Saudi Arabia sees strategic transformation in CIT sector: Zain KSA CEO

Sultan A. AlDeghaither, CEO of Zain KSA

Mobile Telecommunication Co. Saudi Arabia (Zain KSA) signed a framework agreement today, March 5, to launch a number of large-scale qualitative data centers, with the aim of contributing to transforming the Kingdom into a leading digital economy by strengthening its readiness and ability to keep pace with the latest developments in the IT sector.

"We are living in an era of strategic transformation in the communications and information technology sector in the Kingdom, and we believe that the Kingdom is set to become a leading technological power in the region and a hub for attracting distinguished investments in the digital services sector and the heart of digital content in the region and the whole world," said CEO Sultan A. AlDeghaither.

He stressed the importance of cooperation between major national companies in supporting and achieving sustainable growth of the economy, indicating that the Shareek program is the ideal umbrella for major national companies to spur partnership with the public sector and integration between the two sectors.

AlDeghaither further said that his company is fully aware of the significance and role of the telecommunications and digital services sector in reinforcing the Kingdom's leadership and raising its development indicators globally, in addition to its role as a major enabler in embodying the three pivots of Saudi Vision 2030, namely achieving a prosperous digital economy that contributes to diversifying sources of income and creating job opportunities; forming a vibrant society by strengthening the capabilities of digital services and accelerating access to the Internet; and creating an ambitious nation for the Kingdom to be a global hub for technical and innovative investment.

Shareek program recently announced the first wave of supported projects for eight companies, at a value of SAR 192.4 billion, to enable 12 projects for the private sector across four vital sectors, according to Argaam's data.