DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The information communication technology sector within the Middle East has one of the highest growth potentials in the world, with leading analysis providers Business Monitor International estimating the market will grow by a further ten percent by 2013.

With major exhibitors including Cisco, Dell, du, Etisalat, hp, Microsoft, NEC Philips, Oracle, Panasonic, Sanyo and Thuraya, already confirmed to participate at this year’s exhibition, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK 2009 remains one of the world’s premier IT platforms for global companies to showcase their latest technology and advancements to the Middle East market.

Companies around the world are looking to improve the value proposition of their offerings while improving efficiency of their operations in an increasingly demanding business environment. GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK benefits from its geographical position in one of the world’s highest technology growth hubs to provide an all-encompassing solution for CRM solutions, knowledge exchange, and the latest green alternatives.

Over the past few years, an increasingly high number of leading decision-makers have reaffirmed the importance of one of the world’s most influential communications events. GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK continues to attract influential industry experts and thought leaders, due to the Middle East being considered among the most sought-after markets in the world. The show has been the platform of choice for the region’s IT industry to showcase its prowess for almost three decades.

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.

“The region’s importance as a key global IT market has been highlighted by the continuous growth of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK over the years,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre. “As ICT companies look to drive forward and gain market position following the economic downturn, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK provides access into the Middle East market, and opportunities to cement lasting business relationships as economic stability returns.”

One of the major sectors within GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is the GITEX Global Conference 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 Leaders in Industry Breakfast Briefings, designed for senior executives. Analyst firms Gartner and Forrester Research will outline key trends and provide industry insight.

Other forums will also feature leading international industry personalities who will engage and empower the GITEX community with new intelligence and information to effectively adapt and manage their businesses as we enter a new era of economic dynamics.

Also returning at this year’s GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will be the extended GITEX Majlis, an executive business programme for CEOs and senior businesspeople. The GITEX Majlis is a VIP club, a made-to-order business experience built around the unique needs of today's senior corporate executives.

This highly coveted networking programme enables GITEX to bring together the industry's key influencers – CEOs, CTOs, CIOs, and business counterparts - to share experiences, identify best practice and review the latest industry offerings. The networking forum, executive lounge, and preferred priority seating at seminars, workshops and keynotes will be extended to more than 2,000 members at this year’s exhibition.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is supported by ICT Strategic Partner Dubai Internet City.

The show will deliver a comprehensive experience in each of the following areas:

GITEX BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

GITEX Business Solutions provides a platform to explore ways in which technology applications and solutions will help today’s businesses meet the demands of the region’s rapidly developing IT solutions market. Industry analysis from IDC estimates the IT services market in the UAE alone will grow to US$ one billion, by 2010.

GITEX Business Solutions will offer focused areas for technology manufacturers to network with the thousands of senior technology managers and chief information officers set to visit the high profile event. This forward-thinking sector will provide exhibitors with the opportunity to share business strategy and strengthen relationships with current and prospective customers as well as partners. GITEX Business Solutions is the ideal stage to showcase innovative solutions that help companies maximise potential and stay ahead of the competition.

Leading brands such as Arab Business Machine - Apple authorised distributor in the Middle East, Brother, Dell, Epson, Genius Computer Technology, Microsoft, NEC Philips, and Symantec have already committed to this year’s show.

Symantec, a global leader in providing security, storage and systems management solutions, has been an avid champion of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK.

“As an exhibitor at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK for several years, Symantec’s customers and business in the Gulf as a whole continue to benefit from interacting with our specialists and our partners. GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK gives Symantec an opportunity to present the latest technologies in the field of information security and management,” said Johnny Karam, Symantec Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

As part of this year’s GITEX Global Conference delegates will hear from Anton Delsink, Developer Tools Specialist, Microsoft offer solutions to the up and coming development tools and environments to help IT managers get the best out of Microsoft packages.

In addition to private businesses, the UAE government entities have always recognised the importance of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, and as eGovernment services play an increasingly important role, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will provide a dedicated section of the show for Government entities.

Participating bodies include Dubai Municipality, the Ministry of Interior Naturalisation & Residency Administration Dubai, and the Ministry of Social Affairs, among many others have already committed to the show.

Other Government departments from the GCC include the Bahrain eGovernment Agency, and Electronic Saudi Network (e-Saudi).

“This year’s edition of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is the most dynamic ICT event of the Middle East region,” said Thani Abdullah Alzaffin, CEO of Dubai eGovernment. “eGovernance utilizes a transparent mechanism for customers to obtain government services at any time and place without the need for physical visits. GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK allows us to demonstrate our latest developments in the field of eTransformation and prudent management, which is regarded as a solid foundation for a modern knowledge-based cosmopolitan community in the UAE.”

GULFCOMMS

GULFCOMMS remains the region’s largest international telecommunications and networking forum for the mobile, fixed, IP, and satellite sector. Highlighting the importance of collaboration, the show will also provide a business development platform via focused telecom networking sessions at the GITEX Global Conference, which will give companies the unique opportunity to gain access to some of the largest operators and providers in the region.

The Middle East remains one of the world’s fastest-growing telecommunications and networking sectors, and GULFCOMMS this year is attracting an even greater interest than previous years. According to Al Mal Capital, the UAE telecoms sector in 2009 is expected to reach AED 29.72 billion.

Companies operating in network development, satellite applications, wireless technology, and infrastructure solutions will be leveraging GULFCOMMS as an entry point to a burgeoning market that has been generating massive opportunities along with its rapid growth. Companies such as Avaya, du, Etisalat, Thuraya, and the TRA have already committed to participate again this year.

“The Middle East telecom sector remains the most aggressive in the world,” said TRA Director General and Board Member Mohammed Nasser Al Ghanim. “GULFCOMMS and GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is the right podium for TRA to facilitate and demonstrate its leadership role in the region and the UAE’s telecoms sector.”

GULFCOMMS provides one of the most attractive points of entry to this dynamic market. Visitors to the event will see the latest offerings in 3G technology, mobile convergence and WiMAX.

Specifically for GULFCOMMS, the Global Conference will include special discussion which looks at the emerging trends in the telecom and communications industry. The panels will explore areas including wireless broadband, fixed-mobile convergence and VoIP. Speakers include Ghazi Atallah, Managing Director, neXgen Advisory Group, Mike Cansfied, Principal Analyst, Forrester, and Neil Manning, General Manager, MobileAccess.

NEW FOR 2008!

MEFX – The Middle East International Banking, Financial Technology and Services Exhibition and Conference

The region’s banking industry remains one of the fastest evolving in the world. Supported by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is proud to announce the co-location of MEFX in 2009. MEFX is an invaluable platform for decision makers to discuss the latest innovations and developments that are necessary to drive the industry forward successfully.

“There is a natural synergy between banking & finance, and the ICT industry,” said Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar as CEO of DIFC Authority. “Holding MEFX alongside GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will allow companies to integrate the solutions required to keep Dubai at the forefront of the international markets.”

As the banking industry continues to evolve, industry professionals are required to keep abreast of new developments and challenges. Issues such as Basel II compliance, risk management, security, regulation, monetary union, and banking consolidation are at the forefront of today’s agenda.

Companies including Interblocks, Omega Financial Solutions, Sage and Sybase are all participating in this year’s event.

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS

The Consumer Electronics sector within GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is a vibrant hub for leading vendors to display the latest in consumer electronics, IT systems, components and peripherals, and for retailers to demonstrate their industry expertise. New this year is the introduction of interactive features: ‘Smart Office’ and ‘Smart Home’, offering a sneak preview into the technology of the future which will change the way consumers behave in the workplace and home.

Leading suppliers already onboard include Cisco, Edimax Technology, Panasonic, Sanyo, and Sharaf Electronics.

“The Middle East remains one of the focus markets for Panasonic globally. We have introduced innovative products this year, but at GITEX we will be demonstrating our market leading digital heath technology. GITEX is the ideal stage to introduce world class technology to the region. This year Panasonic has the biggest stand at GITEX, which emphasises the importance we place on the exhibition,” commented Anthony Peter, Associate Director and Group General Manager, Direct Consumer Communication and Customer Care, Panasonic.

The Consumer Electronics section is one of the most popular with trade visitors to GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK which reflects the latest green products and innovations, as well as the newest and coolest gadgets of the future. Consumer Electronics includes many products from home entertainment, through to IT components, and gaming.

In addition, Ford will return to the event as the official GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK Car, offering visitors the opportunity to see first hand the latest innovations hitting the motor industry. There is also an opportunity to drive away in an exclusive Ford Flex by completing the GITEX Passport Raffle.

The Consumer Electronics segment only will also be open to the general public, on 22 October. Entry is free.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK GLOBAL CONFERENCE

The GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK Global Conference features an important industry opening address from Stephen Murdoch, VP of Solutions and Services, EMEA at Dell, as well as insightful seminars, conferences and networking sessions for the ICT industry to network and exchange ideas.

This year the conference entitled ‘Defining the Value of IT in a Challenging Economy’ has been expanded again to include an impressive 40 tracks. Delegate information and pricing details is available at www.gitex.com/conf.

New this year will be the daily Leader in Industry Breakfast Briefings, including sessions where analysts from Gartner and Forrester will be outlining key trends and offering industry insight to senior level executives.

Other forums will also feature leading international industry personalities who will engage and empower the GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK community with new intelligence and information. Some of the speakers include: John Fitzgerald, CEO, Beyond Encryption Technologies; Dr. Raymond Khoury, Principal, Booz & Company; Faizal Eledath, CIO, Dubai Bank; Fadi Hindi, Head of Strategic IT Planning & Enterprise Architecture, Dubai Customs; Ahmad Almulla, VP-IT, DUBAL; Emad Khatib, CIO, Emcredit; Azzam Al-Dari, Regional Consulting Director for Forrester Middle East; Katja Ruud, Research Director and Agenda Manager, Gartner Research; Husni Khuffash, Google’s Country Business Development Manager for the UAE, Lower Gulf and Levant; and Sandy Carter, Vice President, IBM Software Group Worldwide Channels for IBM Corporation.

The GITEX Global Conference also includes specialist tracks for GULFCOMMS and MEFX, and interactive ‘Developer Days’ will be available for technical executives, IT managers and programmers. The focus will be on half day sessions run by key technology majors, and offers insight to the up and coming development tools and environments.

Free sessions include SMB solution panel debates, collaboration workshops, and ROI power sessions, which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Now in its 29th 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.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, 18–22 October is open to trade and business professionals only from 10am - 7pm and takes place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. For the latest information, and to pre-register, please visit www.gitex.com. Contact Congress International (CSI) for exclusive GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK offers for all your travel arrangement needs, and contact Emirates – the official airline of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK.

Running alongside GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is GITEX Shopper and Consumer Electronics Expo 2009, the most consumer-friendly and successful retail platform for technology in the Middle East. Taking place at Airport Expo Dubai 17 – 24 October 2009, GITEX Shopper will bring together the biggest brand names in consumer electronics to offer the most comprehensive array of offers in the Middle East for mobile phones, laptops, computer accessories as well as the latest leisure and lifestyle gadgets. Please visit www.gitexshopperdubai.com.

*Source: ME NewsWire

Photo Caption: GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK remains one of the world’s premier IT exhibitions.

About GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK

Website: www.gitex.com

Dubai World Trade Centre will organise four 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
• 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 organiser 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 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.