• Amanah Tech, Dar Alasr in deal to provide solutions to Saudi market

AMANAH Tech Inc., a Canadian IT solutions provider specialising in Web hosting, has signed a $1 million, three year contract with Dar Alasr of Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of the Gitex Dubai 2002 yesterday.

Nezar Freeny, CEO of Amanah Tech Inc., and Fouad Alfarhan, President of Dar Alasr, inked the deal at the Fairmont Dubai hotel in the presence of visiting Canadian Secretary of State for Central and Eastern Europe and Middle East, Gar Knutson, Canadian ambassador, David Huttons, and Anne Argyris, Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner of Canada to Dubai.

Amanah Tech and Dar Alasr will provide sophisticated hosting solutions to the Saudi Arabian market. Under the contract, Dar Alasr will provide technical support to its clients and Amanah Tech will offer technical support to Dar Alasr. This will allow the clients flexibility with payment options, as clients will be able to pay in Saudi currency. Amanah Tech will provide sales and support both in Arabic and English.

"We never thought we would be able to find a Canadian IT company who provides 24/7 support in Arabic," said Alfarhan. " Partnering with Amanah Tech allows us to provide high-end technology that our clients are looking for in Arabic," he said.

Debuting at Gitex, Amanah Tech offers Web hosting solutions in the Arabian Gulf market, while taking advantage of the cost-effective technology capabilities in Canada. " The contract will give us the power not only to concur the Saudi market but will also enable us to develop innovative IT solutions to the Arabian market from Canada," said Mr. Freeny.

The company which employs just under 10 people and has been exporting its services since 2001, derives 90 percent of its revenues from exports to the Arabian Gulf. The company had inked deals with Al Ghurair Private Company and the Qatar government last year.

" We will continue to grow in the Arabian market and deliver fast, reliable, trusted and innovative web hosting solutions to our clients," said the Sudan-born businessman who is among Canada's 25 young successful entrepreneurs feted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) for their contribution in raising Canada's export profile. Mr.Knutson, who is on a three-day official visit to Dubai and Sharjah as part of the Arabian Gulf tour, said the Saskatchewan-based Amanah Tech was making a strong presence in the Arabian Gulf with its Web solutions. "We are proud about their accomplishment. Amanah Tech is a fine example of young entrepreneurs who have benefited from the country's educational system and making a name for themselves in the world," he said.

He said Canada has been working to increase its trade and investment partnerships with the UAE, especially Dubai. Canada has participated in the Gitex Dubai 2002 by setting up a national pavilion which brought 28 companies under its wings. He said 26 Canadian companies were operating out of Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ). " We are looking at new opportunities in the field of trade, investments and tourism. We would like to see more tourists coming from the UAE to Canada," said Mr. Knutson who visited Dubai earlier in March for the signing of an agreement on taxation.

Mr. Knutson held talks with Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, on the opportunities for starting of direct flights to Toronto and Vancouver from Dubai.

Related Links

• Emirates looking to start flights to Canada - Gulf News Online
• www.ITP.net

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