Arabic.com Blog http://arabic.com/blog/ 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. en Copyright 2007 Tue, 26 Dec 2006 23:51:21 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=3.2ysb5-20051201 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Saudi Arabia Information and Communication Technology Market 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. 

]]> http://arabic.com/blog/2006/12/saudi_arabia_information_and_c.html http://arabic.com/blog/2006/12/saudi_arabia_information_and_c.html Tue, 26 Dec 2006 23:51:21 -0500 Why an Arabic.com Blog 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.

]]> http://arabic.com/blog/2005/12/why_an_arabiccom_blog.html http://arabic.com/blog/2005/12/why_an_arabiccom_blog.html Sat, 17 Dec 2005 20:27:02 -0500