22nd May 2007

"GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK " TO TRANSFORM INTERNATIONAL ICT LANDSCAPE

Overall value of the region's IT market is set to grow to around US$45 billion in 2010; Dedicated Focus on IT Business Solutions, Telecommunications and Consumer Electronics to Drive Innovation and Business Development across the Middle East

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai World Trade Centre, organisers of the region’s largest technology exhibition, GITEX, have unveiled their dynamic new strategy for their ICT portfolio of exhibitions with the introduction of "GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK".

Taking place on 8-12 September 2007, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK builds upon the global interest in the Middle East’s ICT landscape by presenting a power-packed week of dedicated trade events, which includes GITEX Business Solutions, GULFCOMMS and Consumer Electronics.

Focusing on the region’s fastest growing sectors – IT business solutions, telecommunications and consumer electronics – these three distinct, yet closely related events deliver focused forums for key buyers and decision-makers from across the region.

"GITEX has been a major driving force within the technology industry in the region, providing a critical platform for companies to introduce new solutions and close major deals. In response to the needs of our international community of exhibitors, we have decided to increase the level of specialisation and focus within the event, to ensure that it continues to contribute to participants’ long-term success," said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK.

"Through this new positioning, we believe GITEX will continue to act as an essential forum for knowledge exchange and for showcasing innovations," he added.

Each of the events will provide a targeted industry platform to meet and do business whilst also offering professionals a one-stop shop for the ICT market.

GITEX Business solutions, the leading international IT Trade event for Enterprise and SMBs for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, brings together major network, security, office technologies and IT solutions including Acer, Brother, C.A. Arabia, Cisco Linksys, D-Link, Epson, HP, Oracle, SAP, Secureway, Sybase and Verger et Delporte.

GULFCOMMS, the largest international telecommunications trade event for Mobile, Fixed, IP and Satellite in the region, will build on its successful launch welcoming key players such as Alcatel Lucent, Avaya, du, Etisalat, France Telecom, Korea Telecom, Nortel and TRA

The new dedicated sector, Consumer Electronics, the premier international trade event for consumer electronics, IT Systems, Components and Peripherals for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, sees the return of renowned brands and majors, including i-Mate, LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sanyo, Sharp and Sony.

Complementing the exhibition will be a whole host of exciting new product launches, interactive demonstrations and a consumer electronic product fashion show.

This year will also launch the inaugural "GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK Global Conference" in strategic partnership with Dubai Internet City. The event will host a series of high-end conferences, panel discussions and networking meetings.

"GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will be the strongest edition in the event’s history, both from its enhanced positioning in technology transfer and knowledge exchange, as well as through the calibre of visitors, speakers, delegates and exhibitors we are set to attract. This will be an event that decision makers in the region cannot afford to miss," concluded Al Marri.

Recent research from IDC suggests that the overall value of the region's IT market is set to grow to around US$45 billion in 2010, representing a major opportunity for both local and global companies.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will run from 8-12 September 2007 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and held in association with GITEX Shopper, which takes place from the 6-12 September 2007 at the Airport Expo Dubai.