Middle East Businesses Capitalise on the Weak US Dollar
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: During 2008, purchases of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) products and services within Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) will overtake the US, according to a recent report by international research company, Global Insight.
As the economy in the United States slows down, due in part to the weak dollar, businesses in the Middle East are experiencing 5 percent growth, compared to 4 percent in the USA, with the Middle East and Asia-Pacific becoming the two fastest growing regions the world.
With the Middle East strategically positioned as a hub of global technology, ICT companies are now looking to capitalise on this attractive market with increased investment in the area.
"The Middle East is one of the fastest growing ICT regions in the world, combining strong business acumen and substantial experience in developing growth. This year's GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will bring together the biggest local and international companies to build on the current boom in the Middle East ICT market," said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK.
According to the Global Insight report, the total ICT spend in the Middle East this year is predicted to be US$ 73 billion, rising to more than US$ 95 billion in the next three years.
Saudi Arabia is the biggest regional investor spending over US$ 20 billion per year in ICT investment.
Leading ICT providers such as Dell, Symantec, and Sage Software will exhibit at GITEX Business Solutions between 19-23 October 2008 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), showcasing their latest technology to thousands of ICT and procurement executives, and hoping to generate further business within the Middle East.
John Coulston, Head of Marketing, Dell Middle East said: "The Middle East market has never been stronger, and it is growing at a disproportionate rate to the established western market. That means that we not only have to be in a position to provide the right products, but we are also offering a lot of support to help these businesses grow."
"As one of the largest enterprise vendors at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, we will be demonstrating the strength of Dell's services capabilities, alongside new storage infrastructure solutions, and the latest virtualisation products," he added.
GITEX Business Solutions is a dedicated event within GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK for government, enterprise and SMB solution providers. As one of the world's top technology exhibitions, the event provides a focused platform for local and global organisations to increase the volume and value of business opportunities.
At the heart of discussions at the event will be the slowing economies of developed nations, and the cooling of demand for ICT products in the traditionally strong heartlands of America and Europe, creating more opportunities for emerging economies like the Middle East.
There has been a substantial increase in the number of exhibitors participating in GITEX Business Solutions as compared to 2007. Most of last year's exhibitors have confirmed their presence for the 2008 event with new companies participating in a variety of ways the event heads towards a complete sell out.
GITEX BUSINESS SOLUTIONS aims to provide three distinct areas for Network & Security, Office Technology & Supplies, and IT Solutions. GULFCOMMS and Consumer Electronics will join GITEX Business Solutions as distinct, yet closely related events providing focused forums for key buyers and decision-makers as part of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK.
GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK opens 19 - 23 October 2008, from 10am - 7pm daily. The event is open to trade and business professionals only and takes place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. For the latest information, please visit www.gitex.com.
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About GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK
Website: www.gitex.com
Dubai World Trade Centre will organise three 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.
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.
Gadget Glam - This exciting showcase presents a fascinating mix of innovations in consumer technology and promises to attract even those with an interest in technology, not to mention gadget lovers who want a sneak preview of the latest in the market before anyone else. The event consists of a catwalk and showcase area featuring everything from mobiles to mp3 players and HD Cameras to LCDs. A fantastic innovative way to present new launches this event delivers one of the fastest, most lucrative markets in the world, at the largest show of its kind in the region.
About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
Website: www.dwtc.com
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.
For more information, please contact:
Amanda Slater
Dubai World Trade Centre
Tel: (+9714) 308 6661
E-mail: amanda.slater@dwtc.com
Jon Barber
Wallis Marketing Consultants
Tel: (+9714) 390 1950
Fax: (+9714) 367 2801
E-mail: jon.barber@wallismc.com
© Press Release 2008
