Huawei launched its largest Middle East-based Innovation Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on July 31, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Bin Salem Al Ruwais, Governor of the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) and H.E. Li Huanxin, the Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
The Customer Solution innovation and Integration Experience Center (CSIC) was inaugurated on behalf of H.E. Dr. Majid Alkabassi, Minister of Commerce and Investment, by His Excellency's Advisor to Minister of Commerce and Investment, Governor of Small & Medium Enterprises General Authority Dr. Ghassan Alsulaiman.
With more than 1,200 square meters of floor space in Riyadh, CSIC will accelerate the digital transformation of the Saudi economy by providing an open ecosystem for innovation. The center will allow industry partners to experience, architect, validate and build solutions, verify new business models, customize applications and services to sectors such as utility, energy, transportation, education, government amongst others that support the transformation to a digital economy, bringing tremendous knowledge-based economy benefits.
"The launch of Huawei's CSIC in Riyadh is a step forward to support the Saudi V2030 vision and the digitization plan, which play a big role in diversifying the Kingdom's economy," said H.E. Dr. Alsulaiman commenting on the CSIC launch.
"Huawei is not only one of China's outstanding home-grown companies, but also the world's leading ICT company," said His Excellency Mr. Li Huaxin, the Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. "Huawei is a forerunner in enhancing the economic and trade cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia."
Huawei's advanced technology solutions have been widely used, he said, in various sectors and industries, making positive contributions not only to the development of the Saudi ICT sector but also to the development of the national economy.
"Today, we see that Huawei is actively pursuing social responsibility in order to support the vision of Saudi national innovation," said Huanxin. "The company is also training more ICT talent to further the transformation of the national economy. It is truly a very commendable step. The integration of Saudi 2030 vision and China's ‘belt and road' initiative will bring unlimited opportunities for business and cooperation between the two countries. I believe and hope that Huawei will continue to play a leading role in the kingdom."
"We are honored to have His Excellency inaugurate one of the largest CSIC for Huawei in the region," said Mr. Li Xiangyu (Space Lee), Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications, Huawei Middle East.
"This launch confirms our commitment to the Saudi people and supports the Kingdom's 2030 vision, which places great emphasis on innovation in the ICT sector. The center will provide both government entities and enterprises in Saudi Arabia with access to a world class facility and labs that enable them to experience the latest technologies and Huawei innovation first-hand. Huawei prides itself in successfully implementing experience gained from 170 markets around the world to guarantee the greatest benefit and value in Saudi Arabia."
On his part, H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Bin Salem Al Ruwais, Governor of CITC, extended thanks and appreciation to Huawei for establishing the Huawei Regional Customer Solution Innovation and Integration Experience Center and providing solutions in training for Saudis in the ICT sector, and strongly believes that ICT companies in Saudi Arabia play an important role in developing this vibrant sector.
In addition to catering to government and enterprise customers, the CSIC will play an active role in promoting innovation amongst youth as the center opens its doors to school and university students. Huawei and universities in Saudi Arabia will be organizing the ICT Skills and Innovation Competition, which aims to provide a stage for aspiring youth to showcase their ideas and concepts, with the winners enrolled in internship programs at Huawei.
