Intel CEO: technology, education investment vital to enhancing GCC prosperity

Speaking at the Madinat Jumeirah Convention Center today, Barrett told government leaders, education officials and business executives that digital technology is altering the global economic landscape.

"The pace of innovation is not slowing down, and business and government leaders around the world are quickly realizing that to be competitive, they must embrace ICT to fully participate in these new opportunities, said Barrett. "The GCC needs to invest in ICT as the next natural resource."

Barrett also urged the formation of programs that increase the number of PCs in homes, which will change the way business is conducted and how people live. He recommended that GCC leaders stimulate development of Arabic-focused content and user-interfaces to support locally relevant usage models and boost the PC penetration rate. Currently, only about one-third of the region's people use computers.

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Swaiyel, governor of the Communication and Information Technology Commission in Saudi Arabia, also joined Barrett during his speech. Intel's CEO complimented Saudi Arabia on its home computing initiative and Barrett urged GCC leaders to form similar programs throughout the region.

Barrett praised the UAE's leadership in deploying leading-edge technology to homes via sophisticated real estate development projects. He also commended the UAE's rapid deployment of e-government services as another way to sharpen the community's ICT skills.

The Intel CEO said that long-term economic growth depends on a well-educated and highly skilled workforce. He urged government leaders to use information technology to transform the process of education.

"Today's students will drive the technology innovation of tomorrow," said Barrett. "In the digital economy, developing 21st century skills leads to prosperity. The GCC can promote economic success by investing in math and science education and technology-based learning.

"Innovation is driving the global digital economy," added Barrett. "Intel plans to continue working with the region's government and industry to advocate policies, education and leading-edge technology integration that nurture the region's competitiveness."

Barrett will meet later today with the UAE Minister of Education HH Sheikh Nahyan to discuss how Intel and the UAE can work together to help the region's teachers integrate technology into their classrooms to enhance student learning.