Bahaa Indary, General Manager, Raqmiyat LLC, discusses the company’s growth and evolution in the last 40 years since its inception.
Looking back at the last 40 years, what do you perceive as the biggest challenges Raqmiyat has faced, and how has the company overcome these challenges to maintain its position as a leader in the industry?
Raqmiyat is one of the region’s most established system integrators, having transformed over the years into a next-generation digital enabler. We’ve consistently stayed ahead of the curve, evolving from traditional system integration to becoming a leader in cutting-edge digital solutions.
One of our greatest challenges has been keeping pace with the rapid technological advancements and the shifting needs of our clients. From the era of mainframe computing to today’s AI-driven, cloud-centric landscape, we’ve had to remain agile, constantly investing in innovation and adapting to change. Additionally, navigating a competitive landscape filled with new entrants and disruptive technologies has tested our resilience.
We have met these challenges by cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. By strategically investing in emerging technologies and upskilling our workforce, we’ve expanded our capabilities and enhanced our offerings. Our unwavering client-first approach has not only kept us relevant but has also empowered businesses to navigate their own digital transformations, solidifying our leadership in the industry.
“Our unwavering client-first approach has not only kept us relevant but has also empowered businesses to navigate their own digital transformations”
Raqmiyat’s presence in the industry for four decades suggests a strong commitment to client satisfaction and service excellence. Can you shed light on how Raqmiyat has maintained and strengthened its relationships with clients over the years?
Raqmiyat’s client relationships are built on trust, transparency, and a deep understanding of our clients’ business needs. Over the years, we’ve consistently focused on delivering value through customized solutions that address specific challenges. Our dedicated account management teams ensure close collaboration with clients, fostering long-term relationships based on continuous engagement and support. We believe in not just being service providers but strategic partners in our clients’ success. Additionally, our responsiveness, commitment to innovation, and our ability to adapt to the changing IT landscape have ensured that we remain a trusted partner for many organizations over the years.
With 40 years of experience, Raqmiyat has likely navigated through various technological shifts and innovations. How has the company embraced emerging technologies to stay competitive and relevant in the ever-evolving IT landscape?
With decades of experience, Raqmiyat has consistently embraced emerging technologies to remain competitive in the ever-evolving IT landscape. Our approach is proactive and innovation-driven, ensuring we stay ahead of industry trends and align our solutions with the changing needs of our clients.
To stay competitive, we collaborate with industry leaders and integrate the latest technologies into our offerings. For instance, we’ve adopted automation and AI as core elements of our digital transformation services. In the banking sector, we offer specialized digital banking solutions tailored to meet evolving customer demands. In the government space, our customized integration services address key initiatives, while our advanced analytics solutions provide enhanced data visibility. Additionally, we offer robust cybersecurity services to safeguard enterprise systems.
At Raqmiyat, we also prioritize the continuous development of our workforce. By upskilling our teams and keeping them at the forefront of technological advancements, we ensure that our clients receive cutting-edge solutions that drive operational efficiency and maintain their competitive edge in the market.
What is the single biggest change you have witnessed in the systems integration landscape during your time at Raqmiyat, and what makes the company so unique and special, and what are the key differentiators that separates Raqmiyat from the rest of the marketplace?
The biggest change we’ve witnessed in the systems integration landscape is the dramatic shift from traditional on-premise solutions to cloud-based, agile, and scalable environments. This transition has been fueled by the need for advanced skill sets in areas like analytics, digital banking, and customized solutions to support government sector digital transformations. Clients today demand seamless integration across hybrid and cloud platforms that are secure, flexible, and efficient. What sets Raqmiyat apart is our ability to not just adapt, but to lead these changes. We invest heavily in adopting new technologies and continuously tailor our solutions to meet each client’s unique needs. Our extensive industry expertise, coupled with a customer-centric approach, allows us to create solutions that solve present challenges while future-proofing businesses. Raqmiyat’s uniqueness lies in its unwavering commitment to innovation and strong partnerships with global technology leaders. This ensures that we offer our clients the best of both worlds: local expertise combined with the highest global standards. Our ability to stay ahead of industry trends and provide tailored solutions is what differentiates us in the marketplace.
Key Challenges and Opportunities:
Challenges:
- Regulatory Landscape: Navigating complex regulatory environments, particularly in markets like KSA, where data localization and compliance are stringent.
- Talent Shortage: There is an increasing demand for skilled IT professionals, especially in emerging technologies.
- Security Concerns: With digitalization comes the growing threat of cybersecurity risks, requiring significant investment in security solutions.
- Competitive Market: The IT and systems integration space is highly competitive, with local and international players vying for contracts.
Opportunities:
- Government Initiatives: The ambitious digitalization projects in KSA and UAE present immense opportunities for system integrators.
- Emerging Technologies: The rise of 5G, AI, and blockchain creates opportunities for innovative service offerings.
- Smart Cities: Heavy investment in smart city infrastructure provides opportunities for integrators in areas like transportation, utilities, and infrastructure.
- Healthcare and Education: Both sectors are undergoing digital transformation, offering growth potential for IT service providers.
- Cross-Industry Integration: The convergence of technology across sectors opens up opportunities for system integrators to create seamless cross-industry solutions.
Please note that market conditions can change rapidly, and it’s crucial to consult up-to-date market research reports and industry experts for the latest insights into the IT and systems integration market in KSA and UAE. Staying agile and leveraging these opportunities while mitigating challenges is key to thriving in this ever-evolving landscape.
Can you tell us what your investment strategy is in relation to AI at Raqmiyat?
The opportunity today is around creatively harnessing the power of AI to build solutions uniquely tailored to each customer’s business needs & their different use cases. This requires a lot of domain knowledge, customer-specific contextual knowledge, and proven solution design and delivery capabilities, backed up by sustained investments in research and innovation in AI. At Raqmiyat, we recognize the transformative power of AI and its potential to enhance the services we provide. Our investment strategy revolves around AI in a way that amplifies business outcomes for our clients. We’re focusing on AI-driven automation, data analytics, and predictive modeling, allowing our clients to gain actionable insights and optimize their operations. By embedding AI into our existing offerings like cybersecurity, and digital transformation services, we’re not only enhancing service efficiency but also preparing our clients for the future of technology. We also explore partnerships with AI innovators and invest in the upskilling of our team to ensure we’re always on the cutting edge of AI advancements.
