Dubai: Technology exhibition Gitex Shopper was opened on Saturday by Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
The shopping event is the largest consumer IT and electronics show in the Middle East and runs until Saturday 23 October at the Airport Expo Dubai.
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Shoppers poured into Airport Expo on day one, thronging the three halls and snapping up the deals on offer from more than 160 participating companies including BDL, CompuME, Dell, Du, E-City, EMAX, Etisalat, HP, Klick, Jacky's Electronics, Jumbo Electronics, Plug-Ins and Sharaf DG.
Gitex Shopper has witnessed a 40 per cent increase in the number of exhibiting companies and this year will have over 25,000 products on offer. First-time exhibitors this year include iSTYLE, Al Futtaim Watches, E4U, E-City, RIM, Canon, Panasonic and 050 Mobile who are all making a big splash alongside other power retailers.
Spread over 32,000 square metres and organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre, the show this year is staging an eight day retail sales festival to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Gitex Technology Week.
"We are privileged to have Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum open the show and lend his support to Gitex Shopper. Exhibitors have really entered into the spirit to offer visitors unbeatable Gitex Shopper special offers from some of the world's biggest brands all under one roof," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Hendrik Verbrugghe, Marketing Director, Canon Middle East said: "Gitex Shopper is the ideal platform for Canon to showcase its wide range of innovative imaging and printing products to a spectrum of technology enthusiasts in the Middle East. Our participation enables us to connect with the region's tech savvy community and also provide them with the opportunity to take advantage of some of Canon's best offers and promotions. This further reinforces Canon's commitment to empowering the region's evolving tech landscape with world class technologies for both home and work."
Armagan Demir, Head of Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division Middle East, said, “The Xbox 360 stand at Gitex Shopper is a fundamental gateway for us to connect with our customers and the gamers of the region. During the entire week, visitors have the chance to play an assortment of games on the new Xbox 360 consoles that are being launched at the event and experience the next generation of gaming.”
International brands will showcase their latest products and models during the show, including Acer, Apple, Blackberry, Canon, Dell (platinum sponsor), HP, Intel, LG, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba and Xerox.
Gitex Shopper 2010 is taking place from October 16 to 23. The show is open from 11am to 10pm on October 6 to 20 and from 11am to 11pm on October 21 and 23.
On Friday, the show will open from 3pm to 11pm. Tickets are priced at Dh25 each, with free entrance for children under the age of 6.
Will you be visiting GITEX? Are you interested in purchasing the latest models of your favourite products? Do you think technology is moving too fast?
