Major industry players support and endorse CABSAT 2008

Organisers Dubai World Trade Centre confirmed at a press conference today that CABSAT has grown by 30% and will welcome more than 650 exhibitors from 50 countries including new exhibitors Yahsat and Duo Software amongst others.

Electronic media has been growing at an increasing rate. According to the Arab Advisors Group, there were 370 free to air satellite TV channels as of August 2007 in the region.

CABSAT has been a launch pad for new technologies and viewing platforms and this year will see many new products. Innovations in screen entertainment like HDTV, IPTV, VOD and Mobile TV is gaining worldwide popularity with consumers and industry-watchers will be looking forward to seeing these cutting-edge technologies at this premier industry event.

Leading the press briefing, Helal Al Marri, Director General, DWTC, Mohamed Al Shahi, Director of Broadcast Division, du, and Jamal Al Sharif, Director of Dubai Studio City confirmed the increasing interest of major industry players, including providers of cable and satellite equipment and accessories, satellite communications and broadcast and production.

Al Marri said: 'CABSAT has been witnessing tremendous growth on the back of growing demand for advanced technology products due to DWTC's extensive collaboration with global key industry associations and industry majors such as Arab States Broadcasting Union, first time endorser - Asia Pacific Satellite Communications Council.

'CABSAT provides an ideal point of entry into the fast-growing regional Electronic Media and Satellite Communications sector, justifying the intensely high demand for exhibition space this year. ', he added. A world satellite industry report released in June 2007 pegged the global satellite revenue at $106.1bn in 2006.

Endorsing CABSAT, Mohamed Al Shahi, Director of du Broadcasting Service, said: 'CABSAT is a major industry platform for the region, as it showcases latest trends and technology in the fast growing electronic media and satellite communications industry. du's participation in CABSAT comes in line with its dedication to showcasing and providing advanced business solutions that will ease business process operations and offer wider access to more global digital information at its highest quality.

This year at CABSAT, du will be showcasing their latest technology in HDTV, a trend that marks new horizons for the satellite industry not only in this region but globally-speaking. CABSAT will enable us the opportunity to demonstrate how innovative technology can be implemented to enhance the quality of telecommunication services at du.'

Jamal Al Sharif, Director, Dubai Studio City said: 'Dubai Studio City has a long standing association with CABSAT. We are proud of this successful cooperation and we greatly look forward to taking this relationship to new levels of growth and efficiency that benefits the maximum number of broadcasters in the region. In our pursuit of excellence, we leverage our partners' strengths, expertise and solutions to create the most sophisticated infrastructure and services for the local, regional and international media community.'

This is confirmed as many industry trendsetters are choosing CABSAT as a launch pad for their new products and services into the region.

Companies include E-vision with their new video on demand service; Eurostar present their Green Box range of products and Horizon Satellite Services will launch their new technology that increases internet service efficiency amongst many others.

CABSAT 2008 will welcome over 9,000 trade visitors from 97 countries.from 11.00am - 7.00pm from 4 - 6 March at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center - Halls 1, 2 and Zabeel. Admission is strictly restricted to trade and business visitors. Visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry. University students will be allowed entry on 6 March only, and must be accompanied by a faculty member.