Gulfcomms, launched alongside Gitex 2006, will provide the most sought-after business-networking platform for the global telecommunications industry.
Gulfcomms, the Middle East's largest telecommunications exhibition running concurrently with Gitex 2006, will be held in the new 15,000-square-metre Zabeel Hall at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).
The event proposes to bring together some of the world's largest and most innovative companies in the telecommunications sector, including operators and specialists in mobile communications, network development, satellite applications, IP technology and infrastructure solutions.
"Gulfcomms was launched as a telecommunications platform for the Middle East. The strong growth in the regional telecom space, plus the growing convergence between IT and telecom spurred us on to launch Gulfcomms in conjunction with Gitex 2006," says David Lim, International Project Manager of Gitex 2006. "Our aim is to facilitate the continued growth in the region and to be the place where international and regional telecom companies come to network."
Gulfcomms will welcome more than 100 major global and regional telecom companies, including Alcatel, Avaya, Du, Korea Telecom, Net2phone, Thuraya, Etisalat and France Telecom. There will be several industry-focused events coinciding with Gulfcomms, including the Telecoms Senior Executive Briefing Sessions organised by CommsMEA on November 19 and 20 and the GVF Communications Forum held from November 19 to 22.
Given the high level of interest in the potential of the Middle East market, the event will undoubtedly provide the most sought-after business networking platform for the global telecommunications industry. According to research group Arab Advisors, the regional telecom operators have served 85 million cellular subscribers and 30 million mainlines in 2005, and the market continues to expand rapidly through ongoing liberalisation and technological innovation.
Gulfcomms will also help the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to network with other operators and regulators from around the region and touch base with some of the leading suppliers worldwide.
The strategic positioning of Gulfcomms along with Gitex will reinforce the core message of 'digital convergence' where technology and telecommunications interlink more closely to serve companies and consumers.
According to Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, DWTC, "The Middle East's telecommunications sector has a huge potential for growth... so there has been strong demand for an industry event that can provide a professional platform for business development for international companies within the Middle East."
The industry response to Gulfcomms has already been overwhelming, with UAE's TRA endorsing the event.
"Gulfcomms presents TRA with a targeted platform to network with other operators and regulators from around the region, as well as the opportunity to touch base with some of the leading suppliers from around the world. As a guardian of the UAE telecom sector, we see this event to be a positive stimulant for this core sector of the economy," says Mohammad Al Ghanim, TRA Director General.
Telecom giants such as Du, Etisalat and Nokia have already committed their support for the exhibition.
"Etisalat is aggressively expanding investments and operations within the Middle East and Africa and Gulfcomms is seen as a key event for us. The exhibition is a great opportunity for us to meet up with key decision makers from across the region and beyond, to share common ideas with them and be able to better understand future challenges and trends," says Essa Al Haddad, Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat.
The UAE's second telecom, internet and cable TV services provider Du has also welcomed the launch of Gulfcomms. Osman Sultan, CEO, Du, says: "The telecom sector in the region is burgeoning and needs an appropriate forum... to showcase itself. This is in line with Du's commitment to making the customer experience a better one, by allowing them greater accessibility to the latest developments in the field locally and globally."
Gulfcomms 2006 (In conjunction with Gitex)
Venue: Zabeel Hall, Dubai International Convention Centre
Date: November 18 to 22
Timings: November 18 - 1 to 7pm; November 19-22 - 10am to 7pm
By Esha Nag
© Gulf News 2006
