Personal computer (PC) penetration in Saudi Arabia is expected to surpass 30 per cent by 2015, with a rapidly growing population to act as a major market driver.

Saudi computer hardware sales for 2011 – including PCs, notebooks, and accessories – are believed to have touched almost $2 billion. Also on the uptrend is the local software sector, with last year’s sales reaching $666 million. The segment is expected to achieve a compounded annual growth rate of 9 per cent through the next three years, said a report from the organisers of Gitex Saudi Arabia.

The current Saudi population is estimated at 26.1 million and could swell to 30 million by 2017. Over 60 per cent of Saudis are below the age of 30, many of whom are drawn to the latest gadgets and technologies, it said.

Meanwhile, local businesses continue to adopt advanced tools to capitalize on the Kingdom’s status as the Gulf’s largest economy. These factors have greatly contributed to the country’s emergence as the region’s biggest ICT market, it said.

Business and consumer prospects in the kingdom will be featured at the upcoming Gitex Saudi Arabia 2012. Running from May 21 to 24, 2012 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, Gitex Saudi Arabia 2012 will be divided into two parts: a Business Section and a Consumer Section.

The Business Section, Saudi Communications 2012 - The 14th International Telecommunications Exhibition, is a business-to-business platform targeting companies, organizations and investors from the public and private sectors. The Consumer Section, on the other hand, showcases a diverse range of education, media and personal gadgets – from PCs and laptops to mobile phones and multimedia devices – for tech-savvy consumers.

“Last year Gitex Saudi Arabia accommodated 430 exhibitors from 16 countries to the KSA and drew in 50,000 visitors. By dividing the 2012 show into two segments, we can better cater to the specific needs of our business and consumer patrons. We thus expect an even higher footfall this year as we generate greater excitement and interest across our target audiences,” said a representative of Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

Gitex Saudi Arabia 2012 will be held under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.  – TradeArabia News Service