RIYADH, 27 October 2005 — Intel has launched the “Intel Digital Transformation Initiative for the Middle East,” a comprehensive, multi-year program that will expand Intel’s economic, educational and technology-related support throughout the region. Under this program, Intel will increase its investment in four key areas — local entrepreneurship, education, digital accessibility and specialized technical competencies. Immediately, Intel will be grouping all its corporate citizenship programs in the Middle East, Turkey and North Africa under this one umbrella in order to move forward regionally in a more effective manner. “We believe that the ‘Intel Digital Transformation Initiative’ will help promote technology skills, knowledge transfer and economic development in the Middle East,” said Samir Al-Schamma, Intel general manager for the GCC. “Governments across the region are increasingly focusing on developing science, engineering and technology skill-sets to help them attract investment. Through the Digital Transformation Initiative, Intel is helping provide the vital support and resources needed to help enable this economic and technological transformation.”
The “Intel Digital Transformation Initiative” reflects Intel’s long-term commitment to the development of new technology centers in key Middle East markets. Intel has made pioneering technology investments in emerging markets around the world and sees great promise for technology advances in this fast-growing region. The initiatives the company plans to undertake through the “Digital Transformation” program are critical building blocks for further capital investments.
Intel has recognized that as market liberalization and reform are becoming increasingly common across the region, this is adding to the Middle East’s attractiveness as an investment destination. Technological innovation, a developed infrastructure, business-friendly government policies and a flexible and capable work force are the keys to further strengthening the Middle East’s investment appeal. At the same time that governments in the region are increasing their focus on developing science, engineering and technology skill-sets to help them attract investments, Intel plans to provide support and resources to help enable this important technological and economic transformation.
In the Midde East, Intel already works with many local governments, educational institutions, NGOs and non-profit organizations, program developers, local businesses and others to expand the use and understanding of technology. Over the past decade, Intel has expanded its operations in the Middle East, Turkey and North Africa to include six offices in the region - Riyadh, Istanbul, Cairo, Beirut, Dubai and Casablanca.
Intel has a number of educational initiatives underway in the Middle East and Turkey. The Intel Teach to the Future program is active in Jordan, Egypt and Turkey. This program trains teachers to integrate information technology into their classroom teaching. Intel is currently in negotiations with the governments of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates to develop programs there.
Intel is also working to make information and communication technology more accessible. The company has government-assisted purchase programs in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Turkey. Under this program, Intel is working closely with governments in those nations to put computers within the reach of families, small businesses, institutions and other users. These programs include financing and training.
“Over time, by strategically and methodically stepping up our investments, Intel is committed to helping bring the full benefits of digital technology to Middle East markets, spurring economic development and meaningful improvement in the quality of people’s lives,” Al-Schamma said. “Our ‘Digital Transformation Initiative’ will include enhanced support for regional software developers and other local entrepreneurs in the ICT world; more investments in education, including higher education; enhanced accessibility through wireless technology; new platforms to meet local needs; and increased investment in competency centers and other facilities in the region.”
