RIYADH, 15 June — The Saudi Research & Publishing Company (SRPC) has signed a strategic agreement with Saab Group in a bid to provide new media services to the readers of its publications using interactive technology.
The deal will also facilitate communication between SRPC writers, editorial departments and readers.
The agreement will raise the total value of prizes given to readers through the company’s cultural contests to SR30 million, from the present SR12 million.
As per the new accord, Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper will present a new interactive contest with prizes worth SR12 million to bring the total value of the Arabic daily’s prizes to SR24 million.
Arriyadiah sports newspaper will have another interactive contest offering prizes worth SR6 million, a company statement said.
The agreement was signed by SRPC is cooperation with its sister concern, Saudi Public Relations Company (SPRC), with Saab, whose chairman is Salah Al-Balawi, a prominent Saudi businessman.
Saab will provide interactive communication technology for readers of SRPC’s newspapers and magazines. SRPC will provide media, promotional and marketing programs for interactive services in association with SPRC. The company will also support the programs to achieve their cultural goals as well as marketing and media plans.
Yasser Al-Dabbagh, managing director of SRPC and SPRC, said the deal will help enhance the cultural awareness of SRPC readers.
“It will also promote reading habits among the new generations as our newspapers and magazines will become the daily concern of society and all its elements, especially families,” he added.
Dabbagh said the contests and interactive services will strengthen the relationship between SRPC publications and their readers. “The company will help readers by providing them with information and answers to queries,” he added.
Salah Al-Balawi, chairman of Saab, highlighted the business sector’s role in promoting cultural and scientific progress.
Saab had earlier signed a deal with King Faisal Specialist Hospital to provide medical information and health consultation over the telephone.
