Saudi digitization agenda key to boosting economic diversification

As governments and businesses around the world work to become more competitive in a globalized economy, Huawei—a leading global ICT solutions provider—has recently linked with organizations across Saudi Arabia to investigate the role that information and communication technologies (ICT) will play in fostering socio-economic development in the coming decade. 

These and similar discussions were held as part of the 9th edition of Gulf Competitiveness Forum (GCF) which took place in Riyadh, KSA, and to which Huawei was an official sponsor. Hosted by Saudi General Investment Authority (SAGIA), the annual form concluded last week and was attended by global business leaders, international political leaders and selected influencers who share a common interest in improving KSA’s economic competitiveness. 

As one of the official sponsors, Huawei underscored the importance of ICT advancement and its direct impact on a country’s economic and human development. Providing widespread access to today’s digital tools has been identified by SAGIA as a priority area that will bring forth economic transformation in the Kingdom. 

“The past few years have seen great progress within the Kingdom’s ICT sector with significant investments made in broadband infrastructure to connect systems, people and businesses in more rewarding ways,” notes Ramadan Ding, CEO of Huawei Saudi Arabia. “While many of us can now enjoy a world of amazing possibilities, there is still significant room for improvement as connectivity becomes an essential component to smarter cities and the knowledge-driven industries of tomorrow.” 

In line with the forum’s theme of “Competitive Sectors”, Huawei organized and led one of the main sessions—titled “Transforming into a Digital Kingdom”—investigating the role of ICT infrastructure in enhancing economy prosperity and diversification. Moderated by David Harmon, VP for Global Government Affairs at Huawei, the session articulated the growing importance of knowledge-transfer initiatives within KSA as well as the significant role of mobile broadband in helping to close the digital divide across the country.

For over 15 years Huawei has contributed to the development of Saudi Arabia’s ICT industry and ultimately building a better connected world. Earlier this year, the company signed a memorandum with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) intended to enable researchers at the institute to advance scientific innovation in the area of LTE and 5G mobile broadband. Knowledge-sharing partnerships have also been a hallmark of Huawei’s agenda within the Kingdom. In 2015 alone, Huawei launched a Joint Innovation Center together with Saudi Aramco and King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), as well as partnered with the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) to nurture young ICT talent through its flagship “Seeds for the Future” program.