DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, one of the most important ICT exhibitions in the world, is returning in 2009 to help companies power up during these challenging times by delivering an integrated platform for business development and networking, in one of the most resilient and sought after ICT markets in the world.

Scheduled to be held from 18-22 October 2009 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will offer a focused environment with industry specific sectors including GITEX Business Solutions, GULFCOMMS and Consumer Electronics. In addition, the Middle East International Banking, Financial Technology and Services Exhibition, MEFX, will run alongside GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK to provide all-encompassing exposure to business opportunities throughout the region.

“GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will play a critical role in driving the rejuvenation of the region’s ICT sector,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organizer of the event. “This year, GITEX’s strategy is to provide the market with cost effective creative technology solutions to ride out the current climate and prepare for the new demands that recovery brings.”

New initiatives include an extended GITEX Global Conference program with more speakers and conference tracks than ever before. In addition, the introduction of the new interactive features at Consumer Electronics, “Smart Office” and “Smart Home,” offer a sneak preview into the technology of the future which will change the way consumers behave in the work place and home.

Now in its 29^th year, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK has become a beacon for the information technology and communications sectors in the Middle East, and attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world. Decision makers and buyers will seek to use the event to improve the value proposition of their offerings while enhancing the cost efficiency of their operations.

Leading companies already onboard include Avaya, Brother, Dell, Epsom, McAfee, NEC Philips, Panasonic, Sanyo, and Thuraya.

The GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK Global Conference program entitled “Defining the value of IT in a challenging economy” has been expanded again this year to include an impressive 40 tracks.

New this year will be the Leader in Industry Breakfast Briefing where analysts from Gartner and Forester will be outlining key trends and offering industry insight. Other forums will also feature leading international industry personalities who will engage and empower the GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK community with new intelligence and information.

Other leading speakers include Sandy Carter, Vice President, IBM Software Group Worldwide Channels for IBM Corporation; Tariq Elsadik, Chief Excellence & Information Officer, Al Fahim Group; and Mohammed Shah, Vice President Technology Infrastructure & Services, Knowledge Economic City Developer.

Also returning will be an extended GITEX Majlis, an executive business program for CEOs and senior businesspeople. The networking forum, executive lounge and preferred priority seating at seminars, workshops and keynotes will be extended to members.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, 18–22 October is open to trade and business professionals only from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and takes place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. For the latest information, please visit www.gitex.com.

*Source: ME NewsWire

About GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK

Website: www.gitex.com

Dubai World Trade Centre will organize four major components of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, designed to maximize 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
• MEFX - The Middle East International Banking, Financial Technology and Services Exhibition

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.

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)

Website: www.dwtc.com

As the organizer of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, Dubai World Trade Centre offers more than 30 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 organizes 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.