Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Middle East and Africa region has the highest growth rates within a consumer telecommunications market that is set to reach US$ 2 trillion in global revenues by 2012, according to a new report from research firm In-Stat.

Global trends suggest 5.7 percent annual revenue growth in consumer telecom network services over the next five years, while countries in the Middle East are set to grow at more than double this rate.

With the impact of privatisation and increased liberalisation being felt across the region, this year's edition of Gulfcomms, the largest international telecommunications trade event for mobile, fixed, IP and satellite, is set to be one of the most high profile in its history.

International firms including Aastra Middle East, Alcatel, BlackBerry, du, Etisalat, NEC Philips Orange Business Services, Nortel Networks, Potevio, and Thuraya Satellite have all announced an expanded presence for this year's event, which runs from 19-23 October 2008 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) as part of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai World Trade CentreDubai World Trade Centre, organiser of GULFCOMMS said, "The number of international companies set to exhibit at this year's event is hugely exciting, because it demonstrates the intense interest in the regional market. The telecom sector across the Middle East continues to see high levels of growth and investment, and is among the most dynamic in the world."

While the Middle East and Africa region has the highest growth rate, Asia-Pacific is set to be the largest market in 2012, based on its huge population and ongoing investment in telecommunications technology. This year's GULFCOMMS will attract the highest number of trade visitors and exhibitors from key markets like China, India and Pakistan in the show's history, as telecom providers look to service a market of over two billion people.

"One of the most interesting trends for GULFCOMMS in 2008 is the business potential for regional providers to use GULFCOMMS as a launchpad to enter the Asia-Pacific market," added Almarri.

This year will also see the Gulfcomms debut of the world-leading supplier in telecommunications, Ericsson, which plans to use the event to roll-out a series of pioneering initiatives.

Jeremy Foster, Marketing Director, Ericsson Middle East, said: "The Middle East telecommunications market continues to grow across a wide range of areas, with strong demand for mobility and multimedia solutions across the corporate and consumer sectors in particular. We have ambitious plans for Ericsson's debut at GULFCOMMS, which we feel provides an important platform to reach a wide spectrum of potential customers and partners."

Another first-time exhibitor will be Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PrJsc (Yahsat), the UAE's first nationally-owned satellite operator. The group aims to showcase its satellite capabilities, applications and coverage areas at the event, as it continues to build on its ambitious plans to achieve a leadership position in the field of satellite communications in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South-West Asia.

"GULFCOMMS provides us with the positioning and profile to reach out to demonstrate our deep regional understanding and operational flexibility, particularly given the wide range of international visitors from key strategic markets. We are very pleased to make our debut at this year's event, and are confident that we will make a significant impact," said Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi, CEO of Yahsat.

The broad range of companies exhibiting at this year's GULFCOMMS reflects the dynamic nature of the regional market, which is seeing increased opportunity for mobile services, broadband, and business-to-business voice-over-IP. The In-Stat report predicts that, while mobile services will provide 60 percent of revenue growth over the next five years, the strongest growth will be in broadband technology and the number of B2B VoIP subscribers will more than double in the next four years.

Dubai Internet City (DIC) is the strategic ICT partner for GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK 2008.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK takes place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre featuring three dedicated industry events: GITEX Business Solutions, GULFCOMMS and Consumer Electronics, and is held in conjunction with GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK Global Conference, GITEX Majlis, and Gadget Glam 2008.

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. For the latest information, please visit www.gitex.com.

-Ends-

About GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK www.gitex.com
Dubai World Trade CentreDubai World Trade Centre will organise three major components of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, designed to maximise the value for business visitors and exhibitors.

GITEX Business Solutions - The Leading International IT Trade Event for Enterprise and SMBs for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia

GULFCOMMS - The Largest International Telecommunications Trade Event for Mobile, Fixed, IP and Satellite for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia

Consumer Electronics - The Premier International Trade Event for Consumer Electronics, IT Systems, Components and Peripherals for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia Incorporating the following targeted events:

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK Global Conference - This key networking platform brings together the crème de la crème of industry experts and ICT professionals under one roof and will feature an unparalleled series of strategic keynotes, seminars and dynamic networking sessions. The event gives delegates a priceless opportunity to learn from, debate with and exchange views with some of the leading experts within the ICT industry.

GITEX Majlis - This executive business programme for CEOs and other top level executive attendees, is designed to ensure that they enjoy a hassle-free experience at the show. Keeping their busy schedules in mind, members can enjoy easy pre-completed registration, advance issuance and delivery of the GITEX Majlis Badge and Executive Lounge facilities. These are just a few of the benefits offered to GITEX Majlis members.

Gadget Glam - This exciting showcase presents a fascinating mix of innovations in consumer technology and promises to attract even those with an interest in technology, not to mention gadget lovers who want a sneak preview of the latest in the market before anyone else. The event consists of a catwalk and showcase area featuring everything from mobiles to mp3 players and HD Cameras to LCDs. A fantastic innovative way to present new launches this event delivers one of the fastest, most lucrative markets in the world, at the largest show of its kind in the region.

About Dubai World Trade CentreDubai World Trade Centre (DWTC): www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, Dubai World Trade CentreDubai World Trade Centre offers over 29 years' experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 15 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region.

Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.

For more information, please contact:
Amanda Slater
Dubai World Trade Centre
Tel: (+9714) 308 6661
E-mail: amanda.slater@dwtc.com

Jon Barber
Wallis Marketing Consultants
Tel: (+9714) 390 1950
Fax: (+9714) 367 2801
E-mail: jon.barber@wallismc.com

© Press Release 2008

 

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