DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Vice President and Ruler of Dubai inaugurated the 29^th edition of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK today, marking the beginning of the most important ICT event in the region.

After officially opening the show, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the VIP entourage toured the exhibition for a first-hand look of the exhibition floor and sampled some of the world-class technological innovations and products that will be showcased during the five days of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK.

“We are honoured to have His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Vice President and Ruler of Dubai open the 29^th edition of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre. “The successful preview of Windows 7 and the increase in high-profile delegates and industry decision-makers to the show highlights the importance of the region’s ICT market, and the key role GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK plays in facilitation the growth of the market.”

“We are already seeing huge interest this year as the industry gets together and discuss opportunities for the future,” added Almarri.

Steven Guggenheimer, Corporate OEM Vice President, Microsoft Corporation, presented His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the first commercially available Windows 7 PC in collaboration with hp.

Mr. Guggenheimer also delivered the keynote address at the GITEX Global Conference, outlining the benefits of Windows 7, a week before its global launch.

Speaking to a packed audience of senior executives from across the globe, Mr. Guggenheimer spoke of the ‘Windows Experience’ and how Windows 7 is now quickly becoming a global phenomenon.

“The importance of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is highlighted globally, by the fact that we have decided to preview our product here at the show, a week before our global launch,” said Steven Guggenheimer, Corporate OEM Vice President, Microsoft Corporation.

“This show serves to spotlights technology trends in one of the most important ICT markets in the world. GITEX today has established itself as the platform of choice for companies to introduce new products and industry knowledge, not just across the Middle East, but globally,” added Guggenheimer.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK 2009 also marked the return of many industry leaders including Aastra, Avaya, Brother, Cisco, Dell, du, Dubai Internet City (DIC), Etisalat, hp, NEC Philips, Oracle, Panasonic, Pro Technology, Sanyo, Symantec, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Thuraya and Verbatim.

This year, more than 3,000 companies from 65 countries are represented at the show, which spans 72,000 square metres. GITEX is also the first exhibition to utilise the new Sheikh Saeed Halls at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and hosts the Consumer Electronics section of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK.

The GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK Global Conference, which starts tomorrow, is the region’s largest and most high-profile technology forum, attracting senior executives from some of the Middle East’s most dynamic business and government organisations, as well as developers from the world’s leading IT companies. The regional IT industry today remains one of the most active sectors in this challenging global economy, and companies are positioning themselves in preparation for business recovery.

The GITEX Global Conference has moved to accommodate an extended programme on the back of increased demand for constructive dialogue and discussion from the industry. Other key features at the show include the interactive ‘Smart Home Smart Office’ concept where many exhibitors are demonstrating advances in smart technology, and the easily-accessible Vendor Theatres which allow companies to present to their clients and distributors on the show floor.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is open for trade visitors from 10am – 7pm from Monday 19 October to Wednesday 21 October 2009 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. On Thursday 22 October the show will open at 10am and close at 5pm. Tickets cost AED 40 per day, or AED 100 for a five day pass.

The Consumer Electronics section of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will be open free to the public on Thursday 22 October for product previews.

For more information on the exhibition, or the GITEX Global Conference, please visit www.gitex.com

Photo Caption: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Vice President and Ruler of Dubai inaugurated the 29^th edition of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK

*Source: ME NewsWire

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 fast-track 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. For more information, please visit www.gitex.com

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.