Nokia Siemens Networks to establish a joint-venture in KSA

Nokia Siemens Networks, a leading global enabler of telecommunications services, announced today that it has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Al Sarya Telecommunications Company and Belal Company, both of Saudi Arabia (members of Ghazzawi Group of Companies) to establish Nokia Siemens Networks al Saudia Ltd as a joint-venture company. The aim is to develop local market opportunities in the telecommunication services sector by enabling operators to optimize their networks.

"Creating this joint venture is an important step in our strategy to further grow our business in Saudi Arabia. We bring in the local knowledge and infrastructure whilst Nokia Siemens Networks brings in their scalability, global delivery model and network services expertise. This is an excellent combination to deliver cost effective services to the local clients and we believe through this joint-venture, we will be able to better service Nokia Siemens Networks' customers who are keen to grow their businesses in the Kingdom." Dr Talal Al-Ghazzawi, Chairman of Nokia Siemens Networks al Saudia Ltd said.

Under the terms of the joint-venture, NSN Saudi will be offering operators four distinct services:

1. network implementation services including those for fixed, mobile and IP technologies;
2. business solutions services supporting operators in addressing their network operation challenges and improving their performance through consulting integration services;
3. managed services to improve efficiency and operational performance and;
4. care services, providing the best hardware and software maintenance services for optimal network performance.

Jorg Erlemeier, Head of Middle East region for Nokia Siemens Networks adds:

"This is a major milestone for Nokia Siemens Networks as it looks to expand its footprint within Saudi Arabia where it has been working with all major operators. The new JV ensures operational efficiency and provides the right platform to provide our clients with world-class services. This strategic partnership should allow us to pursue new directions such as the possibility of offering multi-vendor services and will unlock fresh revenue streams. This is a unique opportunity at a time when the Saudi telecom sector continuous to grow at an impressive pace. Although the telephony penetration rate is already one of the highest in the Middle East region, double digit growth in mobile subscriptions is projected for the coming two years."

The new venture will be led by Ali Damiri as the Executive Director. Ali brings with him over 25 years of international experience. Prior to this position, Ali was Head of Nokia Siemens Networks for Saudi, the Levant and Iran Sub-Region covering six countries; Country Director of Nokia Siemens Networks in Saudi Arabia; and General Manager of Nokia Networks Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the Levant. Before that, Ali was Managing Director of Getronics Middle East and held senior positions with Hewlett-Packard & Compaq.

Nokia Siemens Networks has been present in Saudi Arabia since 1976 and currently employs 650 people, of which 20 per cent are made of up of local Saudi. In 2006, it started a training program for Saudi university graduates as part of a knowledge transfer program to help the new generation acquire expertise in the latest telecom technology.

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