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IT Spending in UAE to Grow To US$ 4.7 Billion By 2013

Independent Report Says Government Spending and Investment in Healthcare, Retail and Education Will Empower Middle East ICT Businesses;

Leading International Companies Look to Captialise on Opportunities at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: IT spending in the UAE is expected to grow from around US$ 3.1 billion in 2008 to approaching US$ 4.7 billion by 2013, according to a recent report by Business Monitor International.

The report predicts that, despite the global economic slowdown, local and federal government initiatives combined with significant population growth, and continued developments in healthcare, education, real estate and tourism will offer excellent opportunities for ICT companies.

With the Middle East ICT sector remaining buoyant at a time when more established markets are experiencing a slowdown, global companies are focussing heavily on strengthening their presence in the region.

Businesses are confirming their presence at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK 2009, one of the most important ICT exhibitions in the world, which is taking place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre 18-22 October.

"The continued expansion of essential services in the UAE creates a wealth of opportunities for international companies empowering their business operations," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre , organiser of the event. "As many traditional markets experience difficult times, visionary companies are turning to GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK as a platform to capitalise on the need for reliable, integrated ICT solutions."

The Business Monitor International report adds that despite a fall in oil prices, exports from Dubai to Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries were still rising. It states that 'spending should continue to be strong in traditional sectors such as government and verticals, while other sectors such as healthcare, retail and education should also offer opportunities.'

Local governments account for around 20 percent of all IT services spending, and with Dubai expected to spend between US$ 1.6 million and US$ 2.2 million per year implementing its plan to get 90 percent of government services online, there remains a market for high-quality ICT products and services. With a new dedicated e-government sector to support this dynamic industry, visitors and businesses can have a first hand look, the various e-government services on offer which are designed to provide easy accessible information on a 24/7 basis.

Exhibitors who have already booked space at the Business Solutions section of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK already include Aptec, Apple, Brother , Dell, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Municipality, e-Saudi, Epson, Logicom, McAfee, Mindware, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Social Affairs, Oracle, Secureway and Symantec.

GITEX Business Solutions will also showcase the latest and best in network and security, IT solutions, and office automation and supplies, with thousands of IT professionals and decision-makers converging under one roof over five days to conduct new business and source cost-effective solutions.

"GITEX is the only dedicated IT exhibition in the region that is designed to help companies increase their regional out reach," said Mr. Shinji Tada, Managing Director, Brother International (Gulf) FZE.

" Brother has always had a strong presence in the Middle East. We are growing as a company, and GITEX will give us that needed platform to educate regional businesses and individuals on all the new and exiting technology Brother has to offer."

Now in its 29^th year, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK has become a beacon for the information technology and communications sectors in the Middle East, and attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world. Decision makers and buyers will seek to use the event to improve the value proposition of their offerings while enhancing the cost efficiency of their operations.

As well as GITEX Business Solutions, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK 2009 will offer a focused environment with other industry specific sectors including, GULFCOMMS and Consumer Electronics. In addition, the Middle East International Banking, Financial Technology and Services Exhibition, MEFX, will run alongside GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK to provide all-encompassing exposure to business opportunities throughout the region.

The GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK Global Conference programme entitled 'Defining the value of IT in a challenging economy' has been expanded again this year to include an impressive 40 tracks. Designed for senior executives, new this year will be the Leaders in Industry Breakfast Briefings where analyst firms Gartner and Forrester Research will outline key trends and provide industry insight. Other forums will also feature leading international industry personalities who will engage and empower the GITEX community with new intelligence and information to effectively adapt and manage their businesses as we enter a new era of economic dynamics.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, 18-22 October is open to trade and business professionals only from 10am - 7pm and takes place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. For the latest information, please visit www.gitex.com.

-Ends-

About GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK
Website: www.gitex.com
Dubai World Trade Centre will organise four 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

MEFX - The Middle East International Banking, Financial Technology and Services Exhibition,

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.

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
Website: www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, Dubai World Trade Centre offers more than 30 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 18 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:
Jon Barber
Dubai World Trade Centre
Tel: (+9714) 308 6124
E-mail: jon.barber@dwtc.com

Abhijit Pradhan
Wallis Marketing Consultants
Tel: (+9714) 390 1950
Fax: (+9714) 367 2801
E-mail: abhijit.pradhan@wallis-mc.com

© Press Release 2009