An increasingly diverse spectrum of countries will gather at this year’s GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK as representatives from both emerging and established IT markets seek to take advantage of opportunities from the Middle East.
New pavilions from Bahrain, Ireland, Serbia, Slovenia, and Sri Lanka will join the major nations of China, Egypt, India, Pakistan and the UK in presenting a power-packed week of dedicated trade segments, which includes GITEX Business Solutions, GULFCOMMS and Consumer Electronics.
More than 30 companies will be represented from Bahrain, with 10 from Serbia, eight from Slovenia, six from Ireland and five from Sri Lanka as the widest range of countries ever will be participating at the exhibition.
During a difficult financial period for global IT markets many countries are planning to capitalise on the more stable Middle East market.
A new report by Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. suggests that the region is one of the only areas in the world that is showing continued growth.
Over 130,000 visitors will gather at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from the 19-23 October 2008 at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, the region’s leading ICT show and the most effective business platform for many of the world’s leading ICT companies.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK said:
‘GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK continues to attract companies from leading technology hubs from around the world, who recognise the unique opportunities for expansion and further growth that the Middle East markets offer.’
Research conducted by Business Monitor International, a specialist on global emerging markets, shows that Bahrain is set to increase IT spending from $27m in 2005 to $400m in 2012 – a massive 1381 percent increase.
Serbia, who’s ICT industry is the fastest growing in Europe, has seen a 37 percent growth over the last year with the total ICT market now worth around $400m.
‘Serbia is bringing a large contingent of companies to GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK to reflect the huge growth of ICT sector in Serbia. It is going to be a very important exhibition in highlighting to the Middle East the revolutionary solutions that are now available from ICT companies across Serbia,’ said Vesna Peric Director of Serbia Investment and Export Promotion Agency.
Trade between the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Ireland is also thriving.
Nasser Zahran, Senior Market Adviser for Enterprise Ireland – an Irish government agency responsible for developing Ireland’s overseas business – said: ‘GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is a priority event for Enterprise Ireland as it allows us to showcase world-class Irish suppliers in the region’s most comprehensive IT shows. Providing winning solutions to the international market is one of the key ingredients in Ireland’s outstanding economic progress.’
This year, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will span 64,000 sqm, with over 3,300 exhibiting companies from more than 80 countries; including 30 country pavilions and welcoming more than 130,000 attendees.
New product launches, interactive demonstrations, Gadget Glam – a product display and fashion show, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK Global Conference – 35 targeted ICT tracks attracting 3,200 delegates, GITEX Majlis – a senior ICT members programme and a new feature – GITEX Digital Game World complete this year’s offering.
‘GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK has the strongest track record of any of the major international ITC exhibitions in encouraging new connections between companies from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. This year, with more international pavilions than ever before we will see the true globalisation of the industry,’ added Almarri.
GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is open from 19 – 23 October from 10am – 7pm. The event is open to trade and business professionals only and takes place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
