Ilyas Mohammed, COO at AmiViz talks about the opportunities and challenges the growing cybersecurity market in Saudi Arabia offers and how AmiViz has been able to grow its clout in the market with deeper market penetration, employee-friendly policies, and an expanding product portfolio.
How would you describe the current market conditions for your business in Saudi Arabia?
We consider the Saudi market highly promising, with significant potential, especially in the cybersecurity sector. This reflects a positive and optimistic outlook on the business environment in Saudi Arabia. Several factors, including economic stability, government initiatives, and industry trends, may contribute to this. This could be attributed to the growing recognition of the crucial role of cybersecurity in the digital era, as organisations seek strong protection against cyber threats.
How would you define your performance in the Saudi market?
We have achieved good growth in the Saudi Arabian market due to our deeper market penetration and the large channel base. The growth of our employee strength and the expansion of our product portfolio are the best signs of a positive acceptance of our company’s products and services in the country. To strengthen our position further, we have put in place efficient processes, strong financial management, and strategic human resources practices to support and maintain this level of growth.
How is the distribution landscape evolving in the country?
The cybersecurity distribution landscape in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformative shift. With the increasing awareness of cyber threats, the demand for advanced security solutions has surged. Local and global cybersecurity firms strategically partner with distributors to enhance market reach. The evolving regulatory environment and heightened emphasis on data protection drive organisations to invest in cutting-edge solutions. This dynamic landscape is fostering collaborations, encouraging innovation, and reshaping the cybersecurity sector in Saudi Arabia to address the evolving nature of digital threats better.
What are the major driving factors for your business growth in the Kingdom?
Digital transformation and digitalisation of the Saudi economy are driving factors for several business opportunities in the Kingdom. Cybersecurity, being an integral part of this journey, is driving business growth for us. In addition, stringent compliance rules and regulatory frameworks are also expanding the market. Also, new threats create a demand for innovative and advanced cybersecurity solutions.
What are the major challenges that you encounter in the Saudi Arabian market?
Government projects often involve complex processes and approval procedures, which can contribute to extended timelines. Delays may occur due to changes in project scope, budget adjustments, or unforeseen circumstances. Lately, many Partners have frequently requested extended payment terms, which can significantly impact the cash flow of the supplying business, delaying the receipt of funds and potentially affecting its ability to meet immediate financial obligations.
Can you share information about any strategic initiatives or expansion plans your business is undertaking in Saudi Arabia?
We are simultaneously working on three strategic plans for the Saudi market. We aim to launch a new cloud practice, add AI-based technologies to our offerings, and provide local L1 support in Saudi Arabia.
Starting a Cloud practice is a strategic decision to take advantage of the increasing demand for cloud services, including cloud-based security solutions. We are adding AI-based technologies to ensure enterprises in Saudi Arabia stay at the forefront of technological advancements and innovations. To acknowledge the importance of personalised assistance and quick issue resolution, we intend to offer L1 support locally in the Kingdom.
How are you fostering employee engagement and development within your Saudi Arabia operations?
AmiViz has recently been Certified as a Great Place to Work in Saudi Arabia. This prestigious commendation reflects AmiViz’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive work environment that fosters employee trust, celebrates achievements, and promotes equal opportunities. At AmiViz, we treat every employee fairly and respectfully, regardless of gender or background. Our company strongly emphasises diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that every individual feels valued and welcomed from the moment they become part of our organisation.
In which direction is the company heading, and what are you expecting to achieve in 2024 in Saudi Arabia?
With new measures and initiatives, we plan to boost our growth and expect to achieve a 150% growth year-on-year in the Kingdom for 2024. It may seem an ambitious and exciting goal, but we believe that the market has a lot of potential, and if we can strategically align ourselves with customer expectations and support customers’ requirements, we will help us achieve this goal.
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