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SMART strengthens commitment to Saudi interactive whiteboard market with appointment of new distributor

Obeikan joins existing partner Samir as authorised distributor of SMART products

SMART Technologies announces the appointment of Obeikan as the authorised distributor of SMART Board^™ interactive whiteboards and SMART’s interactive education and business solutions. Obeikan will team up with existing partner Samir Photographic Supplies Co . Ltd., to distribute SMART products across Saudi Arabia. As the global interactive whiteboard product category leader, SMART is expanding its network in the region to provide local service and support for teachers, implementers, administrators and business customers to improve their knowledge of interactive communication technology (ICT) and make SMART solutions easy to implement and own.

Demand for interactive whiteboards and other classroom and meeting room products has grown dramatically around the world. Futuresource Consulting, a leading independent global research company recently reported that more than two million interactive whiteboards have been installed worldwide, and that in the next five years the global install base will reach more than seven million, or one in every five classrooms. In Saudi Arabia’s, education segment there is tremendous potential to further enhance the learning potential of students through ICT as less than three percent of classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards.

Obeikan and Samir will provide training, support and professional development to all new and existing SMART customers. The localised resources will complement SMART’s online support that includes online tools, training and development programs, and SMART Exchange, a resource center for teachers.

David Martin, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder, SMART Technologies said: “SMART is committed to providing its customers with the highest standard of training, service and support. The appointment of Obeikan as SMART’s distributor will help drive growth, and is the next logical step to strengthen relationships and provide more local customer support in the region.”

Sheik Fahd Obeikan , Chairman, Al- Obeikan Investment Group , said: "SMART Technologies has been a widely respected global leader in the interactive whiteboard segment, which gives it a tremendous head start in the Saudi market. Obeikan fully believes in the potential and the value of the SMART solution, which is why we are greatly confident that this partnership will open new and exciting possibilities for business growth for our respective companies."

"Samir has done an exceptional job for SMART throughout the Kingdom over the years and we recognise the value and expertise that Samir brings to SMART. We see the introduction of Obeikan as a means to further support Samir at a local level and to strengthen our support in the education, and business segments across the region. We are confident that this partnership will enhance our leadership position in the Saudi market," concluded Patrick Lelorieux, Vice President and General Manager, EMEA, SMART Technologies.

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About SMART
When SMART Technologies introduced the touch-sensitive SMART Board interactive whiteboard in 1991, the company began a tradition of creating innovative, easy-to-use products that has earned worldwide recognition and trust. SMART is the global leader in the interactive whiteboard product category and has a strategic alliance with Intel Corporation. The company’s ever-expanding line of powerful technology solutions has put collaboration and learning at the fingertips of millions of people. With a simple touch, SMART’s products help teams around the world work together and share ideas.

About Obeikan Research and Development Co. (ORD)
ORD strives to pioneer educational development and educational publishing in the Arab World. Its mission is to support education systems and educational institutions throughout the Arab World with the aim of improving quality of students learning and nurturing of their knowledge.

ORD specialises in Educational Development, Educational Services, as well as General and Specialized Publishing. ORD strives and actively works towards achieving the highest quality based on international standards and measures. ORD’s outputs are tailored to meet the Arab communities and their social, cultural, and geographic specific requirements.

ORD provides solutions in curriculum development, supplementary materials, professional training and development, e-Learning and distance learning, research and consultation, specialized and general publishing.

ORD takes pride in partnering with, Riverdeep e-Learning Company, McGraw Hill Education, Global Grid for Learning, Bell Educational Trust, Arizona State University, Dublin City University, Cambridge University Press, Laureate Education, Intel, and SMART Technologies.

ORD is proud to work with Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Education Bahrain, Ministry of High in Saudi Arabia, Arab Bureau of Education for Gulf States, King Saud University, King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, UNICEF, UNESCO.

For more information please visit: www.ord.com.sa

For more information, contact
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
Tel: +971 4 3988901
Fax: +971 4 3988941
Email: media@orientplanet.com

© 2009 SMART Technologies ULC. SMART Board, smarttech and the SMART logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of SMART Technologies ULC in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other third-party company names and products are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

© Press Release 2009

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