Saudi government’s spending on infrastructure, security, communication and education could push the total expenditure on IT hardware, software and related services to pass the $6.4 billion mark, according to IT consultancy, International Data Corporation (IDC).

Springboard Research, a leading technology research company, said: “Public sector’s IT spending alone, is growing so quickly that it is likely hit $2.4 billion in 2013, up from around $1.6 billion in 2009, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.9 percent.”

The Gitex Technology Week, to be held from October 9-13 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, is introducing a host of new features which are expected to appeal to Saudi visitors to the world’s third-largest ICT exhibition and conference. The number of Saudi exhibitors at the show is also expected to double this year compared to 2010.

“Liberalisation of the telecommunications sector and increasing demand for Internet connectivity across different verticals are the two main drivers fuelling Saudi Arabia’s IT industry growth,” said Trixee Loh, senoir vice president, World Trade Centre, organiser of the event.

The brand new CyberSecurity @ Gitex edutainment feature at the event will offer presentations on cybercrime awareness, as well as live demonstrations providing visitors practical advice on how to defend against attacks across a variety of platforms, a statement said.

Also new to Gitex 2011, Gitex Digital Marketing offers Saudi visitors an opportunity to assess, evaluate, and better understand the full potential of what is becoming an essential business tool, while the Gitex Card Technology feature will highlight one of the most rapidly developing ICT sectors, smart cards.

The popular Gitex Mobile, Apps & Content World feature returns in 2011 with an even stronger and more comprehensive presence, as does the Government @ Gitex feature which provides an essential public sector element from which Saudi visitors are sure to benefit.

The popular Gitex Conference programme includes: the Global Leaders Summit; the Gitex Telecoms Symposium, and the annual Gitex Cloud Confex. - TradeArabia News Service