KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait is the third largest computer market in the GCC and one of the fast growing in the region, according to a recent report. Research conducted by Business Monitor International, a specialist on global emerging markets, shows that Kuwait is currently spending $539 million on IT and that figure is set to rise to $ 833 million in 2012. Several companies from Kuwait will participate at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, 19-23 October 2008 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, looking to build on strong relationships between Kuwaiti and the UAE technology industries. Alghanim Electronics, AFIT (Al Faris IT Company), Bixolon, Open Text and Yousef Al Roumi Trading Co have already confirmed their attendance.
"The signs are very positive for Kuwait's IT sector in 2008. Kuwait is one of the fastest growing IT markets in the region, and GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will help Kuwaiti companies to grow by providing a dedicated platform for them to develop and forge new relationships," said Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK. Kuwait's IT industry is growing at an immense pace due in part to its technology literate and wealthy population, which allows it to adapt faster to trends. Shahid Khan, MD, Alghanim Electronics said: "Kuwait is one of the most advanced electronics markets in the Gulf. As the largest electronics retailer in Kuwait and the Middle East, Alghanim Electronics serves as a technology enabler delivering the latest technology products to its customers. At GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK we are looking forward to fostering new and exciting relationships."
Access
According to internetworldstats.com, 35 percent of Kuwait now has access to the internet, and it is expected more than 660,000 subscribers by 2012. Most homes are now covered by DSL or wireless internet access and a third mobile license should help spur telecoms development.
This year's GITEX Technology Week will incorporate a powerful week of dedicated trade events, including GITEX Business Solutions, GULFCOMMS and Consumer Electronics, as well as targeted networking initiatives designed to ensure the event covers the entire technology spectrum.
Key exhibitors including Blackberry, Dell, Etisalat, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle Systems, Panasonic, Sharp and Symantec are among the major names that have committed to GITEX Technology Week.
To support the show's focus on high-level business development and strategic alliances, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK Global Conference has expanded its programme to include an impressive 35 tracks of interactive discussion, featuring some of the world's leading industry experts on new generation technology.
Some of the leading experts in the field of IT will be speaking at the event, including the Chief Information Officer of the multi billion dollar Aluminium firm, DUBAL, Ahmad Alumulla; Tariq Y. Elsadik, the Chief Information Officer at Abu Dhabi based conglomerate Al Fahim; Fadi Hindi, the Head of IT Planning and Enterprise Architecture for Dubai Customs and John Fitzgerald, CEO, Beyond Encryption Technologies.
In addition, GITEX Technology Week will present the exclusive GITEX Majlis, an executive business programme for CEOs and senior business professionals providing a networking forum, executive lounge and preferred priority seating at seminars, workshops and keynotes.
Visitors are encouraged to pre-register for the event online at www.gitex.com and can also avail of the new online payment for the conference and five-day visitor ticket to ensure quick and easy access. The price of a one-day pass is 40 AED and 100 AED for a five-day pass. Admission includes access to all events including GITEX Business Solutions, GULFCOMMS, and Consumer Electronics.
As the organiser of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, Dubai 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.
© Arab Times 2008
