Dubai: The Business Monitor International has forecast that the UAE consumer electronics market is set to increase by Dh10 billion ($2.8 billion) this year.
The consumer electronics market was a key growth sector for emerging markets such as the Middle East, as a tech-savvy population and tourism continued to grow in the emirate, the publication says.
Increasing demand for next-generation technology and growing competition among manufacturers and resellers had transformed the consumer electronics industry to offer innovative lifestyle products.
Consumers are seeking products that have better connectivity, performance, speed, quality and convenience to suit their lifestyles and homes, the publication says.
This year the consumer electronic market will see a growing trend towards feature-rich notebooks, smartphones, 3D technology, high-end gaming and digital solutions.
With so many innovations, both the industry and the retail trade said they were looking optimistically towards the consumer electronic segment at Gitex Technology Week 2010.
Manufacturers, industry experts, distributors, independent applications stores and mobile accessory companies and consumers are due to showcase and identify the latest future entertainment, digital lifestyle and consumer products at the show.
The consumer electronics will be on show for the duration of Gitex Technology Week and will be open to visitors between October 17 and 21.
The event has been designed to highlight companies at the forefront of shaping the region's consumer electronics market, such as Genius, Hitachi, Linksys by Cisco, Monster, Promate and many more.
"The consumer electronics market in the Middle East is exhibiting strong growth to offer innovative and feature-rich devices along with consumers looking at the latest tools for productivity and infotainment," said Trixee Loh, SVP, Dubai World Trade Centre.
"This year's consumer electronics segment will showcase the variety of innovations for strong consumer demand as well as serve as a dynamic platform where both vendors and consumers can promote and discover the new world of applications and capitalise on the revolution brought about by digital technology."
Kamal Kumar, Partner, Touchmate Middle East FZCO, said: "Manufacturers and resellers are looking forward to 2010, as the year proves to be rewarding with introduction of the latest technology such as 3D, Blu-ray, touch-screen, smartphones and notebooks built with efficient applications. We aim to leverage our participation in Gitex Technology Week to showcase a wide range of electronics for home, office and individuals this year".
Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Director for Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa Nicolas Frapard said: "The growth of the consumer electronics industry in the region has been a key factor in contributing to the amount of digital content created, consumed, and therefore stored and retrieved."
"At this year's Gitex Technology Week, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies will showcase high-performance products that are relevant to this growing digital lifestyle," Frapard.
Gitex Technology Week, the region's largest and most established ICT trade event, will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Admission is for trade and industry professionals.
Consumer Electronics halls will be open to consumers on October 19 to 21, for preview only.
Key suppliers to attend
Dubai Now in its 30th year, Gitex Technology Week 2010 has been designed to deliver the platform for the international ICT industry to meet and conduct business. The event is expected to be a gateway to the Middle East and the wider region. Gitex Techology Week is expected to host thousands of key suppliers and market innovators across four core disciplines: business solutions, telecommunication, consumer electronics, and conferences. The Dubai World Trade Centre will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Gitex Technology Week this year from October 17-21.
