Monday, November 28
Riyadh: WiMax'd (via Tariq)
The governor of the CITC, Dr Mohammed Al Suwaiyel, anno- unced last week that the Saudi capital will become one of ten “Digital Cities” that Intel is wor-king with globally to promote the usage of WiMax technology.
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The announcements were made as part of a regional tour last week by Intel chairman Craig Barrett. “The expansion of information and communication technology is a high priority for the Saudi government,” he claimed.
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The CITC and Intel have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work on the Digital City project and a number of other initiatives, incl- uding work on the CITC’s Ho-me Computing Initiative and a scheme to provide computers and networking equipment for small and medium-sized businesses in the region.
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Intel Capital is also working with the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) on another project, which will see US$100million invested in tech firms located in or having a connection with the Kingdom and the surrounding Gulf states.
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I met Craig Barrett when i was in Abu Dhabi (Festival of Thinkers) last spring break. The guy is very dedicated to improving the region...
Yet, the main problem that I have with such initiatives (the vc fund, specifically) is that the operation/results will, as always, lack transparancy. In order to help Saudi flourish even more economically, a strong, fully transparent community of vc's should be brought about. A bit of media spotlight + the right government backup at the beginning should do the trick...next thing you know, we'll have our own silicon valley and our own wall street...or so, i hope...
yikshimash,
i like,
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