Governor of the Communications and Information Technology Commission Opens the 2017 Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Conference

His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz bin Salem Al-Ruwais, Governor of the Communications and Information Technology Commission, opened today in Riyadh the activities of the 2017 Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Conference, held under the title "Leading Digital Transformation in the Region," in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al-Abdulqader, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Telecom Group, His Excellency Engineer Salem Al-Athina, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the General Commission for Communications and Information Technology in the State of Kuwait, His Excellency Mr. Brahima Sanou, Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau at the International Telecommunication Union, His Excellency Mr. Sultan Al-Malik, Advisor to the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and the heads of licensed communications and information technology companies in the Kingdom.

His Excellency opened the conference with a speech welcoming attendees from the private and public sectors, affirming that the current development and growth witnessed by the communications and information technology sector has only reached this level as a result of the great attention and support the sector receives from the wise government, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, his Crown Prince, and the Deputy Crown Prince – may God preserve them – with the aim of achieving maximum benefit from this sector's capabilities in a manner that serves citizens and facilitates their affairs, in addition to increasing the effectiveness of the performance of various government facilities and the business sector. This attention has resulted in growth in capital investments, the expansion and development of communications networks, and a tangible increase in the sector's contribution to GDP, estimated at about 6% for 2016.

His Excellency the Governor of the Communications and Information Technology Commission said that the Kingdom's market is one of the largest communications and information technology markets in the Middle East, with spending on communications and information technology services reaching about USD 35 billion during 2016, at a growth rate of about 8% over 2015, while mobile telecommunications services penetration in the Kingdom reached about (151%) among the population by the end of 2016, and broadband services penetration via mobile telecommunications networks reached about (75%).

His Excellency Dr. Al-Ruwais added that the Kingdom launched the National Transformation Program 2020 as one of the key programs supporting the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030, which includes strategic objectives related to the communications and information technology sector, most notably developing communications, information technology and broadband infrastructure, innovating in advanced technologies, and investing in the digital economy. He noted that the Kingdom's private sector is an essential partner in achieving Saudi Vision 2030, and a key element in the growth and development of the sector, stimulating its work environment, and investing in its fertile market.

In conclusion, His Excellency the Governor of the Communications and Information Technology Commission said: "We look forward to this event contributing to the exchange of views and expertise to create an effective regulatory environment for digital transformation," and concluded his remarks by saying: "I can only extend my sincere thanks to those who contributed to organizing this event, namely the Samena Telecommunications Council and the Saudi Telecom Group," praying to Almighty God to grant everyone success in contributing to the growth and prosperity of this generous country, and to preserve for our country its security and stability, and for our wise government its glory and empowerment.

It is worth noting that this conference is held under the patronage of the Communications and Information Technology Commission and organized by the Samena Telecommunications Council and the Saudi Telecom Group.