21 December 2008
New Satellite MENA Exhibition Launched to Reflect Emerging Market

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has become one of the most dynamic emerging markets for satellite and broadcast use.

Nearly 100 percent of satellite transponders in the region are being used, according to a recent study by Euroconsult and The London Satellite Exchange, reflecting the demand for capacity in the MENA region by media, telecom, and military users.

According to Euroconsult estimates, transponder demand throughout MENA has risen 12 percent per year for the last five years. Commercial satellite-lease revenues have grown by 17 percent per year on average since 2003, reaching US$ 752 million in 2007.

The report states that 42 per cent of Ku-band satellite usage within the MENA region was from television and radio broadcasts, while the remainder was made up from voice and data traffic.

Highlighting the growth of satellite demand, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of CABSAT MENA - the third largest digital media event globally- is launching a new dedicated trade event, Satellite MENA.

Satellite MENA will deliver a networking platform to explore business opportunities, formulate strategies and create partnerships for video, voice, data and IP communications over satellite.

"The launch of Satellite MENA provides a dedicated business forum for those interested in the Satellite sectors, and we are delighted to have the support from some of the market's leading associations," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre. "Holding CABSAT MENA and Satellite MENA side by side allows us to be more targeted in our approach while still providing a detailed reflection of the overall cable and satellite market."

Satellite MENA will run alongside CABSAT MENA which has been refocused to serve the digital broadcast sector. Together, these two events are expected to attract nearly 10,000 trade visitors from more than 100 countries during the three-day exhibition welcoming 650 exhibiting companies from 50 countries.

"As the satellite sector has significantly grown, we are delighted that this exhibition, Satellite MENA, has been launched," said Martin Jarrold, Chief International Programme Development, GVF, one of the leading industry associations supporting Satellite MENA. "Such a dedicated event will help satellite professionals exchange ideas and visions, and gain more industry insight in a very specific atmosphere. GVF is proud to be an associate and welcomes this strategic development of the event," he added.

Satellite MENA is also supported by Asia Pacific Satellite Communications Council (APSCC), Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) and World Trade Association (WTA).

Focusing solely on the media and broadcast sectors, CABSAT MENA is also supported by Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), International Association for Broadcasting Manufacturers (IABM) and Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU). This event will showcase the latest products and services from the entire spectrum of the digital media industry, from content creation management to delivery.

Both exhibitions will have dedicated networking and knowledge exchange opportunities with registrations for the conferences including the GVF MENASAT Summit at Satellite MENA.

CABSAT MENA and Satellite MENA will welcome trade visitors between 11am - 7pm from 3-5 March 2009. Admission is restricted to trade and business professionals only. Visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry. University students will be permitted entry on 5 March only and must be accompanied by a faculty member. For more information, visit www.satellitemena.com and www.cabsat.com.

-Ends- 

About Satellite MENA
Website: www.satelittemena.com
The first ever definitive event of its kind in the region, Satellite MENA was launched in response to the increasing demand of the satellite industry. Held in conjunction with CABSAT MENA,

Satellite MENA will serve broadcasters, commercial entities, telecoms operators, government, NGO's and military. The show aims to be the industry's networking platform to explore business opportunities, formulate strategies and create partnerships for video, voice, data and IP communications over satellite.

About CABSAT MENA
Website: www.cabsat.com
CABSAT MENA is the leading international Digital Media for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. As an annual event, the exhibition provides the perfect platform for decisions makers, buyers and sellers to network, formulate strategies, create partnerships and explore business opportunities and strategies. CABSAT MENA will cover two main industry sectors including:

• Cable and Satellite Equipment & Accessories

• Broadcast and Production

CABSAT MENA has been growing steadily and 2008 was the biggest event yet, with a total exhibition area of 24,110 square metres and 650 exhibiting companies from 50 countries. The show welcomed 9,356 trade visitors last year. Show highlights included the CABSAT Broadcasting Conference, GVF Satellite Symposium, CABSAT Dr Dish Awards, Radio and Audio Pavilion and Mobile TV showcase. The event was supported and endorsed by GVF, Arab States Broadcasting Union, Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union and International Associations of Broadcasting Manufacturers.

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
Website: www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of CABSAT MENA 2009, 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 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. 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:
Shahi Hamad      
DWTC                                                                                      
Tel: 9714 3086249                                                                    
Email: Shahbaa.hamad@dwtc.com                                           

Jehad Kamal
DWTC
Tel: 9714 3086087
Email: Jehad.Kamal@dwtc.com

© Press Release 2008