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Satellite TV for 65 million MENA homes by 2016

Region Gears up For Future Growth and Latest Technology - CABSAT 2012 - 90% Sold Out with Months to Go

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - CABSAT, the leading digital media event in the region, and third largest on the global calendar, is bringing together the most dynamic - and lucrative - broadcast markets in the world. According to the latest research by Informa Telecoms and Media, there are 80 million television households in the Middle East and North Africa market. Today satellite television reaches 65% of them, but by 2016 that proportion will rocket to 80%.

Already there are more than 500 free to air channels in the region, with the big players pushing ever harder. Orbit Showtime Network recently invested in strengthening its local content, and Sky News Arabia is set to launch from a new production base which is a world leader in state of the art technology.

Outside broadcast operators like Al Kass and Live have built new fleets with the latest equipment and working practices. Twofour54 in Abu Dhabi is actively marketing its production and post-production capabilities across Europe as well as to local producers.

Many analysts believe this is not just an exciting time to be in broadcast and media in the region, it is a vital time for long-term success. The dynamism the industry feels will be reflected in the 18^th CABSAT exhibition when it returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 February - 1 March, 2012.

With almost 90% of the exhibiting space already sold out, CABSAT is set to welcome leading companies from around the world, including: Arabsat, Astrium, Avid, Canon, Dubai Studio City, Eutelsat S.A., For.A Company Limited, Harris Systems, Hitachi Broadcast, Humax, Live, Mediacast, Panasonic, Sony, Salam Media Cast, twofour54 and Al Yahsat.

Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre , the event organiser said: "The broadcast and satellite technology market in the Middle East and North Africa is not only extremely attractive in terms of business opportunities, but also in terms of innovation. Often we see rapidly emerging markets as the catalyst for new technology, helping to set the industry agenda. CABSAT has become one of the world's most influential platforms for investors and developers, and as the event continues to grow, it increases its spectrum of exhibitors and visitors. We have seen greater participation not just in terms of sectors within the industry, but across a far wider geographical reach."

In 2012, the CABSAT exhibition will be 15% larger than last year, filling the new Sheikh Saeed Halls and expanding into the Arena with satellite dishes, outside broadcast equipment and other demonstrations. With exhibition space close to selling out, all the world's leading manufacturers are planning a strong presence, recognising its vital importance in the market.

Abdulhadi Alhassani, Director of Satellite Control and Maintenance at Arabsat said "CABSAT has put the MENA region on the world map"; Paddy Roache, EMEA director of Hitachi, described the event as "delivering the quality of people I need to see", and Awad Mousa, Head of Product Marketing - Sony Professional Solutions, called CABSAT "an absolute must for all members of our industry across the region".

Last show, Harris chose CABSAT to launch a key new selenium product in its future strategy, a powerful platform bridging the worlds of broadcasting and telecoms, video and IP. The first sale of this remarkable product was to OmanTel to update its transmission network.

The launch at CABSAT was not only a great endorsement of the event, it also demonstrates that this region is at the forefront of convergence. The future will be multi-screen, with consumers finding the content they want on air or online, and sharing their views and their favourites on social networks.

"Social TV is not just a buzzword: it is the future of TV and people's desire to have a deeper engagement with their favourite content," said Alex Blum, COO, Kit Digital. Kit Digital will, of course, be exhibiting at CABSAT.

The event is more than just an exhibition. This year there are even more opportunities for specialist training, tutorials and hands-on workshops under the umbrella of the CABSAT Academy. The GVF Satellite Summit is extended to two days because of the weight of information to be exchanged - there will be 19 new satellites launched by 2013.

Workshops will look at the latest technologies and workflows, including a chance to try out 3D and the newest DSLR cameras. Sessions will range from entry level briefings to in-depth investigations for highly experienced professionals.

According to the latest research by the IABM, the body that represents manufacturers and vendors in broadcast and media, the MENA market is set to grow significantly towards $2 billion in 2015 and CABSAT will be the region's foremost platform for the essential technology that accompanies that growth.

CABSAT provides a showcase for Broadcast Equipment & Systems, Cable & Satellite Installation, Camera Equipment & Accessories, Computer Graphics Software & Equipment, Decoders, Dish Antenna, Editing Software, Lighting, Audio Equipment & Accessories, Modulators, Motion Picture Products & Services, Production & Post Production Equipment, Receivers and Streaming Media.

Held in conjunction with CABSAT, the Satellite section of the show, launched four years ago, has become the industry networking platform to explore business opportunities, formulate strategies and create partnerships for video, voice, data and IP communications over satellite.

CABSAT 2012 will run from 28 February - 1 March, 2012 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The exhibitions are strictly for trade and business only. Visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry.

-Ends-

About CABSAT Website: www.CABSAT.com
CABSAT is the established and respected trade platform for the digital media and satellite sectors across the Middle East, Africa, and Southern Asia region. A total of 770 exhibitors from 55 countries, including 11 National Pavillions, participated in the event in 2011, welcoming 10,162 visitors from 103 countries. In 2012, the two successful cable and satellite event platforms will be brought into one powerful industry leading showcase that will continue to reflect the needs of the important market it serves. CABSAT will showcase all the latest innovations in digital media, including recording and editing equipment, HD and 3D TV and cinema, IPTV/Mobile TV, and content creation, management and delivery technology.

CABSAT is an exciting, interactive event featuring all the major global technology and service providers for this growing industry. Now in its 18th year, CABSAT continues to extend its global reach and is the dominant technology platform for anyone wishing to target broadcasters, production houses, animation houses, content owners and creators, software developers, systems integrators and distribution channels in the vast MENASA region

SATELLITE

Now firmly established as the definitive satellite event for the MENASA region, CABSAT encompasses broadcast, telecoms, oil and gas, NGOs, military applications, and features a vast array of leading global companies supplying convergence technology and services to these sectors. As the pivotal event for the satellite industry in the Middle East, CABSAT is the natural choice for any company wishing to target end-users of this technology.

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Website: www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of CABSAT 2012, Dubai World Trade Centre offers more than 32 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.

For more information, please contact:
Kurt Parry, Exhibitions and Events English PR Manager
Dubai World Trade Centre
Tel: (+9714) 308 6124
E-mail: kurt.parry@dwtc.com

Jehad Kamal, Exhibitions and Events Arabic PR Manager
Dubai World Trade Centre
Tel: (+9714) 308
6087
Email: jehad.kamal@dwtc.com

© Press Release 2011