Highlighting the latest technology and services worldwide, Gitex 2006 promises to surpass previous records of revenue and attendance figures.
This month get ready to get wired. In its 26th year, the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (Gitex) 2006 promises to be bigger and better, with revenue and attendance figures surpassing all previous records.
Rated among the world's top three information technology exhibitions, Gitex continues to reflect the importance and phenomenal growth of the IT industry in the Middle East by highlighting the latest technology and services from international manufacturers and suppliers.
So if you're the kind to exult in the company of personal computers, cellphones, i-pods and personal digital assistants, then the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) is the place to be from November 18 to 22.
Spoilt for choice
Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre, Gitex 2006 will feature IT equipment and systems, software and services, and banking technology and financial services. From Enterprise IT solutions, RFID, CRM, e-commerce, VPN, push e-mail, WIMAX/Wi-Fi solution to the latest Dual Core CPUs and notebooks, photo imaging products, high-definition displays and capturing devices, visitors will be spoilt for choice.
The high point of this year, however, is Gulfcomms an all-encompassing telecommunications event which will showcase the latest in telecommunications networks, mobile communications and applications, next generation networks, satellite communications, VOiP technology and infrastructure solutions.
As international visitors and exhibitors line up to register, the frenzy to be part of this trade fair points to the growing IT market and increase in IT spending in the Middle East.
Growth sector
The growth of the information technology sector in the UAE has been phenomenal. Dubai Internet City has the Middle East's biggest IT infrastructure, employing more than 5,000 knowledge workers. The major sectors of economy in the UAE, such as banking, financial institutions and import and export organisations, have also substantially increased their investment in information technology.
In the region, the UAE and Saudi Arabia account for 77 per cent of the Gulf's current annual IT spend of Dh18.12 billion. Industry estimates show that the Middle East and North Africa IT market is set to grow from $6.9 billion in 2003 to $13.4 billion by 2008.
Key players
The IT boom has obviously led to a fight for space at the Gitex show in Dubai. The popularity of the exhibition has been increasing annually with key players such as Oracle, Sony, Hewlett Packard and Dubai Internet City showcasing their latest offerings. In 2005, Gitex welcomed more than 1,163 exhibitors representing more than 2,724 companies from 61 countries - a 50 per cent increase in turnout compared to 2004. The record-breaking show covered more than 30,227 square metres, 10 per cent more than Gitex 2004.
Organisers of Gitex 2006 expect even more impressive visitor and exhibitor numbers this year. As David Lim, International Project Manager of Gitex 2006, says: "To date we already have over 1,250 exhibitors from more than 60 countries."
There will be 27 country pavilions this year, the new countries being the US, Portugal and Hungary. The event is a perfect platform for IT suppliers and end users to come face-to-face and learn from each other, present problems, find solutions and discuss ideas. Representatives of technology companies, IT service providers, international manufacturers and global suppliers of products and solutions will attend Gitex 2006. The exhibitor profiles include biometric certification systems, call centre solutions, computer accessories, computer products, e-commerce solutions, embedded computer technologies and enterprise solutions.
According to past records, 67 per cent of the exhibitors surveyed during Gitex 2005 said the event met their expectations. About 55 per cent rated the quality of visitors as good, 15 per cent said they would like to see a dedicated wireless sector and 12 per cent wanted a dedicated VOiP sector. Of the visitors surveyed in 2005, 70 per cent said they were successful in gathering market information, 74 per cent said they were successful in meeting suppliers and 75 per cent felt that the new products were good.
"The response had been overwhelming from both exhibitors and visitors. Everyone in the industry is looking forward to Gitex 2006. The numbers for our visitors pre-registration have been very encouraging and, judging by the figures, Gitex and Gulfcomms will once again be an event that will demonstrate the booming IT and telecommunications industries in the region," says Lim.
As Joseph Hanania, Managing Director, HP Middle East, puts it: "HP is firmly committed to Gitex. The Middle East and North Africa region is currently the third-fastest-growing IT market in the world after India and China and is extremely important for HP. Gitex is a perfect platform for us to meet and interact with partners.
Innovative solutions
"HP will be unveiling a range of exciting and innovative products and solutions from its consumer, small and medium and enterprise business divisions at Gitex 2006. Customers and visitors to the HP stand will be able to benefit from HP's expertise and gain insight into its complete end-to-end solutions," says Hanania.
HP will be showcasing its full range of home devices, including new notebooks, PCs, desktops, iPAQs, printers and photo printer solutions. "On the imaging and printing side, HP is looking to introduce its digital photography portfolio to beginners and professional alike and will be showing the latest digital cameras, printers and supplies.
"With the personal systems group, HP will focus on mobility and convergence. The Middle East's HP Invent Centre, featuring an HP team on the stand, will provide visitors with greater insight into emerging solutions and technologies," says Hanania.
Panasonic has announced that it will present its 'living in high definition' theme at Gitex 2006. The company will showcase its 103-inch plasma display, Blu-ray high-definition home cinema and Lumix DMC-L1 digital camera for the first time in the Middle East.
Jacky's Middle East LLC, distributor of top of the range technology products, will be showcasing a new range of office products at Gitex 2006. Its centrepiece will be the Traf-Sys People Counting Systems, a digital device designed to provide a flexible, interactive platform to get the information quickly and accurately.
Show at a glance
Venue: Dubai International
Convention and Exhibition Centre
Date: November 18 to 22, 2006
Timings: November 18 - 1 to 7pm; November 19 to 22 - 10am to 7pm
By Esha Nag
© Gulf News 2006
