RIYADH: Over 400 exhibitors from 16 countries have confirmed their participation in GITEX Saudi Arabia 2011, the 10th International Information Technology Exhibition, which is scheduled to be held at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from May 16 to 19. Mohammed Al-Hussaini, Deputy General Manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC) the organizer of the event, said that major government agencies which will have pavilions in the exhibition include the National Information Center (NIC), Ministry of Interior, Riyadh Municipality, Public Pension Fund, and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. He said some of the leading ICT players that have confirmed their participation are Alcatel-Lucent, HP, Dell, Sony, Kaspersky, Blackberry, Bravo, Epson, Acer and ASUS. “The participation of big names in the forthcoming exhibition reflects the continuing exponential growth of the Saudi ICT market,” said Al-Hussaini. He said computers and computer hardware accounted for around half of consumer electronics sales last year in Saudi Arabia, with domestic spending expected to increase to $1.9 billion in 2011 over last year's $1.8 billion. The increasing demand for notebooks will drive the retail segment and the computer hardware compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected to reach around seven percent by 2015, he said. “The growth in the local IT sector is boosting demand for advanced IT solutions, matching business and lifestyle in this age of high communications mobility. GITEX Saudi Arabia 2011 provides valuable insights on how the needs of the Kingdom's ICT market can be met and what still needs to be done at the manufacturer, service provider, legislator and consumer levels moving forward,” said Al-Hussaini. Organized under the patronage of Engr. Mohamed Jamil Bin Ahmed Mulla, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, GITEX Saudi Arabia 2011 will cover 15,000 square meters of exhibition space at the sprawling RICEC, off King Abdullah Street. The annual trade show will also feature technology-enabled educational and entertainment devices. The event will highlight some of the latest and most important industry trends. A two-day seminar will also be organized by the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology on the sidelines of GITEX Saudi Arabia 2011.
