Handsets such as the Motorizr Z8 will catapult Moto into the spotlight

Motorola is preparing for a massive push to take market share in the Kingdom during this year. With new infrastructure solutions to support operators in meeting customers’ growing demand for data connectivity, and the delivery of compelling mobile experiences through a new portfolio of devices, Moto’s local executives believe they finally have the tools to dislodge Nokia from the top spot in Saudi Arabia.

“Motorola’s key objectives for 2007 include increasing our market reach in the Kingdom both through growing our staff and our distribution channel, continuing to develop the skills base of Saudi nationals, offering our latest Networks & Enterprise solutions and services to the public and private sector organizations, and launching a comprehensive range of new mobile handsets and headsets for every taste and budget,” said Dr. Walid Romman, Motorola’s country manager for Saudi Arabia.

At a media briefing last week, Romman emphasized the company’s ongoing Saudization drive, which includes annual participation at the King Fahd University career fair, primarily to recruit more Saudi graduates in the technical and engineering sector. Currently more than 40 percent of Motorola’s staff in its six offices across the Kingdom are Saudi nationals, making the company a leading global employer of local talent.

Earlier this month, Motorola hired a female Saudi national to join the company’s Networks & Enterprise team. The new female employee, the first in the history of Motorola Saudi Arabia, will provide sales support in the eastern province of the Kingdom.

“In 2007, Motorola is building on the positive momentum we have created over the last few years with working closely with operators such as Mobily to effectively support their phenomenal growth in the Kingdom with our network solutions and comprehensive range of managed services. We are also continuing to support the advancement of critical communication systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the development of training facilities tailored to the needs of public safety users,” added Romman.

“It is our ultimate aim to continue to bring our vision of seamless mobility into reality, by providing innovative products for everybody to have access to information and entertainment wherever and whenever they want or need it,” said Romman.

New Consumer Experiences Via Mobile Portfolio

Moto’s top local chief also unveiled Motorola’s latest and greatest mobile range for 2007, which deliver superlative consumer experiences in design, music, media, high-speed performance, wireless broadband and connecting the unconnected.

“In 2007, we’ll be delivering to Saudi consumers a portfolio of wickedly cool and compelling products that are making on-the-go and always-on entertainment and communication a personal reality. Motorola is saying ‘goodbye’ to slow, clunky, boring user experiences and ‘hello’ to the next generation of dynamic, fast, sleek-looking mobile devices for every price tier,” said Haitham Badaoui, sales manager for Mobile Devices, Motorola Saudi Arabia.

Motorola has further defined its ‘no compromise’ commitment to quality high-speed performance with a series of new HSDPA-enabled handsets. The MOTORIZR Z8, with its first-ever, innovative “kick slider” design that’s curved to fit the user’s face more comfortably, provides quick downloads of streamed media via ultra-fast HSDPA technology.

The new MOTOKRZR K3 is where Motorola style meets performance. The handset features the beautiful MOTOKRZR design language, while providing a full multimedia experience through HSDPA connectivity. The MOTOKRZR K3 is a cool wireless high-speed multimedia handset, incorporating no compromise use of colour, materials and finishes.

For the Kingdom’s executives, Motorola has expanded its award-winning MOTOQ platform with the new MOTO Q q9 and MOTO Q gsm -- two experience-optimized smartphones for the full mobile office experience on HSDPA and GSM/EDGE networks.

Motorola’s mass market success in Saudi Arabia is set to continue with the introduction of an expanded MOTOMOBILE portfolio. The new portfolio will bring enhanced features and a rich mobile experience to the next billion mobile users with all the style and innovation of Motorola’s higher-end devices.

The new MOTOMOBILE portfolio for 2007 will include the MOTOSLVR L9, a bestselling form factor in Saudi Arabia, with powerful multimedia punch, and the stylish clamshell Motorola W510, offering the best in design and value with uncompromised functionality.

Saudi’s music lovers will appreciate the new MOTORIZR Z6, a multimedia masterpiece with the latest music features and a powerful digital imaging platform.

And for wireless connectivity and music streaming, Motorola is bringing to Saudi Arabia the Bluetooth Stereo Active Headphones S9, which deliver a true hands-free music experience for consumers. Motorola plans to launch a selection of the above products in Saudi Arabia during 2007.