DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 29^th edition of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK has been hailed as one of the most successful information communications technology events of the year by industry leaders.

133,708 trade visitors attended this year’s show, a three percent increase on 2008 and the highest number of visitors to the show ever, confirming GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK as the indisputable de facto IT networking event of the year.

Senior executives lauded the impact of GITEX on bucking the recent economic drift and confirming its status as a leading industry exhibition of global importance. At a time when all other ICT shows are slowing down or reducing in size and stature, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK 2009 rose above industry expectations to deliver exceptional return on investment to more than 3,000 international companies.

“GITEX 2009 defied the global downward trend in technology exhibitions to record a very successful event,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre. “We were successful and effective in providing a global platform for dialogue and mission critical business issues, at a time when the global ICT industry is facing its toughest challenge.”

Trade visitors were delighted with the opportunity to source new business solutions and share knowledge at the GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK event.

The major launches and deals which took place were a key part of the week’s success with four new product launches from Oracle including Fusion Middleware 11g, Panasonic’s breakthrough 3D technology, and the preview of Microsoft Windows 7 ahead of its global launch.

Du also announced a strategic partnership with Cisco to offer Cisco WebEx collaboration solutions, while Etisalat unveiled its first self-branded mobile device. Dell launched ProManaged modular and managed services, Toshiba showcased the world's first 64GB SDXC Memory Card, and Thuraya launched the world’s toughest satellite phone.

Feedback from exhibiting companies affirmed that 2009 witnessed an increase in the number of senior executives at the event. Many of the exhibitors created major opportunities for companies to sign new agreements and introduce new solutions to the region.

“GITEX 2009 was a great show for us, really money well spent,” said Husam Dajani, Senior Vice President, Middle East and Africa, Oracle. “We saw higher visitor numbers, and from the entire region including Africa. And we believe that, from an organisational perspective, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK 2009 was much better than previous years. Based on what we have seen, Oracle remains confident in, and committed to, the region.”

The GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK opening keynote address was presented to hundreds of C-Level executives by Steven Guggenheimer, Corporate OEM Vice President, Microsoft Corporation.

“GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is such a large show for the region; it is very technology focused,” said Guggenheimer. “If you look at the senior executives coming from all around the world, I think it speaks to the importance of the region, the growth that people are looking for and expecting in the Middle East and Africa region. GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is obviously a very large show, so in the global economy, the Middle East and Africa region is probably one of the fastest growing areas and will be for many years to come.”

Other leading international names were among the speakers, including Bobby Cameron, VP, Principle Analyst, Forrester; Katja Ruud, Research Director and Agenda Manager, Gartner Research; and Sandy Carter, VP, IBM Software Group Worldwide Channels for IBM Corp.

“Nothing will ever replace face-to-face communication,” said Sandy Carter. “It is still the number one way to network and learn and to uncover those little chunks of gold that can be a valuable asset to your company. I really believe live events are crucial, especially in an economy like ours today. It is a way you can find out ideas to help you grow.”

Exhibitors commented that the show delivered excellent opportunities to form valuable partnerships.

“As the region’s leading mobile satellite operator, it was a pleasure for Thuraya to be a key exhibitor at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK once again this year,” said Mr Yousuf Al Sayed, CEO, Thuraya. “GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK was a great platform where Thuraya launched the world’s toughest satellite phone, Thuraya XT, and showcased the world’s smallest satellite broadband solution, ThurayaIP, to thousands of customers who visited our stand.”

Other companies noted that the increased focus and targeting of visitors ensured they had a very productive show.

“The new Sheikh Saeed Halls give lots of focused attention to Consumer Electronics. As the biggest exhibitor, Panasonic would like to show its long-term commitment to the region with innovative technology. GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is a great venue to showcase our large portfolio of products and establish us as a truly global brand,” said Anthony Peter, Associate Director and Group Manager, Direct Communication and Customer Care, Panasonic Marketing Middle East.

Etisalat was another leading brand to hail the show a roaring success and highlight the seniority of the visitors it welcomed to its stand. “The quality of visitors this year is unmatched by the successful previous years,” said Khalifa Hassan Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President, Marketing/Consumer, Etisalat. “GITEX has maintained its position as the main platform for interaction with both consumer and commercial customers.”

Etisalat launched the Middle East’s fastest broadband internet for residential customers in the UAE through the new 30MBps package at the show.

Other highlights at the show included the Smart Home Smart Office which attracted thousands of visitors across the course of the week to see the latest in integrated technology throughout the home and office environment. The Xbox 360 Gaming Zone, In-Car Entertainment Area, and, of course, Titan the Robot – an eight-foot talking, singing, dancing, crying animatronic, which took the crowds by storm.

“This year's GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK was the ideal regional platform to preview Ford's latest technological innovations in the Middle East,” said Theo Benson, Regional Marketing & Product Manager, Ford Middle East. “The all-new 2010 Ford Taurus debuted at the show featuring most of these technologies and got immense interest from GITEX visitors. We are pleased with the visibility that our new flagship model has received during this event.”

“We are really looking forward to our 30^th anniversary next year, when we usher in another era in technology development,” concluded Almarri.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will return from 17 - 21 October 2010, at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. For more information please visit www.gitex.com.

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.