Mohammed Rashid Al Ballaa, founder and chairman of National Technology Group, was named 'CEO of the Year – IT Sector' at the CEO Awards Saudi Arabia Gala Dinner held recently.

The 2009 CEO Awards Saudi Arabia was the first local version of CEO Awards Middle East, which is recognised as the most prestigious annual awards event for CEOs and their companies in the region.

“Saudi's ICT sector continues to be a cornerstone for national growth, which is why I will continue to assist in its further development,” said Al Ballaa.

The NTG head decided to enter the fledgling IT industry during the early 1980s, despite the lack of Arabic expertise in the field at that time and the greater popularity of the real estate sector.

Under his leadership, NTG has become one of the Top 100 largest companies in Saudi Arabia.

NTG employs more than 2000 professionals and encompasses more than 20 specialised ICT businesses with direct and joint venture operations in the Middle East, India, Sri Lanka and the US.

Al Ballaa has founded several other ICT companies after NTG, such as Arabic Computer System Limited, Arabsoft, Advanced Integrated Media, NetAdvantage and OneCard.

He also manages companies involved in other fields, such as Mubasher, a full-fledged brokerage company with a solid regional and global presence.

Al Ballaa is also an active member of the E-commerce advisory committee to the Government of Saudi Arabia as well as various other ICT organisations.-TradeArabia News Service