Eight Pakistani tech companies and startups participated in a leading trade show for IT in Saudi Arabia, ARABNET which took place on 10 – 11 Dec 2019. The promising exhibitors represented a wide range of sub sectors from Pakistan’s IT industry. They tapped the potential of more than 100,000 international visitors which resulted in one of the most extensive businesses networking and investment opportunity.
A very timely opportunity to enter the rapidly developing market of Saudi Arabia!
The Saudi Economy is getting diversified under the Saudi Vision 2030 as they decide to divulge from investments solely in oil sector. Saudi is driving towards becoming a knowledge-based economy. This has created a golden opportunity for small scale businesses and entrepreneurs to procure investments. Technology, innovation and entrepreneurship have emerges as key pillars of the country’s transformation. An increase in startup investments has also been seen due to this vision for the past few years.
Pakistani tech firms and startups at ArabNet
Pakistani tech companies and startups which participated in ARABNET represented Pakistan under the country pavilion supported by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), powered by Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), . The pavilion was inaugurated by Mr. Raja Ali Ejaz, Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia and Mr. Muhammad Zohaib Khan, former Senior Vice Chairman of P@SHA.
Pakistan pavilion was inaugurated by Mr. Raja Ali Ejaz, Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia
There were altogether 8 notable exhibitors from Pakistani Tech industry, 2 of them exhibited independently. Here are the names:
Exhibitor Testimonials
“Wonderful experience attending Arabnet. The energy and response was more than expected. Our app had been translated in Arabic; this was highly appreciated. Overall, it was a very engaging, insightful and opportunistic event where the Pakistani entrepreneurs successfully managed to make waves. We look forward to continuing business development and partnerships in Saudi Arabia.“ Hisham Malik – CEO, Arkhitech
“ArabNet 2019 was a great experience for Covalent, With Saudi Vision 2030 just starting to mature it is the right time to invest your time and energy in this region. We recommend this show to our fellow IT colleagues in order to take advantage of this opportunity” Ahad Khan – BD Manager, Covalent
“The region is very promising for Pakistani IT companies as it is growing at a very fast pace. The organizers did a very good job in inviting quality buyers and top tier decision makers. We are hoping to have at least 2-3 of our business meetings to materialize on a positive note.”
Hammad Qureshi – BD Manager, NISUM
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Media Coverage of Pakistan pavilion
A number of Pakistani and local media was present at the show where Pakistan pavilion was one of the centers of attraction for them. Media personnel spoke to the exhibitors and recorded their feedback and experience. The Pakistani pavilion was inaugurated by the Counsel General of Pakistan in Saudi, Mr. Raja Ali Ijaz. While talking to media Mr. Raja pointed out the Vision of Saudi King for year of 2030.
“ Saudi Economy and the IT sector is diversifying rapidly which is the sign of opening new doors and wealth of opportunities for Pakistani businessmen and entrepreneurs. Pakistani companies must come here as this is the right time to explore and expand business ”
Mr. Raja Ali Ijaz – Counsel General of Pakistan in Saudi
During the exhibition, Ex Vice Chairman, Pakistan Software House Association (P@SHA) Mr. Zohaib Khan also shared his views with media.
“I think it is very good start for Pakistani IT firms and startups to launch themselves through ArabNet platform.This is a great initiative for Pakistani industry that the government has provided subsidized stalls in order to encourage them to make their mark in the Saudi Market.” M. Zohaib Khan – P@sha
About ArabNet
ArabNet is the Kingdom’s largest technology gathering, which is going to be back for its ninth edition this year. Since past two years, ArabNet featured two events taking place simultaneously under one roof: ArabNet Riyadh for 2,000+ corporate executives and senior government leaders, and Startup Saudi for 4,000+ entrepreneurs, youth and students. In 2019, the two concurrent events brought together more than 250 experts and speakers from around the world, with full tracks of programming covering a range of topics.
The aim of this exhibition is not only to promote SME’s from the IT sector, but also to provide a business platform to startups to grow their business in international market. Digital technology were the main focused of this event including, digital ads, banking, managing finance, and explore the new ways of online payments.
Dont feel missed out, you can book your stall for the 2020 edition by contacting us here.
If you want to know which other international exhibitions we are bringing for the IT sector, you can view our Exhibition Calendar.