newseditor Saudi Arabia is home to the Middle East’s most extensive Information and Communications Technology (ICT) market. It has a market value of nearly $32.1 billion in 2022. According to a TechSci report on “The Saudi Arabian Mobile Network ICT Infrastructure Services Market,” the sector is expected to increase significantly over the next five years due to the increasing use of technologically sophisticated internet-based services, artificial intelligence, and the emergence of smart cities in the nation. The report further noted that during the forecast period, 2023–2027, it is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 10.71%, reaching a market value of USD504.64 million by 2027.
Key Players Organizations in the Saudi Arabia’s ICT Sector
The following are the top players in Saudi Arabia’s ICT sector:
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT)
The role of MCIT is to ensure the creation of regulations governing the communication and information technology industry. MCIT is in charge of laying a digital groundwork that meets international standards. This, in turn, helps to increase the number of available technology-related jobs and the country’s gross domestic product.
Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC)
CITC focused on regulating and monitoring ICT and postal in Saudi Arabia. The CITC governs the Internet and maintains a firewall that denies access to hundreds of websites, primarily because of their sexual and political content. Additionally, CITC is willing to support the development and localization of the Kingdom’s IT & Tech industry in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program 2020.
Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA)
Saudi Arabia’s national data and AI agenda is managed by the SDAIA and its subsidiary organizations, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence, the National Data Management Office, and the National Information Center.
The primary mission of SDAIA is to promote and advance the data and artificial intelligence agenda in the Kingdom. Its objective is to elevate KSA globally to the elite tier of data-driven economies.
National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA)
The NCA has operational and regulatory responsibilities for cybersecurity and is directly answerable to the Royal Court. In line with Vision 2030, it collaborates closely with public and private organizations to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity posture to protect its vital interests, national security, crucial infrastructure, high-priority industries, and government services and activities.
NCA created a reference framework for cybersecurity for the Kingdom based on regional and global best practices, the most significant advancements and challenges in cybersecurity, and other factors of cybersecurity at the national level. Eighteen key cybersecurity components are included in this framework’s six themes, contributing to a more profound knowledge of the cyber Kingdom.
IBM
For many years, IBM has produced and sold both computer hardware and software. It also provides infrastructure, hosting, and consulting services in fields including mainframe computing and nanotechnology. IBM partners with Saudi Business Machines Ltd. (SBM) in Saudi Arabia for remarketing, distribution, and service.
Conclusion
With the current and prospective size of Saudi Arabia’s ICT sector, it is impossible to overlook the industry. The sector plays a massive role in the development of the Kingdom. By now, you know the key players in the industry.
