Some of the most influential companies in the consumer electronics market including Genius, Ford, Panasonic, Promate, Sanyo and Seagate have committed to participate at a major upcoming technology event.
The 29th edition of Gitex Technology Week will take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from October 18 to 22.
Global consumer electronics companies say their participation at this year’s Gitex will play a leading role in their long-term plans for future growth in line the increase in consumer spending in the UAE.
According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, consumer spending in the UAE rose 32 per cent to Dh483.9 billion ($131.7 billion) in 2008.
In 2008, the UAE GDP grew 27.4 per cent to Dh929.4 billion ($253 billion) up from Dh729.7 billion ($198.6 billion) in 2007. The jump in the GDP last year boosted the UAE's per capita income to its highest ever level of around Dh197,000 according to the Ministry of Economy.
With many parts of the world experiencing a slow down in consumer spending, leading manufacturers are looking to strengthen their market position within the Middle East – an area of the world which has remained relatively buoyant during the optimistic times.
“Consumer sentiment across the region remains strong, especially in the UAE, where tech-savvy consumers are some of the biggest spenders of electronics products in the world,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event.
“Globally, companies are looking for new and innovative ways to raise consumer confidence. Gitex allows market leaders the single most important face-to-face marketing channel in the year to test their product strategies and secure early market share for new launches with the region's most savvy technology adopters."
The consumer electronics section is one of the most popular with trade visitors to Gitex Technology Week which reflects the latest green products and innovations, as well as the newest and coolest gadgets of the future. Consumer electronics includes many products from home entertainment, through to IT components, and gaming.
To address the challenges of our rapidly changing techno-society, Gitex Technology Week will also present a complete re-creation of both a Smart Home and Smart Office environment that will allow people to interact, visualise and experience first hand how technology is shaping our lives on a social and professional level.
In addition, Ford will return to the event as the Official Gitex Technology Week Car, offering visitors the opportunity to see first hand the latest innovations hitting the car industry.
“Panasonic is a market leader in high definition products and will showcase it living in high definition concept at Gitex,” said Anthony Peter, associate director and group general manager, Direct Consumer Communication and Customer Care, Panasonic.
As well as the consumer electronics section, Gitex Technology Week will offer a focused environment with industry specific sectors including Gitex Business Solutions, and GULFCOMMS.
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 programme entitled ‘Defining the value of IT in a challenging economy’’ has been expanded again this year to include an impressive 40 tracks.
Topics include leveraging Web 2.0 in the Enterprise and Integrating Consumer Technologies at Work These forums, plus many more will feature leading international industry personalities who will engage and empower the Gitex community with new intelligence and information to more effectively adapt and manage their businesses as we enter a new era of economic dynamics.
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