Digital Transformation, Technical Development Boost Profitability of Saudi Tech Firms in 2023

Tech companies will continue to see their profits grow thanks to their efforts to raise their operational efficiency. (SPA)
Tech companies will continue to see their profits grow thanks to their efforts to raise their operational efficiency. (SPA)
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Digital Transformation, Technical Development Boost Profitability of Saudi Tech Firms in 2023

Tech companies will continue to see their profits grow thanks to their efforts to raise their operational efficiency. (SPA)
Tech companies will continue to see their profits grow thanks to their efforts to raise their operational efficiency. (SPA)

Financial analysts have linked the growth of net profits of Saudi application and technology services companies by 22 percent during 2023 with the Kingdom’s significant digital and technical transformation since the launch of its Vision 2030.

They explained that the sector’s companies are likely to see their net profits increase thanks to the implementation of digital transformation plans, the growth of the Kingdom’s digital indicators, and the high demand from government and private agencies to provide integrated digital solutions in the field of transformation to e-government.

The five applications and technology services companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) achieved a 22 percent growth in their net profits by the end of 2023, compared to the previous year. They increased to SAR 2.68 billion ($700 million) in 2023, from SAR 2.2 billion ($600 million) in 2022.

According to the financial results announced in the Saudi financial market, the revenues of the tech sector during 2023 reached about SAR 20 billion ($5.2 billion), with a growth rate of 29 percent over the previous year.

In comments to Asharq Al-Awsat, Economic Analyst and CEO of G.World, Mohamed Hamdy Omar said the Saudi applications and technical services market offered many opportunities for growth in the sector, thanks to the Kingdom’s digital transformation plans.

These plans have encouraged the rise of modern digital and technical services and the launch of many companies operating in the sector.

He noted that the implementation of digital transformation procedures will lead to “a clear rise in the revenues of application and technology services companies in the coming years, in parallel with the growth in the Kingdom’s digital indicators and improvement in the quality of the digital infrastructure, and interest in introducing emerging technologies into the services of government and private agencies.”

Financial Analyst Tariq Al-Ateeq said applications and technical services companies will continue to see their net profits grow during the current year as a result of the sector’s continued efforts to raise its operational efficiency, provide new digital and technical activities, and focus on development, marketing and technical investment services.



FAO Aims for Key Outcomes at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
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FAO Aims for Key Outcomes at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)

Dr. Abdul Hakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), stated that the organization will take an active role at COP16, the UN conference on combating desertification, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in early December.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he expressed confidence that the conference—the first of its kind in the Middle East—would produce significant outcomes.

Elwaer’s comments came during a roundtable organized by FAO’s regional office in Cairo, attended by a select group of media representatives. The session focused on FAO’s participation in the upcoming conference and the importance of the Rio Trio —the integrated framework of the three major UN conventions addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, and desertification.

Fida Haddad, FAO’s Program Officer for Land Rehabilitation and Climate Change, highlighted the interconnectedness of the three conventions and noted that COP16 would place a strong emphasis on land and water rehabilitation and their sustainable management.

Haddad pointed out that approximately 90% of the Middle East is affected by arid conditions. Despite this, local communities and Arab governments have made notable progress in addressing desertification and drought. She also announced that, for the first time, FAO has successfully placed food systems on the COP16 agenda, enabling discussions on how land rehabilitation can enhance food supply chains and systems.

Elwaer underscored FAO’s central role in achieving the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): eradicating hunger. He emphasized that FAO actively engages in the UN conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification, which collectively contribute to this mission.

FAO’s focus, according to Elwaer, is on transforming food and agricultural systems to become more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable, aiming for better production, nutrition, and livelihoods. He highlighted the organization’s success in integrating these priorities into the agendas of the three conventions and collaborating with host countries on joint initiatives.

He further noted that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 is particularly significant for the region, which faces pressing challenges such as water scarcity, desertification, and food insecurity. The conference presents an opportunity for Middle Eastern nations to highlight these issues, explore solutions, and ensure their inclusion in global environmental discussions, not only at this event but in future COP sessions, he underlined.

Elwaer emphasized the growing global attention on desertification, as it is now impacting regions previously unaffected, such as southern Europe and parts of Latin America. These areas are witnessing alarming declines in arable land and forests, prompting them to seek lessons from the Arab world, which has developed resilience strategies to combat desertification over centuries.

FAO will have a strong presence at COP16, with two dedicated pavilions—one in the Blue Zone for official delegations and another in the Green Zone to engage civil society and conference participants, he said.

He added that in collaboration with Saudi Arabia and the UN, FAO will lead coordination on Food Day and Governance Day, scheduled for December 5 and 6, respectively. The organization will also participate in other specialized sessions throughout the conference.