Gitex Shopper and Consumer Electronics Expo 2007, the Gulf’s leading consumer technology platform, opened today in Dubai.

The 17th edition of the event was inaugurated by Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development at the Airport Expo Dubai.

Al Owais and his VIP entourage toured the show and visited some of the major exhibitors to view the latest in consumer electronics.

More than 170 vendors are representing 20,000 products over 26,000 sq m of the exhibition venue.

Visitors on the show’s opening day reacted enthusiastically to the many spectacular launches and offers featuring in this year’s Gitex Shopper, said a spokesman.

There was special interest in the opportunity to win valuable prizes, including a Peugeot 207 CC Sport, in the Gitex Shopper Mega Draw, he said.

“We continue to strive to make Gitex Shopper deliver value for money combined with an exciting atmosphere. We are looking forward to another outstanding edition,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, director general of Dubai World Trade Centre, the event organiser.

Among the industry leaders competing to provide the most innovative technology and outstanding value for money at Gitex Shopper are Axiom, Canon, Cellucom, Cosmos, Emax, Emirates Computers, Harman House, HP, Jacky’s, Jumbo, JVC, Microsoft, Nokia, Plug-Ins, Samsung and Sharaf DG.

The comprehensive range of consumer goods on sale in the show features laptops, PCs, mobile phones, cameras, gaming and entertainment, consumer electronics, home entertainment, office automation and a host of new leisure products.

The show is open till September 12 from 11 am – 10 pm. On Friday, it will be open from 3pm – 10pm.

Tickets are available in advance from Time Out Tickets (www.timeouttickets.com/Tel: 800 4669) at a promotional rate of Dh20 per person. Tickets will also be sold at the venue at Dh25 per person. –TradeArabia News Service