The second edition of GULFCOMMS is set to bring major operators and communications specialists to the Middle East.

GULFCOMMS is part of a powerful line-up of exhibitions taking place from September 8 to 12, 2007, during GITEX Technology Week, which builds upon the region's largest technology exhibition by presenting a packed week of trade events dedicated to the Middle East's booming ICT Sector.

Designed to maximise the value for visitors and exhibitors, other highlights during the week include GITEX Business Solutions, the leading international IT Trade event for Enterprise and SMBs, and Consumer Electronics - the premier trade event for consumer technology, IT systems, components and peripherals.

'GULFCOMMS provides a critically important platform for business development in the Middle East's telecommunications and networking market, particularly during this period of liberalisation and growth,' said director general, Dubai World Trace Centre, organisers of GULFCOMMS Helal Saedd Al Marri.

'For the 2007 edition, we are introducing a number of innovations, including a high-level telecom networking luncheon to enhance the overall business value,' Al Marri added.

With the decision by the UAE government to open its telecom market to additional operators, every country in the region is heading towards market liberalisation, generating massive opportunities for companies operating in network development, satellite applications, and infrastructure solutions.

The Middle East has a number of major growth markets with huge potential for development. According to industry analysts Arab Advisors Group (AAG), despite the fact that penetration of fixed line, mobile and Internet is increasing throughout the Arab world, the region still lags behind in the broadband Internet.

However, this gap is expected to narrow, due in large part to significant levels of telecom investment in the region, with regional telecom operators having raised a combined $14.7 billion from investors in the first four months of 2007 alone to support expansion and acquisition strategies.

GULFCOMMS provides one of the most attractive points of entry to this dynamic market, with companies showcasing a range of mainstream products and technologies such as fixed mobile convergence, WiMAX, and next generation networks.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will run from 8 to 12 September 2007 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), held in association with GITEX Shopper, which takes place from the 6 to 12 September 2007 at the Airport Expo Dubai.Trade Arabia News Service