Pakistani IT companies are increasingly looking at Saudi Arabia as a major market, particularly in the cybersecurity sector. This comes amid growing technological and strategic ties between the two countries.
Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been ranked highly in the latest Global Cybersecurity Index, alongside countries like the US, Japan, and Singapore. Experts say Pakistan’s recent engagement in regional security issues highlights its cybersecurity capabilities.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima recently discussed potential IT collaborations with Eng. Majed bin Mohammed Al-Mazyed, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority. The discussions focused on capacity building, best practices, and joint initiatives to enhance cyber resilience.
Over the past two years, technological cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has grown significantly. The Saudi Ministry of Investment has established a help desk to assist Pakistani IT companies in quickly registering and operating in the kingdom.
Cybersecurity experts highlight opportunities for Pakistani IT firms to partner with Saudi public and private entities. Abdul Sammad, a cybersecurity professional, said these collaborations could grow in the near future. Saad Khan, CEO of Hexalyze, mentioned that Pakistani companies are setting up regional offices and subsidiaries in Saudi Arabia to explore opportunities in cybersecurity, fintech, and artificial intelligence.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the next big market for Pakistani IT companies,” Khan said. Digital transformation under Vision 2030 is creating high demand for IT solutions across sectors such as energy, healthcare, and banking.
Globally, the need for cybersecurity professionals is rising. The World Economic Forum reports a shortage of 3.5 million experts. Pakistan, with 75,000 annual IT graduates, 20,000 registered IT companies, and a strong freelancing workforce, is well-positioned to meet this demand.
Experts recommend that Pakistani IT companies invest in human resources, launch training programs, and collaborate with universities. This will improve job prospects locally and across the GCC, strengthening Pakistan’s IT presence in Saudi Arabia and the broader region.
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