Cisco, the worldwide leader in networking, announced recently that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia emerged as the leading adopter of Cisco technology across the world, posting 127% growth in 2006 up from 2005. The announcement highlights the Kingdom’s leadership as a technology adopter, placing it on the cutting edge of global networking technology. As a result, Cisco Saudi Arabia has been ranked the fastest growing region in the world. The growth achieved is also significantly higher than Cisco’s recorded growth rate of around 50% in the fiscal year 2004-2005.
This announcement, in combination with Cisco’s massive investment initiative of SAR 1 billion announced by John Chambers, Cisco President and CEO, during his visit to the Kingdom earlier this year, reinforces the company’s commitment to transform Saudi Arabia into the technology hub for the region.
Congratulating Cisco Saudi Arabia, Amr Al Dabbagh, Governor and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) said that Cisco’s achievement proves that leading international companies operating in the Kingdom are getting the right attention, support and business facilities from SAGIA in order to have successful investments in the country. “We are pleased to see companies like Cisco play an active role in supporting our drive to leverage the rapid economic growth of Saudi Arabia which is showing strength and a great potential.”
Dr. Badr Al-Badr, General Manager, Cisco Saudi Arabia, said that the company’s growth in KSA proves the leading role played by Saudi organizations in adopting innovative technologies and solutions. “This, coupled with our plans to invest and expand our presence in the region, positions Cisco as the ideal partner for Saudi organizations, helping them to be more innovative, efficient and productive.”
The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector has undergone massive transformation in Saudi Arabia in recent years, with global technology giants dedicated to enhancing competitiveness by pumping foreign investments and resources into the local market.
"Thanks to the direction of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, the ICT sector in KSA has become a driving force for competitveness," added Al-Badr. "Global organizations, like Cisco, have embraced this new transformation in Saudi Arabia, brining in global technology and thought leadership to be shared with local businesses and elevate competitveness to a new level."
In order to strengthen its growth in the region, Cisco has charted out a multi-pronged investment plan and strategy to be implemented over the next 5 years. The plan encompasses an overall increase in headcount of Cisco employees in Saudi Arabia from approx. 70 to 600 employees. The leading networking company is also to sponsor a Saudi technology innovation and entrepreneurship institute, research and development activities, labs and demonstration centers and an academic chair in entrepreneurship. Under Cisco’s plan, networking academies will be increased from 45 to 100 within 5 years.
Finally, NETVERSITY, Cisco Networking Academy program, will partner with public education organizations to provide advanced business and technical training to align Saudi youth with the needs of world-class employers.
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