DUBAI: The Saudi Exports Development Authority has announced that 32 Saudi information and communication technology companies are showcasing their products at Dubai’s GITEX Technology Week 2019, which began on Monday. According to a statement from Saudi Exports, the companies’ participation is intended to “enhance their access to regional and international markets through the world’s third-largest technology event and the biggest in the MENA region.” It is Saudi Exports’ sixth consecutive year of participation at GITEX and will, the company hopes, provide global-market opportunities in the field of technology and marketing for Saudi products and services. Saudi exports of high-tech products have exceeded SR10 billion ($2.7 billion) over the past five years and SR1.7 billion in 2018 alone. More than 75 different types of products have been exported, mainly mobile phone parts, electronic integrated circuits, information processing tools and computer parts. Saudi Exports is working to increase the contribution of non-oil products to the Kingdom’s GDP — one of the main objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. It has developed programs and incentives for exporters in line with that goal, as well as implementing training and development projects. GITEX Technology Week 2019 focuses on exploring and showcasing new insights and innovative ideas in the fields of e-commerce, artificial intelligence, 5G technology, cloud computing, hardware and software, among other things. More than 143,000 visitors are expected to attend the event this week. Multiple models of Saudi-developed security technologies are being showcased at the event, including advanced radar and cameras used on Saudi Arabia’s northern borders to detect any external threats, and a drone shield that sends electromagnetic waves to block communication between the aircraft and its controller. Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the UAE Turki bin Abdullah Al-Dakheel visited the Saudi Interior Ministry’s pavilion on Wednesday and was briefed on the smart technologies and solutions that are contributing to the Kingdom’s security.