Cisco Saudi Arabia is the fastest growing region in the world

The announcement highlights the Kingdom's leadership as a technology adopter, placing it on the cutting edge of global networking technology. As a result, Cisco Saudi Arabia has been ranked the fastest growing region in the world.

This announcement, in combination with Cisco's massive investment initiative of SAR 1 billion announced by John Chambers, Cisco President and CEO, during his visit to the Kingdom earlier this year, reinforces the company's commitment to transform Saudi Arabia into the technology hub for the region.

His Excellency Amr Al Dabbagh, Governor of Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), congratulated Cisco on its achievement which proves, as he said, that leading international companies operating in the Kingdom are getting the right attention, support and business facilities from SAGIA in order to have successful investments in the country. "We are pleased to see companies like Cisco play an active role in promoting the economic competitiveness which leverages the rapid economic growth of Saudi Arabia which is showing strength and a great potential," added Al-Dabbagh.

Dr. Badr Al-Badr, General Manager, Cisco Saudi Arabia, said that the company's growth in KSA proves the leading role played by Saudi organizations in adopting innovative technologies and solutions. "This, coupled with our plans to invest and expand our presence in the region, positions Cisco as the ideal partner for Saudi organizations, helping them to be more innovative, efficient and productive." Dr. Albadr commended SAGIA for sponsoring Cisco's SAR 1 billion investment initiative in the Kingdom.

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector enhances Saudi Arabia's competitiveness leading to higher levels of efficiency and productivity which result in attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI) to the country. "This sector has become a driving force for competitiveness in KSA," added Dr. Al-Badr. "Global organizations, like Cisco, have embraced this new transformation in Saudi Arabia, brining in global technology and thought leadership to be shared with local businesses and elevate competitiveness to a new level."

In order to strengthen its growth in the region, Cisco has charted out a multi-pronged investment plan and strategy to be implemented over the next 5 years. The plan encompasses an overall increase in headcount of Cisco employees in Saudi Arabia from approx. 70 to 600 employees. The leading networking company is also to sponsor a Saudi technology innovation and entrepreneurship institute, research and development activities, labs and demonstration centers and an academic chair in entrepreneurship. Under Cisco's plan, networking academies will be increased from 45 to 150 within 5 years.

Finally, NETVERSITY, Cisco Networking Academy program, will partner with public education organizations to provide advanced business and technical training to align Saudi youth with the needs of world-class employers.