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From 3D printing to Virtual Reality GITEX Technology 2016 set to put visitors in the driver seat of the over USD 200 billion Middle East IT economy
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - The Middle East has emerged as a leader in the USD 3.8 trillion[1] global digital economy. The UAE is driving this world of technology with game-changing initiatives such as the first fully 3D printed office building and the Dubai Future Endowment Fund, which dedicates AED 1 billion to support innovative projects in the Emirate.
With cutting-edge technology at the heart of this global city, Dubai has inarguably become the world's gateway for tech transformation. As we enter a future that sees six billion devices connected by 2018[2], the globe will look to the exhibitors, entrepreneurs and experts attending GITEX Technology Week to lead the way to a more networked world. The region's ICT spend is growing and 40 per cent of that growth comes from enterprise corporations. With nearly 22,000 CXOs from top corporations attending the show, GITEX is a leader in strengthening the global digital economy.
The Middle East IT spend itself is set to reach USD 212.9 billion in 2016, a 37 per cent increase from the previous year, which puts GITEX at the centre of a thriving global ICT economy.[3]
"GITEX is at the global nexus of trade and technology innovation, with the UAE government a leader in using technology to transform daily lives and businesses. GITEX is the single most powerful and influential sourcing platform for tech solutions and innovations in the region," said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice-President, Exhibitions and Events Management, Dubai World Trade Centre.
Technology Reimagined
Under the theme "Reimagining Realities", GITEX 2016, from 16-20 October 2016, will redefine how technology can transform businesses through cutting-edge showcases, international keynotes and dignitaries from around the globe in attendance.
"GITEX provides a gateway to the fast-growth Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets, and a global platform for sharing knowledge and innovations from students to startups," said Mohammed Areff, Vice President of META at Avaya. The company exhibited at last year's event, which saw over 146,000 visitors from 144 countries, and 4,200 sponsors and exhibitors from 130 countries.
New at GITEX
GITEX will change the way visitors view the world with its interactive Immersive Tech section. The Virtual Reality gaming industry alone is expected to rise to USD 4.4 billion by 2022 - this technology is set to be the GCC's next billion dollar industry[4]. From VR headsets, to AR tools used in live surgery, GITEX is set to demonstrate how a new view of reality can change lives and businesses.
Dubai is at the top of its class when it comes to ICT business model creation, standing in the 30th percentile globally.[5] The new GITEX Startup Movement is set to be the most global event of its kind, connecting over 400 startups from 35 countries, and 1,000 entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, angel investors, government buyers, and mentors.
Startup or enterprise, each business has industry-specific needs. GITEX Vertical Days will act as a platform for IT leaders to address industry issues and learn from international thought-leaders. A world-class line up of speakers from around the globe including Greg Cannon; VP of Marketing & All Things Digital, Caesars Entertainment and Andres Wolberg-Stok, Global Head, Emerging Platforms and Services, Citi will address Vertical Day conference attendees to share their expertise.
Industries across the board have a growing appetite for 3D printing technology. The 3D print spend in the MEA region alone is set to reach USD 1.3 billion by 2019, presenting clear market opportunities. The world's first fully 3D printed office building was unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai earlier this month. The regional market for 3D printing is in high demand with the upcoming International Centre for 3D Printing. 3D printing technology exhibited at GITEX will demonstrate how an array of printers and makers creating everything from medical supplies and automobile parts shape the vision of 3D printing technology.
To further demonstrate how the supply chain is evolving, robotics and drones will be buzzing in the halls of GITEX 2016. "As the interconnected Internet of Things era rises, robotics and automated solutions will be essential for organisations to overcome the world's most pressing challenges. From high-risk activities such as welding, to driverless cars and robotic cafes, the next generation of automated services being demoed at GITEX will drive Smart City innovation in the Middle East and around the world," said Bilal Al Hattab, Managing Director at DigiRobotics Technologies, a Dubai-based robotics manufacturer showcasing at GITEX Technology Week 2016.
GITEX will open with Keynote speeches from Dr. Phyllis Schneck, the chief cybersecurity official at the United States Department of Homeland Security and James Barrese, former CTO at New Money company PayPal. Other speakers include Aseem Puri, CMO at Unilever; Paul Clarke, CTO at Ocado, the world's largest online grocer; Dr. Rafael Grossmann, the first doctor to use Google Glass in live surgery; Keith Kaplan, CEO of think tank Tesla Foundation.
Scheduled to speak at GITEX, Robert Scoble, a San Francisco-based technology expert, brings his thoughts on the digital economy. "Emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are set to completely transform daily lives and business, with a shift in the social experience as massive as the launch of the personal computer. Governments, businesses, and startups that are early adopters and innovators in technology will be able to leapfrog competitors, reimagine their businesses, and drive the world's digital economy."
GITEX 2016 will bring focus to the latest in emerging technology, while solidifying its role as a premier venue for business development and industry networking. "GITEX Technology Week 2016 is the voice and venue for technology innovation. Technology is no longer limited to the IT department - every industry needs to understand how digital transformation can drive competitiveness, from cloud-based mobile apps, to robots, drones, and 3D printing," said LohMirmand.
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About GITEX Technology Week
www.gitex.com
GITEX is the largest technology exchange and marketplace for Middle East & Africa. Held annually in October at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the five-day show is comprised of an exhibition covering over 110,000 sqm, a technology leaders conference, the GITEX Startup Movement and many other show features. GITEX attracts over 150,000 technology professionals, enterprise leaders, public sector officials and entrepreneurs from over 140 countries. GITEX is focused on showcasing the latest innovative technologies, providing high ROI on business opportunities and is the region's leading platform for technology and business.
About Dubai World Trade Centre
With a vision to make Dubai the world's leading destination for all major exhibitions, conferences and events, DWTC has evolved from being the regional forerunner of the fast growing MICE industry into a Free Zone, multi-dimensional business catalyst, focusing on Venues, Events and Real Estate Development and Management. Complementary to the primary service offerings are a range of value added services from media/advertising, engineering and technical consultation and wedding planning, security services and an award winning hospitality portfolio.
For more information, please contact:
Wallis Marketing Consultants
English: Steve Baron
Arabic: Feras Hamzah
Tel: +971 4 275 4100
Email: Gitex@wallis-mc.com
Dubai World Trade Centre
Annie Bricker
Manager - Editorial Content - Marketing Communications
Mob: +971 56 130 5505
Email: Annie.Bricker@dwtc.com
[1] IDC Worldwide Blackbook 2016 - www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS41032716
[2] Peter Sondergaard, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Research at Gartner - http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/3233417
[4] Deloitte TMT predictions - http://www2.deloitte.com/eg/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/deloitte-2016-me-tmt-predictions.html
[5] Cornell Global Innovation Index 2015 - https://www.globalinnovationindex.org/content/page/GII-Home
© Press Release 2016
