The mega IT show is ON

Celebrating its silver jubilee this year, Gitex continues to reflect the phenomenal growth of the region's IT industry

• The mega IT show is ON
• Gadgets galore!
• It's all about connections
• Check, it's all in there
• Security matters
• A brilliant platform
• The future is now
• Perfect visual experience
• Capture those moments
• Enter home theatre
• Hot unwired!
• Getting connected
• Integrated solutions
• A world of possibilities
• Playing multiple roles
• Taking you places
• Productivity: Name of the game
• Advantage faxes!
• Take your pick
• It does more than just destruct files

First launched in Dubai 25 years ago, Gitex has become a much-awaited annual event not only to residents of Dubai and the UAE but also visiting crowds from all over the region.

Gitex continues to reflect the importance and phenomenal growth of the IT industry in the region by continually highlighting the latest technology and services from international manufacturers and suppliers.

Last year, Gitex welcomed more than 939 exhibitors representing more thn 2,428 companies from 41 countries, and the record-breaking show covered more than 27,504 square metres.

Gitex 2005, starting today at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and running till September 28, covers about 42,000 square metres of gross floor space.

The show looks set to surpass last year's figures even as the IT market strengthens and IT spending in the Middle East and North Africa region is predicted to rise continually.

Gitex 2005 is showcasing an entire range of IT-related products and services including equipment and systems, computer components and peripherals, storage media, printers, copiers and pre-print systems, consumer electronics and home automation, office automation, point-of-sale systems, embedded computer technology, security systems, power supplies for information and communication systems and biometric identification systems.

The show also attracts a large number of exhibitors from telecommunications, wireless and networks, software and services, and banking technology and financial services.

Exhibitors from around the world use Gitex as a platform to demonstrate new technologies, launch latest products in IT solutions and display novel wares in an attempt to tap business opportunities.

To meet the growing demand, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of the show, has created an additional 3,900 square metres of space adjacent to Hall 1.

Demarcated Hall 1A, the new area can be accessed through Hall 1 and features a full-service restaurant. The additional area represents a nine-per cent increase in gross floor space.

With Hall 1 to Hall 4A and 5A being the dedicated zone for hardware, DWTC is utilising the space of 1A for hardware exhibitors and some country pavilions.

During Gitex 2004, DWTC had created an additional 3,000-square metre tented area - The Pavilion - that was accessible from Hall 5 to Hall 7 to offer more room for exhibitors. The Pavilion is available this year for the hardware sector.

While six halls and some space of the newly created Hall 1A host exhibitors of hardware, Halls 5, 6, 7 and the pavilion accommodate communications and networking.

Visitors can find software companies and exhibitors in Hall 8 and Shaikh Rashid Hall, and Dubai Internet City in Concourse 2. Country pavilions are spread out across all the halls.

Australia is making its debut at the show this year with its pavilion housing several leading IT companies from Down Under hoping to capitalise on the increasing business opportunities at the event.

While several leading Australian companies have already been participating individually at previous Gitex shows for many years, it is the first time that a dedicated country pavilion has been arranged.

The increase in Australian participation at the show signifies a change in the country's focus to the Middle East, which is now easier to access and more business savvy.

Some high-profile Australian companies, including Clipsal, Total Recall, Welcome Telecom, InfoVision Technology, eVALUA and Reboot PC Logistics, are part of the pavilion.

According to industry watchers, Australian IT spending is expected to hit Dh74.5 billion with hardware and services sectors taking 44 per cent and 43 per cent respectively.

Among the sectors, software is expected to register a compounded annual growth rate of 8.8 per cent to touch nearly Dh13.8 billion.

The Australian corporate sector is boosted by the confidence in the country's steady economic growth and is keen to expand its export markets to diversify its portfolio.

More than 130 companies from China and India are spearheading the Asian participation in Gitex 2005 with these emerging markets riding high on a robust IT demand growth rate ranging between 21 per cent and 28 per cent over 2003 and 2004.

The Chinese government has led the centrally planned economy to a more market-oriented structure in recent years resulting in strong growth in GDP.

On the other hand, India's diverse economy encompasses traditional farming, modern agriculture, handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries, and a multitude of services with the services sector being the major source of economic growth.

The Indian economy has posted an excellent average growth rate of 6.8 per cent since 1994