GITEX 2006 REGISTERS SPECTACULAR DOUBLE - DIGIT GROWTHS

November 18, 2006

The 26th edition of GITEX with its new telecoms positioning has registered unparalleled growth and heightening global interest as leading international IT companies’ line up major products and technologies for launch at this event. GITEX once again reaffirms its dominant role as one of the world’s major events instrumental in shaping the development of the regional ICT industry.
Opening on November 18th, 2006 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), GITEX has recorded spectacular double-digit growth across the entire spectrum of show parameters, from increased exhibitors to larger country representation.

“Following on from its past sterling performance, GITEX continues to grow in perfect tandem with the surging Middle East ICT market and has once again affirmed its position as a world-class technology gateway to this dynamic region, “said DWTC Director General, Helal Saeed Al Marri, at the GITEX and GULFCOMMS press conference today.

GITEX, with its new telecoms positioning has accelerated its momentum of growth to become one of the largest ICT exhibitions in the world, occupying 13 halls and more than 62,000 square meters (33% more than last year) at the sprawling DICEC complex.

“As the IT market strengthens and spending in the Middle East and North Africa markets increases we believe our role as a facilitator to deliver valuable businesses opportunities for the worldwide industry is paramount.” Mr. Al Marri underlined.

According to international market research firm IDC, the Middle East ICT spend will hit a whopping US$16.8 billion by 2010 – up from just US$8.4 billion in the year 2005.

This year, the number of exhibitors has risen to 1,347 (up 16%) and country representation has also risen by 25% to 76 countries with new country groups from the USA, Syria, Hungary and Portugal preparing for a concerted national representation at the event.

Some of the major participants have already lined up new launches at GITEX 2006. Industry giant Microsoft will use the event for their Launch of Office, Vista and Exchange campaign (LOVE), converged communications provider Mitel will showcase its capabilities in VoIP and network, windows mobile 5.0 device vendor i-mate will launch two new Pocket PC-based PDAs and internet access kit vendor US Robotics will display its new range of wireless and wired product offerings.

Earlier this year, GULFCOMMS was launched to provide the industry with a dedicated and exclusive business-to-business platform for the telecommunications market. Strongly supported by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in UAE, GULFCOMMS is set to debut to widespread acclaim.

the largest launch show in the history of the Middle East, GULFCOMMS has already power packed the new Zabeel Hall to the brim with over 125 direct exhibitors including some of the world’s biggest telecoms giants such as TRA, etisalat, du, Nokia, Orange, Thuraya, Alcatel, Belgacom, Potevio MENA and Korea Telecom amongst other big names. These industry leaders will bring to GULFCOMMS some of the world’s most innovative and awe-inspiring products and technologies in mobile communications, network development, satellite applications, IP technology and infrastructure solutions.

Industry professionals to the exhibition can also take advantage of the GVF Communications Forum, a series of free industry led updates on key issues including the pure-play satellite services, selling of hybrid connectivity and building wireless infrastructure.“The strategic co-location of GITEX and GULCOMMS reinforces the technological breakthrough in digital convergence. We are delighted to present the international community with a highly effective and strategic business platform to connect to this vibrant and trend-setting industry.

the most influential and sought-after global telecoms event, GULFCOMMS presents visitors for the first time with over 15,000 m2 of specialist telecom products and solutions, making their annual patronage of GITEX a more rewarding and adventurous experience.