Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of Gitex Technology Week and Gitex Shopper & Consumer Electronics Expo, has launched Gitex Digital Game World.

The interactive event will incorporate the largest digital tournament ever held in the Middle East, said a statement.

Taking place simultaneously at Gitex Technology Week and Gitex Shopper & Consumer Electronics Expo, the event will cover all aspects of gaming. Gitex Technology Week will provide a platform to discuss the business-to-business potential of this innovative market, including special sessions on online retail sales and interactive advertising whilst regional teams will battle it out in a series of organised games and online tournaments, held at Gitex Shopper, the statement said.

Helal Saeed Almarri, director general, DWTC, said: “Talking to our exhibitors, it became clear that digital gaming has turned out to be a very important market in the Middle East, with not only the young population of the region but a wider adult audience increasingly investing a higher proportion of their disposable income in specialised hardware and software.”

“We want to use Gitex Technology Week’s unique global positioning to bring together distributors, developers and enthusiasts from around the world to profile the latest and the best in gaming technology. Providing a virtual link to Gitex Shopper will offer trade visitors and members of the public an opportunity to participate in the event and see the latest releases,” he added.

To provide a fully-interactive experience, DWTC has partnered with Europe’s leading Computer Gaming League, The Electronic Sports League (ESL), to organise the largest game tournament in the Middle East as part of the Gitex Digital Game World.

“The business potential of electronic gaming is enormous and the Middle East market is proving incredibly receptive to new games and online tournaments. We’re proud to be working with DWTC to stage the first tournament of this size and scale in the entire region, and we’re confident of a tremendous response. With our 10 years of experience in organizing computer gaming events and gaming community entertainment shows, we will ensure a great experience for the audience and maximum impact for the Middle East gaming industry,” said Jens Hilgers, CEO, Turtle Entertainment, operator of the ESL.

In terms of revenue, gaming for the Personal Computer (PC) sector alone earned a staggering $8.2 billion in online and retail sales in 2007, according to market-research firm DFC Intelligence, which also predicts that the market will grow by more than 80 percent in the next five years.

GITEX Digital Game World will feature one of the most advanced professional platforms for the fast-growing videogame market. The event will use advanced interactive technology to link thousands of gamers and over 260,000 visitors during Gitex Technology Week and Gitex Shopper at Airport Expo.

Gitex Technology Week runs from October 19 – 23. The event is open to trade and business professionals only and takes place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Gitex Shopper & Consumer Electronics Expo takes place from October 18-24. – TradeArabia News Service