Itqan enters into strategic relationship with Capgemini

This strategic relationship will accentuate Itqan's market expertise and Capgemini's global best practices to explore the growing IT needs for firms operating in the Middle East.

To mark the beginning of this collaboration, Itqan and Capgemini India have organized an event in Abu Dhabi to discuss the development of IT solutions and software market in the region, and the latest systems and electronic solutions that can provide a competitive edge to businesses in the region. The event will be attended by top industry experts and is conducted under the patronage of the General Information Authority (GIA) and is taking place at Hilton International Abu Dhabi (Liwa Ballroom) on Monday November 24th, at 9:00 a.m - 14.30 Arabian Standard Time.

"This forum, which marks a strategic relationship between Itqan and Capgemini India, will contribute to the development of the sector by providing best international practices in the sector for public and private institutions in the UAE," commented H.E Salem Khamis Al Shaér, GIA's general manager.

"The authority is currently working on an ambitious plan for utilizing programs and supporting software developers, and creating a strategic relationship between industry players, by adapting international experiences to local needs," he added.

GIA has been working on plans aimed at supporting the private sector in the UAE by providing the latest programs required by modern systems, and the new strategic relationship between Itqan and Capgemini India has arisen to serve these ambitious targets.

Mansour Al Alami, the Managing Director at Al Bawardi Enterprises, represented in this agreement through its affiliate, Itqan, explained, "This collaboration with Capgemini will add an international angle to Itqan's portfolio of services, allowing the company invaluable diverse skills, expertise and resources to satisfy all the needs of private and public institutions."

"With the Middle East region growing in significance in terms of IT investments, this strategic relationship with Itqan marks the beginning of a new era for Capgemini in the Middle East. Itqan's immense knowledge and understanding of the local market, when combined with our proven global expertise, will enable the alliance to create a significant differentiator in the region and build the necessary momentum in one of the fastest growing IT markets in the world," said Salil Parekh, Head of Financial Services, India and Asia Pacific's SBU, Capgemini.

Feras Al Jabi, Itqan's General Manager, said:

This strategic collaboration will equip Itqan with a technological edge and reach through the diverse and sophisticated solutions already offered by Capgemini in 36 countries. "In 2007, Capgemini recorded more than EUR8.7bn in revenue, capitalizing on its international exposure by providing solutions for leading international players, such as Microsoft, Oracle and SAP."

"The new alliance gives us an advantage in handling mega projects by providing integrated systems and solutions adapted to the specific needs of the local and regional client, especially in the fields of energy, public sector, healthcare, education, and telecommunications," he added.