Middle East telecoms market expected to grow by USD 20 billion in the next 8 years

"Private participation in infrastructure in the region is increasing, jumping from around US$1.6 billion in 2002 to US$6.7 billion in 2005. Ultimately, as stakeholders work together to institutionalize effective regulatory frameworks and practices, the environment will be ripe for increased investment, innovation, and higher adoption and usage rates." Says Karim Sabbagh, VP, Booz Allen Hamilton, one of the key contributors at the event.

Naturally, with so much expected growth comes uncertainty in the market, which speakers at the Connect Forum are hoping to dispel "this year's event hosts some of the biggest names in the regional telecom sector and is set up in a way to encourage real debate between opposing parties to get right to the root of some of the big issues" comments Hifazat Ahmad, Conference Director "When we have the opportunity to get the key decision makers from both Du and Etisalat in one room, we are guaranteed to have a much clearer understanding of the future of the market by the end of the event".

The growing faith in the market regionally is reiterated by the recent acquisition of Wataniya - Kuwait's second largest mobile operator by Qtel, a deal valued at US$ 3.8 billion "This deal underscores the huge appeal of emerging markets for telecoms M&A activity where massive growth potential and attractive synergies are proving to be a magnet for operators seeking to propel themselves onto the global stage." Comments Abdullah Mutawi partner at Trowers & Hamlin who advised on the deal "The proportion of these deals led by Middle Eastern telecoms operators is quite remarkable", he adds.

Open debate and discussion from industry leaders including Etisalat, Du, EIT, Nawras, Telecom Egypt, Jordan Telecom Group, Warid Telecoms, Roshan Telecom, MTC, TRA Bahrain, UAE and Lebanon, CITC, Mobilink, Banglalink, Vodafone, Sergel, and Mobilkom will ensure this years Connect Summit on 27 - 31 May answers the important questions we all need answering in a transparent and honest way.

This year's event has the support of Etisalat as Headline Sponsor, Silver sponsor EIT and Associate Sponsor Secure Computing.