Arabic.com Blog tag:arabic.com,2007:/blog/1 2007-01-04T02:24:07Z This blog is by Wael Doukmak, owner of Arabic.com. It is meant to cover all issues related to the Arabic Language, Arab People and Culture, etc. Movable Type 3.2ysb5-20051201 Saudi Arabia Information and Communication Technology Market tag:arabic.com,2006:/blog//1.2 2006-12-27T04:51:21Z 2007-01-04T02:24:07Z arabicblog A month ago I came back from a month long visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  The purpose of my visit was to study the "booming" Information & Communication Technology market.

I have to say that my experience was a very positive one.  I had a bsuy schedule.  I held meetings with people in government, academia and private sector.  I met with the commercial mission at the US embassy. 

This was an exploratory trip and at the end there is what I took away:

 There exists tremendous opportunity for IT professionals and IT firms to tap into this growing market.  Given my background as an ISP operator in the Southeast of the USA, I could identify three immediate areas of interest:

 

1- The government finally decided that telecommunication de-regulation is a good thing and has issued a RFA (Request for Application) for a fixed line operator to compete with the incumbent Saudi Telecom (STC).  Applications are due by January 27th (Unless an extension is granted).  Announcement of the winner(s) will follow shortly after.

 

2- The boom in telecommunication and the anticipated improvement that this will bring about in the area of Data lines certainly will create some interesting "new business" opportunities.  I think there will be a need (and an opportunity) for Data center operators, Managed Service Providers, System Integrators, etc.

3- Also, the anticipated increase in Internet penetration will create a huge need for "Web Content" that is relevant and localized.  

The trip certainly piqued my interest in the region and I am hoping to continue studying the market and will report later. 

]]> Why an Arabic.com Blog tag:arabic.com,2005:/blog//1.1 2005-12-18T01:27:02Z 2005-12-18T01:27:32Z arabicblog Good day,

 I have been thinking a lot lately about having a blog under my domain name Arabic.com.  Well, I guess the time has finally come.  Here it is thanks to my webhost, Yahoo and to its Publishing Platform Partner: MovableType.

 I am hoping to accomplish the following with this blog:

1- Allow a medium for the free exchange of information about the Arabic Language.

2- Allow a medium for the free exchange of information about the Arab People and Culture.

3- Share my thoughts and allow others to responsibly do so.  I will offer my thoughts as an Arab American about issues of general and relevant interest.

See you soon.  Next entry should be coming soon.

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