Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni: Ricoh Group’s decision speaks volumes of the company’s keen interest in capitalizing on the potential of the region, as well as of its trust in Dubai
Ricoh Group reported US$18.1 billion worldwide sales in previous financial year
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), the regulatory body for Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), an integrated free zone technology park, and Ricoh Group, a Japanese multinational imaging and electronics company, today celebrated the inauguration of Ricoh Group’s new regional commercial hub at Silicon Park in DSO.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in nearly 200 countries around the world, and in the financial year ending March 2019, the company reported worldwide sales of approx. US$18.1 billion. In 2017, Ricoh Group announced its 3 years growth strategy ending 2020, supported by an investment of approx. US$1.85 billion in two areas – commercial and industrial printing, and office services. The leading global technology provider specializing in document management solutions, digital cameras, software and hardware for small and large enterprises worldwide, as well as consulting, will now offer training and sales support to its business partners in the GCC region, Levant and North Africa from its new branch in Dubai.
Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of DSOA, officially inaugurated the new office along with Mark Thompson, General Manager of Ricoh Middle East. The ceremony drew the participation of Dr Juma Al Matrooshi, Deputy CEO of DSOA, Henning Rudbech, Chief Executive Officer of Ricoh Emerging Markets Group EMEA & International, Barry Cook, Commercial Director – Operations at Ricoh Emerging Markets Group EMEA & International, Paul Koolmees, General Manager of Ricoh International, senior officials from the two entities as well as Ricoh’s business partners.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Al Zarooni said: “We have worked relentlessly on the launch of Silicon Park, Dubai’s first integrated smart city project. Today, we are proud to witness its completion and the opening of the first company establishment within its premises. Ricoh Group’s decision to launch its new office in Dubai speaks volumes of the company’s keen interest in capitalizing on the potential of the region, as well as of its trust in the emirate.”
He added: “In line with our leadership’s directives, DSOA is committed to boosting foreign direct investments and enhancing Dubai’s attractiveness for companies of all sizes – from tech startups to multinationals. We are delighted to welcome Ricoh to DSO.”
In closing, Dr Al Zarooni said: “The opening of Ricoh’s commercial and training hub presents an ideal opportunity for business owners, entrepreneurs and investors from diverse sectors to benefit from the state-of-the-art offerings of the Japanese technology giant.”
Henning Rudbech said: “At Ricoh, we offer a full range of end-to-end solutions in core areas, including office technologies, commercial and industrial printing, and IT services. Designed to grow as businesses do, our latest global systems help organizations become more agile, productive and profitable.”
He added: “With more than 80 years of experience and 92,663 employees, Ricoh has been driving innovation in its segment worldwide. As a Middle East hub, Dubai provides an ideal base for our branch in the region, and we are pleased to partner with DSOA to supply cutting-edge technologies to established and new businesses. We decided on Silicon Park as the preferred location of our office, as the facilities and solutions available onsite truly bring the smart city concept to life.”