Cabsat  is set to play a major role in boosting the growth of the satellite communications industry in the region, according to its organisers  Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

A leading international electronic media and satellite communications event for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Cabsat will be held in Dubai  from March 4 to 6.

With the industry poised for sustained growth in the Middle East and North Africa, the 14th edition of the premier exhibition comes at an opportune time for major international players.

A world satellite industry report released in June 2007 pegged the global industry revenue at $106.1 billion in 2006, registering an average annual growth of 10.5 per cent during 2001-2006.

The report, covering 21 members and 35 non-members of the Satellite Industry Association, also stated satellite television revenues increased 17 per cent globally in 2006, contributing the largest share to the overall satellite services growth.

“Digital entertainment, accelerated deployments of corporate networks and a significant need for defence communications, as well as the takeoff of broadband access, are key factors behind the growth that is taking place in the MENA region’s satellite communications industry,” said director general, DWTC, Helal Saeed Al Marri.

Cabsat 2008 will see more than 650 companies from 50 countries sharing industry specific knowledge and expertise while showcasing latest technologies. Key participating companies will include Arab Satellite Communications (Arabsat), Eutelsat, iDirect and ViaSat,

“CABSAT is the leading satellite communications event in the Arab world and we are proud to be present at such a premier event. To satisfy the fast growing demand for satellite bandwidth, Arabsat will launch one satellite every year over the next four years and eventually, double its capacity,” said president and CEO, Arabsat, Khalid Balkheyour.

Endorsed by international satellite associations including APSCC and GVF, Cabsat 2008 will cover the entire spectrum of the satellite communications industry from satellite modems, terminals, satellite operators, system integrators, and bandwidth wholesalers. Other sectors highlighted at Cabsat will include broadcast and production as well as cable and satellite equipment and accessories.

Serving as one of the highlights of Cabsat 2008, the GVF Menasat summit will examine the ‘Growing Broadband Networking Environment and the MENA Satellite Dynamic’.

Drawing industry leaders from world-class satellite and communications organisations, the programme will identify new opportunities in satellite services and technologies and its growing contribution to data services and IP based applications.

The summit’s agenda will also include discussions on Satellite Services used in Business Continuity and Disaster Response, marine transportation, distance learning and tele-medical applications.

Admission is strictly restricted to trade and business visitors. – TradeArabia News Service