Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 106 | Page 56

COUNTRY FOCUS : SAUDI ARABIA
NEOM , the Red Sea Project , and Qiddiya are not just massive in scale but also ambitious in their vision . These projects are reshaping the Saudi Arabian landscape while nurturing the development of skilled Saudi professionals and experts in various disciplines .
Barry Lewis , CEO at ALEC highlights an often overlooked but critical advantage , which is the long-term benefits to the Saudi workforce . Over the last two years , ALEC a regional construction leader , has invested in establishing offices , warehouses , and production facilities across the Saudi Arabia .
Mamdouh Al Olayan , Country Manager Saudi
Arabia , Software AG
Partnering with local firms such as SAUDICO and El Seif , ALEC is working to develop some of the country ’ s most prestigious projects including Diriyah Gate , and Qiddiya Water
Park and Speed Park .
Software AG ’ s is present in Saudi Arabia since the last ten years . The vendor has a team of 70 + employees , and services 106 active clients in the country covering various sectors and 200 + Prospects .
“ At Software AG in Saudi Arabia , the focus is to reiterate the need for a robust digital backbone that enables businesses to remove complexities and build sustainable business models driving transformational growth . In Saudi Arabia , this is facilitated by a suite of solutions that includes Super IPaaS , IoT and Analytics , and business transformation to facilitate smart connected enterprises ,” says Software AG ’ s Al Olayan .
Software AG ’ s OEM agreement with Rootware , utilising Software AG ’ s integration and API management capabilities , revolutionizes the financial sector with a payment gateway . Additionally , Software AG ’ s strategic alliance with iot squared – a joint venture between Saudi Arabia ’ s Public Investment Fund and stc Group , underscores Software AG ’ s dedication to fostering an IoT ecosystem that supports businesses in their IoT adoption journey . Software AG ’ s collaboration with IBTech on the Public Safety Platform showcases commitment to integrating Software AGs IoT Technologies .
Building on Software AG ’ s successful associations with companies like CITC , stc , Ministry of Tourism , Public Transport company , Software AG ’ s aim is to further contribute to development in line with the country ’ s aspirations .
Mega projects
Saudi Arabia ' s Vision 2030 is propelling the country through a construction boom . Giga projects like
“ In the current phase , the investments announced by the government have given incentive for the inflow of top talent to the Saudi Arabia . Projects such as the Line and Trojena in Neom , which aims to revolutionise urban dwelling , and Al Ula , which honours timeless traditions , are pushing the boundaries of what is possible ,” says ALEC ’ s Lewis .
These landmark projects offer construction pioneers the opportunity to actively shape the future of the industry . Recognising the potential and significance of these projects , organisations such as ALEC are investing in expanding their footprint in the Saudi Arabia . “ Operational expansion is complimented by implementation of the industry ’ s highest standards and utilisation of the latest technologies and methodologies ,” indicates ALEC ’ s Lewis .
Saudi nationals working in the construction sector have an opportunity to ramp up their skills under the mentorship of world leaders .
“ These professionals are positioned to be actively involved in the implementation of industry best practices . And because so many of these mega projects are breaking new ground for the sector , these Saudi nationals will have the opportunity to gain expertise on construction paradigms that have not been implemented anywhere else in the world ,” says ALEC ’ s Lewis .
The challenges currently being tackled by the ambitious undertakings in Saudi Arabia are of global relevance – forward-focused urban planning , ecoconscious design , sustainable construction , largescale project management , the utilisation of cutting-
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