “This year's edition is expected to witness bigger figures as it offers more technologies for enhancing businesses and optimizing performance,” he said. He said the Kingdom's IT market, the biggest in the Middle East, was valued at SR12.4 billion in 2010 and is expected to reach SR17.25 billion by 2014. The Kingdom will continue to offer lucrative opportunities for IT products and services despite the downturn due to its focus on IT and communications infrastructure upgrades, he said. “Saudi Arabia has been one of the most resilient IT markets during the downturn and yet still offers numerous opportunities,” he added. He said GITEX Saudi Arabia 2011, organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), will gather exhibitors from the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and Asia. GITEX Saudi Arabia 2011 will run concurrently with Saudi Communications 2011, the 13th International Telecommunications Exhibition, certified by UFI - The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and Computer Shopper 2011, the 10th Computer Shopper Exhibition. “GITEX Saudi Arabia 2011 will serve as Saudi Arabia's top platform for engaging buyers and decision makers, displaying the latest IT technologies, and consolidating local and Middle Eastern IT business prospects,” he said. GITEX Saudi Arabia will show local, regional and international players and investors how to tap the potential of the Saudi IT sector and contribute to its sustained growth, he said. The back-to-back shows will display ICT products, services and systems, telecommunications equipment; networking and IT solutions and software; office automation; the latest personal computers and laptops, mobile phones, multimedia devices and digital products. They will also feature technology-enabled educational and entertainment devices.
