Business | Technology
Gitex likely to attract 130,000 visitors
The Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre expects to receive over 130,000 visitors during the Gitex technology week to be held on October 19-23.
- Staff Report
- Published: 23:15 September 2, 2008
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Dubai The Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre expects to receive over 130,000 visitors during the Gitex technology week to be held on October 19-23.
Helal Saeed Al Merri, director-general, Dubai World Trade Centre, organisers of the ICT exhibition, said: "Gitex continues to attract companies from leading technology hubs from around the world, who recognise the unique opportunities for expansion and further growth that the Middle East markets offer."
During a difficult financial period for global IT markets, many countries are planning to capitalise on the more stable Middle East market. A new report by Merrill Lynch suggests that the region is one of the only areas in the world showing continuous growth.
IT spending
Research conducted by Business Monitor International, a specialist on global emerging markets, shows that Bahrain is set to increase IT spending from $27 million in 2005 to $400 million in 2012 - a massive 1,381 per cent increase.
This year, the technology event will cover 64,000 square metres, with over 3,300 companies from more than 80 countries expected to participate. This includes 30 country pavilions.
"Gitex has the strongest track record of any of the major international ICT exhibitions in encouraging new connections between companies from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. This year, with more international pavilions than ever before we will see the true globalisation of the industry," said Al Merri.
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