| IDC:
Notebook PC surge drives UAE and Saudi PC markets
Posted: 15 April 2003
Dubai — According to IDC's latest figures,
the PC market in the UAE and Saudi Arabia witnessed remarkable unit
shipment growth of 24 per cent and 10 per cent (year-on-year) in
Q402, respectively.
Total PC sales reached 63,847 units in the UAE and 72,862 units
in Saudi Arabia.
The UAE Desktop and PC Server market grew by 3.4 per cent and 16
per cent, respectively, however, much of the growth stemmed from
an unprecedented surge in notebook PC sales, particularly in the
UAE, where deliveries more than doubled from Q401.
"This expansion in portable PC placements was mainly driven
by the explicit intention of vendors to push through notebook PC
stocks to their Middle East distributors in order to meet with the
demands of the re-scheduled Dubai Shopping Festival", comments
Omar Shihab, Research Analyst, IDC MENA.
Mr. Shihab further adds, "The continued decline in notebook
PC prices has also encouraged many SMBs and SoHo customers to opt
for portable computers".
In contrast, the Saudi PC market recorded a modest unit shipment
growth of 10 per cent in Q4 last year. This was also mainly driven
by an increase in notebook PC shipments to the Kingdom, expanding
by 13 per cent year-on-year to reach 13,147 units.
IDC however, did not record any remarkable growth in the Saudi
desktop and PC server market.
"The limited expansion in PC sales in the Kingdom mainly stemmed
from a wait & watch attitude adopted by several large end-users,
primarily in the government administration sector", remarked
Omar Shihab.
A select few large deliveries however, continued in the fourth
quarter, such as the project for the Ministry of Education.
IDC is optimistic in its outlook for Q1 2003. PC deliveries will
not be greatly affected, as distributors have maintained their PC
stock levels. Preliminary IDC estimates suggest that PC sales will
expand by 15 per cent and 8 per cent (year-on-year) in UAE and Saudi
Arabia, respectively.
IDC provides global research with local content
IDC is the foremost global market intelligence and advisory firm
helping clients gain insight into technology and eBusiness trends
to develop sound business strategies.
Using a combination of rigorous primary research, in-depth analysis,
and client interaction, IDC forecasts worldwide markets and trends
to deliver dependable service and client advice.
More than 700 analysts in 43 countries provide global research
with local content. IDC's customers comprise the world's leading
IT suppliers, IT organisations, eBusiness companies and the financial
community. IDC is a division of IDG, the world's leading IT media,
research, and exposition company.
For the Middle East and North African markets, IDC retains its
headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with analysts researching
several technology areas including PCs, Systems, Office Automation,
Software, Services, Telecommunications/Internet, Storage and Vertical
Markets. Besides standard research studies, IDC analysts analyze
and undertake specific customer studies covering multiple technology
areas and countries/regions.
For more information visit www.idc.com.
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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