Japanese technology company Epson is strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East and North Africa with the opening of its regional headquarters in Riyadh, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing importance as a regional business and technology hub. The headquarters is part of Epson’s strategy to expand its business in Saudi Arabia, where it has operated for more than 15 years, focusing on sectors including education, healthcare and entertainment and offering technology solutions tailored more closely to local market needs. It will also strengthen links between Epson’s regional operations and its research and development centers in Japan, supporting the development of new solutions in innovation, sustainability and digital transformation. Husam Al Zughayyar, Regional Head of Sales at Epson Middle East, told Asharq Al-Awsat that selecting Riyadh as the company’s MENA headquarters was part of its Saudi expansion strategy, describing the Kingdom as a strategic market for Epson. “Establishing the regional headquarters for the Middle East and North Africa in Riyadh reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the Kingdom and its confidence in the potential of its market,” Al Zughayyar said. “Epson has operated in Saudi Arabia for more than 15 years, and the new headquarters represents an important step in expanding this presence and strengthening our operations in the Kingdom and the region.” He noted that Epson was committed to improving service levels, strengthening ties with its local distribution network, and expanding its presence in the education sector to better serve customers in the Kingdom. The regional headquarters will serve as a direct link with Epson’s research and data centers in Japan, allowing local insights and requirements to help shape next-generation technologies. The company plans to expand in strategically important sectors such as education, healthcare and entertainment, with solutions tailored to Saudi market needs. Al Zughayyar highlighted Epson’s long-standing cooperation with Saudi Arabia’s education sector, including its partnership with Tatweer Educational Technologies Company (TETCO), a strategic technology arm of the Ministry of Education. “We will provide interactive display solutions for schools and universities in the Kingdom, supporting the development of smart classrooms and interactive learning,” he stated, adding that the cooperation aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives for education, digital transformation and technology investment. Al Zughayyar expressed strong optimism about the Saudi market, citing its size and the rapid economic and technological transformation underway under Vision 2030, alongside growing adoption of digital technologies. These developments are creating opportunities for technology companies in education, healthcare, financial services, tourism and hospitality, retail and government, he underlined. Continued investment in digital infrastructure and smart cities, together with improvements in the business environment, is strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional hub for technology and innovation and its ability to attract international investment. Epson sees substantial opportunities to offer innovative and sustainable solutions in printing, scanning, visual communications, manufacturing and lifestyle products tailored to evolving customer needs. The company is also supporting digital transformation and local talent development. Epson launched a graduate program in 2022 to provide young professionals with practical experience and develop their skills, with three graduates subsequently joining its workforce. Between 2022 and 2024, Epson increased its investment in facilities across the region by 28.6 percent and investment in human resources by 45 percent. The company plans to expand its partner and channel network in Saudi Arabia, deepen relationships with local customers and partners and establish more direct links with its research and data teams in Japan.
