Wireless smart home products industry worth Dhs10.27bn, digital home servers industry worth Dhs62.39bn

Speaking prior to the first Middle East technology retail panel, set to take place during the International CES/hometech show in Dubai between the 25th and the 27th of May, decision makers from companies such as Al-Futtaim Electronics, CompuMe and EON are set to brief industry watchers how they are looking to roll out their own smart home concepts for Gulf shoppers.

An industry that is expected to be worth Dhs10.27bn for wireless smart home products and Dhs62.39bn for digital home servers according to US-based research houses ON World and In-Stat respectively, smart home solutions have steadily gained ground in the Middle East consumer space thanks to the efforts of power retailers such as EON. However, the panelists for the International CES/hometech show believe that smart homes are set to become mainstream very soon.

'Market response to the EON concept has been overwhelming and we believe that the Gulf will become the first true 'smart home' region in terms of rate of adoption,' notes Leon Beuyukian, founder and CEO, EON. 'It's not just private homes, offices and apartments, Hotels are also looking at developing smart solutions to distinguish themselves in the face of increasing competition.'

Bassam Abu Baker, group general manager at NTG, believes that now is the time for retailers to step up their educational efforts to ensure that consumers buy solutions that are suited to their homes and tastes.

'This region is unique, the culture is unique, and we need to develop products that cater to these differences. While we believe the opportunities are enormous, we at CompuMe want to ensure that what we offer meets the demands of the Gulf's population. As one of the first power retailers in the Gulf, we are looking to take the lead in this sector in Saudi Arabia as well.'

One of Dubai's leading electronics distribution and retail powerhouse, Al-Futtaim Electronics will also be taking part in the specialist panel. One of its business vertical, Al-Futtaim Technologies has developed integrated solutions offers for its large scale customers. At the retail level Al Futtaim Electronics will offer the smart connected home solutions through its pioneering multi-brand electronics chain, Plug-ins,. The integration, installation and post sales support for consumer homes will be provided by TECHSERVE the specailised service arm of Al Futtaim Electronics. With smart home technologies set to increase in popularity Vishesh Bhatia, Group Director (Electronics, Engineering, Technologies) at the Al-Futtaim Group, is looking forward to unveiling even more concepts for its customer base.

'Customers want to see an idea, they want to touch and feel. We at Al-Futtaim Electronics are embracing the smart home concept as we believe that IT is much more than just boxes - it's about how you live, work, and enjoy life. I personally visited the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this year, and some of the innovations are truly astounding. I cannot wait to see these products being sold and used here in the heart of the Middle East,' explains Bhatia.

Backed by strong support from the International CES(R) the world's largest tradeshow for consumer technology held each year in Las Vegas, the upcoming International CES/hometech show in Dubai this May (25th to 27th May 2008) promises to offer the best in technological innovation, re-defining the future of the consumer technology landscape in the Middle East including digital entertainment, HDTV and green technology.