The number of local IT companies was 1650 in the year 2002G, at an annual average growth of 37% during the past five years. This clearly indicates the increasing need for IT products, and the capability of the local market to absorb such products. However, the main activities of these companies focus on reselling, maintenance, and operation of international brand products. Some instances of the major industrial projects in the field are that of Al- Faisaliah Group for building personal computers, a similar project by the USA HP company, and the projects of the Advanced Electronics Company.

IT-Qualified Personnel

The educational institutions gave special attention to preparation of competent IT personnel. It all started off 25 years ago through establishment of IT departments. The 2002 statistics speak about enrollment of 12,200 high school students, and 11,500 undergraduates belonging to public and private universities, colleges and institutes.

On the recruitment front, statistics indicate that IT personnel appointed at government agencies (excluding military and educational sectors) represent 1% approximately of the total number of workforce (2,500 appox.). The same percentage applies to the private sector as well, with a workforce of 39,000 appox. The statistics do not cover staff working at ordinary IT positions such as Data Entry, whose number may reach the 6,500 mark.

Computer curriculum and courses for boy schools underwent various phases of development in the kingdom. The start was in the study year of 1405/ 1406, whereby computer courses were introduced in high school syllabus. Since then and for 19 years the computer courses have been going through revision and development many times over. At present, computer subjects are taught at all grades in male high schools as well as for the second and third grades of female high schools.

Aramco had the privilege of becoming the first private sector to use information technology in the kingdom, as early as the 70s of the past century. Nowadays, all Saudi companies, especially the great ones, such as ARAMCO, SABIC, SAUDI Telecom Company, Saudi Airlines, and Saudi banks, all use up to date IT and its applications. Statistics show that more than 80% of industrial companies use computers and their applications