13th June 2007

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SEGMENT AT GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK GAINS INDUSTRY BACKING

Major Players Aim to Raise Profile in Middle East's USD 7Billion Market

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The highly-anticipated dedicated Consumer Electronics trade segment at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is attracting major international support, as some of the world's best-known brands return with increased space and more exciting launches.

Kicking off on 8 September 2007, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK aims to build upon global interest in the Middle East's ICT landscape by presenting GITEX Business Solutions, GULFCOMMS and Consumer Electronics within a power-packed week.

Focusing on the region's fastest growing sectors – IT business solutions, telecommunications and consumer electronics – the week brings together three distinct, yet closely related ICT events delivering focused forums for key buyers and decision-makers from across the region.

This new sector-focused format is proving to be a big draw for long-term participants and new arrivals in the region.


Consumer Electronics trade segment at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK attracts major industry support

"Exhibitors have responded positively to the new exhibition format of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, with consumer electronics companies in particular seeing it as an effective strategy to target their customers with the latest innovations and to network with key partners in their sector," said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of the show.

Some of the world's best known consumer technology brands – Panasonic, Samsung and Sony – have already announced their intention to use the event as the opportunity to launch significant new products in the Middle East.

"The Middle East is a very attractive market for Sony and we believe GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will provide us with an ideal platform to successfully launch and showcase an array of consumer High Definition (HD) electronics products," said Osamu Miura, Managing Director, Sony Gulf FZE.

The Middle East is one of the fastest growing consumer electronic markets in the world, estimated at USD $7 billion. Research indicates that it will experience double-digit growth up to 2010 and beyond, representing a major opportunity for both local and global players.

Fuelling this growth is the region's rapid economic development and a significant rise in consumer spending. Retailers are also betting on the rise in HD (high-definition) products, LCD and plasma screens, peripherals and accessories for mobile phones.

"GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is an excellent exhibition for us to reinforce our leadership position and reach out to customers and partners. We will be taking advantage of this year's targeted consumer electronics format to introduce a showcase of products that will incorporate an exciting new theme," said Atsushi Hinoki, General Manager, Corporate Communication, Panasonic Marketing Middle East.


Major consumer technology brands will take the stage at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK

As technology convergence between consumer products and advanced home networking marks a distinct departure from stand-alone products of the past, innovative integrated products that embrace the digital future will be a common theme as the industry takes stage at the dedicated Consumer Electronics zone this September.

"We are confident that the strategic re-positioning of this year's show will provide decision-makers with even greater business development opportunities and more targeted customer interaction," added Al Marri.

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