IT spending in the UAE is expected to grow from around $3.1 billion in 2008 to approaching $4.71 trillion by 2013, according to a recent report by Business Monitor International. The report predicts that, despite the global economic slowdown, local and federal government initiatives combined with significant population growth, and continued developments in healthcare, education, real estate and tourism will offer excellent opportunities for ICT companies. With the Middle East ICT sector remaining buoyant at a time when more established markets are experiencing a slowdown, global companies are focusing heavily on strengthening their presence in the region. Businesses are confirming their presence at Gitex Technology Week 2009, one of the most important ICT exhibitions in the world, which is taking place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Oct. 18-22. ‘The continued expansion of essential services in the UAE creates a wealth of opportunities for international creates a wealth of opportunities for international companies empowering their business operations. As many traditional markets experience difficult times, visionary companies are turning to Gitex Technology Week as a platform to capitalize on the need for reliable, integrated ICT solutions,' said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organizer of the event. The Business Monitor International report added that despite a fall in oil prices, exports from Dubai to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries were still rising. It states that “spending should continue to be strong in traditional sectors such as government and verticals, while other sectors such as healthcare, retail and education should also offer opportunities.' Local governments account for around 20 percent of all IT services spending, and with Dubai expected to spend between $1.6m and $2.2 million per year implementing its plan to get 90 percent of government services online, there remains a market for high-quality ICT products and services. With a new dedicated e-government sector to support this dynamic industry, visitors and businesses can have a firsthand look, the various e-government services on offer which are designed to provide easy accessible information on a 24/7 basis. Gitex Business Solutions will also showcase the latest and best in network and security, IT solutions, and office automation and supplies, with thousands of IT professionals and decision-makers converging under one roof over five days to conduct new business and source cost-effective solutions. ‘Gitex is the only dedicated IT exhibition in the region that is designed to help companies increase their regional out reach. Brother has always had a strong presence in the Middle East. We are growing as a company, and Gitex will give us that needed platform to educate regional businesses and individuals on all the new and existing technology Brother has to offer,' said Shinji Tada, managing director, Brother International (Gulf) FZE. Now in its 29th year, Gitex Technology Week has become a beacon for the information technology and communications sectors in the Middle East, and attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world. Decision makers and buyers will seek to use the event to improve the value proposition of their offerings while enhancing the cost efficiency of their operations. As well as Gitex Business Solutions, Gitex Technology Week 2009 will offer a focused environment with other industry specific sectors including, GULFCOMMS and Consumer Electronics. In addition, the Middle East International Banking, Financial Technology and Services Exhibition, MEFX, will run alongside Gitex Technology Week to provide all-encompassing exposure to business opportunities throughout the region. The Gitex Technology Week Global Conference program entitled ‘Defining the value of IT in a challenging economy' has been expanded again this year to include an impressive 40 tracks. Designed for senior executives, new this year will be the Leaders in Industry Breakfast Briefings where analyst firms Gartner and Forrester Research will outline key trends and provide industry insight. Other forums will also feature leading international industry personalities who will engage and empower the Gitex community with new intelligence and information to effectively adapt and manage their businesses as we enter a new era of economic dynamics. Gitex Technology Week, set for Oct. 18-22, is open to trade and business professionals only from 10A.M – 7P.M. and takes place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
