AHMED A. ASHADAWI President of Al-Falak Electronic Equipment and Supplies Co.

Saudi Arabian information technology information technology (IT) giant Al-Falak Electronic Equipment and Supplies Company. has seen its profits grow year after year. All the company’s divisions registered excellent revenue growth during 2004, with an overall increase of 14% on the previous year. However, the company is intent on doing even better in 2005 by maintaining standards of excellence and keeping up to date with the latest technological developments.

“There is huge opportunity for growth in all sectors of the IT and communications industry in the Middle East and in Saudi Arabia,” says Ahmed A. Ashadawi, President of Al-Falak and sister company Al Khaleej Holding Company.

As the leading IT and communications solutions provider in the Gulf region, Al-Falak’s goals have been to diminish the knowledge gap between technology providers and end-users, as well as the transfer of know-how. “We have acquired a very solid reputation as a company that respects its people and its obligations, and that always meets if not exceeds expectations. We realize we are in the business of transferring technology, of selling between the vendor and the user,” says Mr. Ashadawi.

With more than two decades in the business, Al-Falak has built a network of business partnerships with leading vendor companies around the world, and has received due recognition for its efforts. Last year, the firm won Marconi’s Reseller of the Year Award and the HP Achievement Award for Best Supplies Reseller. “I believe in partnerships and my success has come through partnerships,” says Mr. Ashadawi. He notes that of the company’s software-related business relationships, 90% are with U.S. firms.

As far as users are concerned, Al-Falak’s customer base includes five of Saudi Arabia’s major commercial banks, three universities, several ministries, and national giants such as SABIC, Saudia and Aramco.

The training of staff is of crucial importance to the smooth running of operations, but the company extends its education strategies to the country as a whole. In conjunction with the two other organizations, Al-Falak is sponsoring a program to help young Saudi entrepreneurs start up new business ventures.