Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 95 | Page 21

NEWS

91 % respondents in Saudi Arabia view broadband as critical national infrastructure finds Cisco

Salman Faqeeh

Consumers in Saudi Arabia are rethinking what they rely on the Internet for , balancing anticipated demands for speed and reliability , with the intensifying needs of rising eco-consciousness , and the consumerisation of the Internet of Things , IoT connecting our devices , from smart cars to home appliances .

This has led to 91 % of respondents in Saudi Arabia to regard broadband as critical national infrastructure , like access to water and electricity – surpassing EMEA results . The latest Cisco Broadband Survey , which included 2,000 respondents from Saudi Arabia , has found that evolving consumer expectations will reshape the needs and economics of the Internet .
The carbon-cost of broadband connectivity is a top priority for consumers . Cisco ’ s Broadband Survey revealed that 65 % of consumers in Saudi Arabia are now concerned about the carbon footprint of their broadband , with young people aged 18 – 24 the most concerned , 73 %.
In addition , 92 % of overall respondents in the Saudi Arabia would be willing to pay more for sustainable broadband , with around a quarter prepared to pay a price premium of more than 20 %.
“ Our survey has confirmed that consumers in Saudi Arabia are increasingly aware of
the carbon footprints of technology ,” said Salman Faqeeh , Managing Director , Cisco Saudi Arabia .
In Saudi Arabia , more than half of Internet users primarily go online to use social media , 58 %, stream videos and , or play video games , 57 %, and to browse , read , or shop , 53 %. Of those planning to upgrade their service in the next year , 44 % will do so on the promise of even faster broadband .
Consumers in the Saudi Arabia are also beginning to embrace the shift toward a smarter digital life .
From smart lights , 29 % to home appliances , 30 %, respondents in Saudi Arabia are increasingly synchronising up a range of connected devices to run via their home Internet service , including more than half , 54 % currently connecting their home entertainment devices .

$ 64 billion contract value expected to be awarded to Saudi Arabia contractors tracks SCAVO

SCAVO , a partnership between Saudi Contractors Authority and Ventures Onsite , is an innovative online construction

intelligence platform that is set to transform the way construction projects are tracked and understood across the Saudi Arabia of Saudi Arabia , Saudi Arabia . with over $ 40 billion already awarded since January 2023 .
SCAVO is a comprehensive web-based platform that tracks projects in diverse sectors , including buildings , oil and gas , industrial , infrastructure , and power and water .
Positioned in the market with an unmatched industry scope and powerful tracking tools , SCAVO stands ready to empower construction industry professionals with actionable insights , real-time data , and market dynamics that will drive success .
SCAVO tracks over $ 1.5 Trillion worth of active construction projects in Saudi Arabia alone , and its coverage extends to wider Middle East and Africa markets .
As per contractor awards analysis by SCAVO , over $ 64 billion worth of contracts are expected to be awarded to contractors in 2023 in the Saudi Arabia
This platform ’ s full coverage ensures that users have access to the latest construction project updates , major players , trends , and developments within these industries , enabling them to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition .
At its core , SCAVO functions as a powerful lead generation tool , equipping organisations with the market and project intelligence needed to secure more construction contracts .
Its capabilities extend further by offering analytical and statistical tools that help users understand the construction market landscape . Users can monitor industry trends , assess competitors ’ activities , and gain valuable insights that guide strategic planning .
SCAVO is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of stakeholders , both directly and indirectly . The platform operates on a subscription-based model , providing indispensable value to contractors and subcontractors , consultants , project owners , project management companies and suppliers .
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