The National Institute for Information Technology (NIIT), which was established by the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction (PECDAR) in 2001, is the main provider of IT training in Palestine. Over the years, the NIIT has evolved significantly, offering services and support in the field of information technology to the Palestinian community. The NIIT was established to participate in the development of an IT strategy for Palestine, develop programs that contribute to the development of IT within the Palestinian community, play an active role in shaping the Palestinian IT sector and build partnerships and alliances with other key players in the IT sector.

One of the primary functions of the NIIT has been the development of advanced professional training programs that aim to qualify trainees to receive international diplomas in IT. The strategy of the NIIT has been to adopt standard certifications. Further to this strategy, the NIIT has established strong relations with the local IT companies and draws upon their resources for trainers, expert support, and direction and cooperative programs. Likewise, the NIIT has developed strong teaching and technical teams that consist of professors, engineers, programmers and technicians working in Palestine.

It is undoubtedly the case that Information Technology (IT) will continue to be the key enabling component of the economic growth of nations. The world has witnessed huge technological advances in the last three decades, bringing about fundamental changes in the way in which organizations operate. This trend is likely to continue for many years to come. This change has brought with it the need for a highly trained workforce and a need for structured and well packaged IT services provided to the developing sector, and it is specifically with this in mind that the National Institute for Information Technology (NIIT) has been established.

NIIT was established in the year 2000 by the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction (PECDAR) in order to play a significant role in the development of the IT sector in Palestine. President Arafat honored us at NIIT by hosting the grand opening ceremony that took place at our Ramallah offices.