Home to 55 percent of the region’s largest telecommunications markets and expected to create over 25,000 internet-related jobs by 2023, Saudi Arabia’s digital landscape is growing. Amjad Al Omar, General Manager of Sariya Information Technology, a leading provider of value-added digital services and solutions, explains how the company is ideally placed to benefit.
A NEW PERSPECTIVE
Boasting the largest and fastest-growing information and communication technologies (ICT) market in the Middle East, and attracting global interest from multinational providers, Saudi Arabia’s digital services sector continues to boom.
“The ICT and digital services sectors in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East are both fascinating and demanding, propelled by lofty aspirations, technological developments, and a dedication to digital transformation,” opens Amjad Al Omar, General Manager of Sariya Information Technology (Sariya IT).
Established in 2002, Sariya IT is motivated by its commitment to providing a different perspective on digital distribution services.
As a member of the Al Kuhaimi Group, a multidisciplinary national organisation, Sariya IT oversees two central businesses: Sariya Distribution, which continues its heritage of excellence by offering fast distribution and value-added services to address the changing needs of businesses in the digital arena, and SINAM International IT, which specialises in providing digital systems integration services with high quality and safety.
“We aim to meet the needs of companies and institutions in Saudi Arabia’s technological field,” Al Omar expands.
Collaborating with local and international vendors and selling value-added products and services to customers through channel partners, Sariya IT is able to offer its services to a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, government, and telecommunications (telecoms).
The company is headquartered in Dammam with wide-reaching branches across Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Abu Dubai, Cairo, and Amman, with over 200 employees across the company. As such, Sariya IT contributes significantly to Saudi Arabia’s growing ICT sector.
A SOURCE OF PRIDE
Due to its vast capabilities and unparalleled technological know-how, Sariya IT takes pride in its ability to share its expertise by collaborating with industry giants on innovative and exciting projects.
The company’s distribution business, Sariya Distribution, is the primary national supplier of high-speed servers, networking equipment, and other services. Recently, it has been heavily involved in the installation and setup of a cloud centre project for Alibaba Cloud, Saudi Arabia’s major telecoms provider.
“This project is significant because Alibaba Cloud plays a critical role in improving cloud computing capabilities in Saudi Arabia, benefitting enterprises, entrepreneurs, and the entire digital environment. It’s a source of pride to be involved in this project’s success,” Al Omar outlines.
In addition to its work with Alibaba Cloud, Sariya IT’s technical and presales teams collaborated with Aldress Petroleum and Transport Services (Aldress) to design an Internet of Things (IoT) and cybersecurity solution.
“The project’s main goal was to consolidate and simplify security services, and manage various security aspects through a single pane of dashboard,” he continues.
The project was unique for Sariya IT in that it involved so many branches. Furthermore, during the project, the company dealt with and overcame numerous challenges when connecting Aldress’ more remote branches.
DIFFERENTATION IN DISTRIBUTION
Sariya IT believes that its distinct perspective on distribution services can help it stand out from the competition.
“By identifying client demands and adapting services to meet market gaps, analysing competitors’ distribution channels to collaborate with similar businesses, and prioritising the client experience, we are able to create a unique value proposition,” Al Omar exemplifies.
Thus, by remaining agile and adapting to changing dynamics within the market, Sariya IT is able to maintain a competitive edge.
“We deeply understand our partners’ and end-users’ interests. By maintaining a high-quality product and offering services beyond simple distribution, we’re able to stay on top of our game,” he continues.
Moreover, Sariya IT utilises technology to streamline its procedures and customise its services, whilst developing partnerships with manufacturers and retailers by implementing creative delivery methods. Its customisable pricing and focus on partner enablement initiatives only serve to strengthen these relationships.
“We aim to highlight our distinctive qualities to effectively recruit potential clients,” Al Omar elaborates.
Going forward, to maintain its competitive edge, Sariya IT aims to continue to evolve and differentiate its client offering.
“Differentiation isn’t just about being different; it’s about providing value that resonates with customers and partners.”
PARTNERING FOR A PROACTIVE FUTURE
Sariya IT believes that partners, suppliers, and staff play crucial roles in the success of any business – including its own.
“Collaborating with partners can result in shared resources, increased market reach, and new solutions, whilst partnerships give organisations access to complementary knowledge, technology, and networks,” Al Omar reflects.
In addition, Sariya IT understands that suppliers can contribute to a company’s value chain, which influences overall efficiency competitiveness.
In terms of its staff, employees are considered Sariya IT’s most valuable resource. Employee engagement, professional development, and motivation are therefore key drivers of the company’s overall productivity, creativity, and customer satisfaction.
“Staff loyalty, retention, and development have a direct impact on any company’s long-term performance,” he explains.
As such, Sariya IT deeply believes that a dedicated team, alongside alliances and effective supplier relations, are critical components for achieving long-term commercial success.