CABSAT 2008 set to boost growth of satellite communications industry in MENA region

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 $106.1bn in 2006, registering an average annual growth of 10.5% during 2001-2006.

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

Mr Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, DWTC, said: 'Digital entertainment, accelerated deployments of corporate networks and a significant need for defense 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.'

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,

Khalid Balkheyour, President and CEO, ARABSAT, said:

'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.'

He added 'Arabsat will also introduce a comprehensive range of new product offerings as it gears up to launch its latest state-of-the-art satellite 'BADR-6' at the event. This pioneering accomplishment will bring critical addition to the Arabsat fleet, turning it into the latest and most reliable satellite in the MENA region.'

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.

Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi, CEO of Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), said: 'We are pleased to make our debut at a credible industry platform such as CABSAT. We consider CABSAT to be the region's premier exhibition that showcases latest in satellite communications technology, which is an ideal start for Yahsat that has recently announced an Dhs5bn hybrid satellite communications system.'

'Yahsat aims to develop, procure, own and operate a communications satellite system for commercial and governmental clients in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South-West Asia. Through this event, we will announce our satellite capabilities, applications, and coverage areas. We will be happy to meet with the operators, broadcasters, service providers and other potential partners seeking the complete range of satellite services', he added.

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.

CABSAT 2008 will welcome trade visitors between 11.00am and 7.00pm from 4 - 6 March at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre Halls 1, 2 and Zabeel. Admission is strictly restricted to trade and business visitors. Visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted. University students will be permitted only on 6 March and must be accompanied by a faculty member.