05 August 2004
Middle East Consumers Switching From Film to Digital Imaging Technology

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

BenQ, the region's leader in digital lifestyle products, has signed a distribution agreement with the exclusive Salam Studios and Stores chain of outlets in the Middle East to sell their innovative range of digital cameras.

Under the terms of the deal, Salam, which has branches in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain and Muscat, Oman, will display BenQ cameras in their showrooms, providing technical information, service and support to buyers.

The retailer, which has been operating in the Middle East for over 50 years, has a strong reputation for selling the most prestigious names in imaging technology to its customers, proving popular with both professional and amateur photographers in the region.

"People across the Middle East are switching from using film to digital cameras. It allows for memories to be shared quickly and easily between family and friends," said Bassam Abdulsalam Abu-Issa, executive director, Salam. "Our customers demand digital technology that is functional, easy to use and is competitive on price. BenQ's range meets their needs."

Salam will stock BenQ's entire camera range, including the S30, the newest model in the Middle East. The S30 can take photographs, play music, and record voice memos. Contained within its stylish design are a digital camera, MP3 Player, and an FM radio, combined with an 180? flip-out LCD screen.

BenQ's C40 offers a 3X optical zoom, a total of 4.2 mega pixels and it has an SD card photo storage for file sharing, enabling users to share pictures with friends and family.

"As more people switch to digital camera technology, BenQ has a model which will suit every need," said Robert Dung, managing director, BenQ Middle East. "Salam Studios is one of the region's most famous and exclusive retail outlets, and we are delighted that its customers will be able to buy the latest BenQ digital cameras."

BenQ currently has 5 models available in the Middle East, which will all be stocked at Salam outlets across the region. As new models are introduced, Salam's dedicated imaging sales team will receive training on the latest features in order to provide customers with the most up-to-date information.

-Ends-

About Salam Studios and Stores
In 1952 the founder Mr. Abdul Salam Abu Issa established his first studio in Doha, Qatar. The source of the merchandise started through extensive traveling all over the world, when such practices were extremely rare. This studio grew into a comprehensive luxury department store chain, which has expanded over the years into the UAE and Oman covering both retail and distribution. Salam has also expanded its distribution business into Kuwait and Jordan.
About BenQ
BenQ is an industry leader in networking lifestyle devices with an expertise that encompasses display, storage, imaging, wireless and broadband areas.

BenQ has manufacturing plants in Malaysia, Mexico, China and Taiwan. The company has 14,499 employees worldwide, supporting a strong global sales marketing and service network spanning Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Americas. BenQ has research and development facilities in Taiwan (Hsinchu Lab), China (Suzhou Software Development Center) and California, USA (Wireless Technology Center), and has more than 2000 research and development employees in Suzhou, Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu and San Diego. BenQ has amassed 1,334 global patents. 2003 revenues exceeded US$3.6 billion dollars. For more information about BenQ, please visit our website at BenQ.co.ae

© Press Release 2004