Samsung SDS, the largest global information technology provider in Korea, is in the process of setting up its regional office at Dubai Internet City.

GB Oh, president of Sams-ung SDS Europe, Middle East and Africa region, said: "We have high aspirations for the Middle East region and look forward to having partnerships with leaders in the IT industry so we can make a quick penetration to the market with a good understanding of the local market to support our worldwide, first class products."

Samsung SDS' Europe, Middle East and Africa operations are headquartered in London.

The company, meanwhile, announced the introduction of high-tech products in the region

It said its turnkey smart card range of products and Reqube software product lines would be highly interesting to financial institutions, the transportation industry, health organisations, telecom operators and governments as well as family run businesses

"Samsung SDS' smart card systems provide turnkey solutions to a number of growing markets. A proven leader in integrated-circuit card development, the company has several years of experience in providing customised smart card solutions for electronic cash, e-commerce, information security, healthcare, transportation and multi-purpose card applications," it said in a statement.

"Samsung SDS accepts that they are entering into a market that is mature with a number of incumbent key industry smart card players. To ensure market dominance, it has the benefit of a trusted pedigree in the development of leading-edge semiconductor products, combined with skills and IT knowledge that will be utilised in building and supporting the infrastructure for large scale smart card-based solutions," it said.

"Samsung SDS Business Intelligence Solution (Reqube) is a powerful tool for analysing and reporting database and company information, enabling companies to access, examine and share information within the company and externally with customers, suppliers, and partners," the company went on to say.

Essam Magdy, the newly appointed Samsung SDS sales manager for the Middle East, observed: "To introduce these globally established products into the region we will be spending a considerable amount of time searching for training and forming long term business relationships with leading local systems integrators and value-added resellers who understand technology and the needs of the local market.