Information technology spending in the UAE is expected to grow from around $ 3.1 billion in 2008 to nearly $4.7 billion by 2013, according to a recent report by Business Monitor International.

The report predicts that, despite the global economic slowdown, local and federal government initiatives combined with significant population growth, and continued developments in healthcare, education, real estate and tourism will offer excellent opportunities for ICT companies, according to a statement from Dubai World Trade Centre, the organiser of Gitex Technology Week.

With the Middle East ICT sector remaining buoyant at a time when more established markets are experiencing a slowdown, global companies are focussing heavily on strengthening their presence in the region, it said.

Businesses are confirming their presence at Girex Technology Week 2009, one of the most important ICT exhibitions in the world, which is taking place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from October 18-22.

“The continued expansion of essential services in the UAE creates a wealth of opportunities for international companies empowering their business operations,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre. “As many traditional markets experience difficult times, visionary companies are turning to Gitex Technology Week as a platform to capitalise on the need for reliable, integrated ICT solutions.”

The Business Monitor International report adds that despite a fall in oil prices, exports from Dubai to GCC countries were still rising. It states that ‘spending should continue to be strong in traditional sectors such as government and verticals, while other sectors such as healthcare, retail and education should also offer opportunities.’

Exhibitors who have already booked space at the Business Solutions section of Gitex include Aptec, Apple, Brother, Dell, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Municipality, e-Saudi, Epson, Logicom, McAfee, Mindware, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Social Affairs, Oracle, Secureway and Symantec.

Gitex Business Solutions will also showcase the latest and best in network and security, IT solutions, and office automation and supplies, with thousands of IT professionals and decision-makers converging under one roof  over five days to conduct new business and source cost-effective solutions.

“Gitex is the only dedicated IT exhibition in the region that is designed to help companies increase their regional out reach,” said Shinji Tada, managing director, Brother International (Gulf) FZE.
“Brother has always had a strong presence in the Middle East. We are growing as a company, and GITEX will give us that needed platform to educate regional businesses and individuals on all the new and exiting technology Brother has to offer.”

As well as GITEX Business Solutions, the event will offer a focused environment with other industry specific sectors including, Gulfcomms and Consumer Electronics. In addition, the Middle East International Banking, Financial Technology and Services Exhibition, MEFX, will run alongside Gitex to provide all-encompassing exposure to business opportunities throughout the region. – TradeArabia News Service