Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Ruwais has been the governor of the Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) since December 2015, and is deputy chairman of the board. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced on Thursday that is to name its largest hall, in Geneva, after Saudi Arabia, in recognition of the Kingdom’s support for the UN agency since it became a member state in 1949, and through its membership of the ITU’s board of directors since 1965. Saudi Arabia will continue to work with the international community to improve for improvements in the sector in a manner consistent with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reforms, he added. Al-Ruwais attained a bachelor’s degree from King Saud University in Riyadh, a master’s from the University of Colorado and a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University in the US, all in communications engineering. He was a professor in telecommunications engineering at King Saud University, and the dean of the faculty of engineering at the same university, before becoming the university’s vice president. He has considerable experience in engineering and planning telecommunications networks having previously been an adviser for a number of public and private sector institutions. CITC was founded in 2001 and has its headquarters in Riyadh. The CITC’s vision statement is: “Advance the communications and information technology sector through regulation to achieve a highly competitive environment for the provision of superior services to end users and an attractive ecosystem for investors.”
FaceOf: Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Ruwais, governor of Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission
FaceOf: Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Ruwais, governor of Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission
- Al-Ruwais attained a bachelor’s degree from King Saud University in Riyadh, a master’s from the University of Colorado and a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University in the US
Related
International brands turn to Riyadh to expand cooperation
- Capital cements role as hub at World Defense Show
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's capital is cementing its role as a rising hub in the global defense industry, and the World Defense Show has attracted international brands eager to showcase advanced technologies and expand partnerships in the Kingdom and beyond.
Held under the patronage of the Saudi leadership, the show — which runs until Feb. 12 — has brought together defense manufacturers, technology innovators and government representatives from around the world.
Arab News spoke to several international exhibitors who underscored the show’s growing importance as a gateway to pursue regional and global cooperation.
Among the returning participants is Passtech Machine Tools, represented by Syed Zahid, its sales manager.
The company collaborates with various international brands, providing tools, machines and gauges, including advanced CNC (computer numerical control) machinery from South Korea.
For Zahid, WDS has proved to be a strategic platform, and he said: “This is our third time. We see it as very, very useful.”
From China, Jihua Group Co. Ltd. showcases advanced navigation devices and integrated systems. Peter Wang, its senior product manager, expressed optimism about expanding cooperation.
At the company’s booth, Arab News was introduced to several technologies, including what Wang described as a “true-color navigation device.”
Highlighting a wearable system, Wang said it was designed to enhance mobility and operational efficiency.
He emphasized the diversity of visitors and the potential for cross-border cooperation, and added: “I meet different countries’ customers here. I’m very happy and I want to get some opportunities for cooperation.”
Turkiye is also represented at the event. Masttech, which is attending WDS for the first time, is showcasing its products for visitors.
Deputy General Manager Sitki Tuzun said: “We are here to show all our products. We are producing electromechanical, mechanical and pneumatic mast systems here.”
While the company does not yet have Saudi clients, Tuzun made it clear that the show was a strategic leap toward entering the market.
“We are here for connection and new business cooperation,” he said.
The World Defense Show has demonstrated its increasing influence as a platform from which global brands meet regional opportunity.
Beyond static displays, the show serves as a dynamic networking arena, connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and defense stakeholders under one roof.
As Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts to localize its defense industry and invest in advanced technologies, WDS continues to facilitate partnerships, technology transfer and international collaboration — reinforcing Riyadh’s emergence as a central node in the global defense ecosystem.
