'Massive' technology launches at Gitex Technology Week 2008

Running from 19-23 October 2008 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, this year's event takes place at the start of a vital fourth quarter for technology businesses.

As a result, many companies are planning to use Gitex Technology Week as the primary opportunity to stage their major launches for the year, with consumer electronics companies in particular looking to make a significant impact.

Major brands including Panasonic, Sharp, Samsung, and Sanyo have already announced that they will extend their presence at this year's event - and competition is already breaking out as companies look to stand-out in competitive fields ranging from mini-notebook PCs to widescreen displays.

'As one of the world's top three technology events, Gitex Technology Week has long attracted many of the leading brands in the IT space. For 2008, we're anticipating the highest volume of new launches in the show's history, particularly since so many major consumer IT brands have confirmed that they will expand their presence for 2008,'

said Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of Gitex Technology Week.

Key trends expected at this year's Gitex Technology Week are regional premiers of a range of new products, from 'Subnotebooks,' to the world's largest LCD.

Major manufacturers are set to bring a range of the new computers - some of which are the size of a paperback book and easily portable - for display at the event, which are set to have a major impact on brand-conscious consumers.

'From discussion with exhibitors, we know that many are planning some spectacular displays at this year's event with a number of intensely-anticipated world premiers set to take place,' said Almarri.

One of the key areas set for this year's Gitex Technology Week will be the regional premiers of a range of new LCD screens. Industry leaders including Sharp and Panasonic are set to bring a range of the new screens for display at the event, which are set to have a major impact on brand-conscious consumers.

'Sharp has always been committed to introducing innovative, eco-friendly and health conscious products that provide customers excellent performance and value. As one of the world's first and leaders in LCD technology and Solar Energy, it is vital for us to demonstrate our new products and Gitex Technology Week gives us a pivotal platform to cement our brand name across the region,' commented Tomio Isogai, Managing Director, Sharp Middle East FZE.

Panasonic have already announced that it is set to bring its enormous 150-inch plasma high definition television - the world's largest plasma television - to the event.

'We're very excited to display the 150-inch plasma at Gitex Technology Week, since we're sure visitors are going to be dazzled by the screen size and clarity of image. The Middle East is an important market for consumer technology, since you have an affluent population that is keen to keep up with the latest trends,' said Taeko Danno, Deputy General Manager, Panasonic Middle East.

Innovation will also be on display in the world of electronic gaming, with the inaugural Gitex Digital Game World.

Taking place simultaneously at Gitex Technology Week and Gitex Shopper and Consumer Electronics Expo, the event will cover all aspects of gaming. Gitex Technology Week will provide a platform to discuss the business-to-business potential of this innovative market, including special sessions on online retail sales and interactive advertising, while regional teams will battle it out in a series of organised games and online tournaments at Gitex Shopper.

Organiser DWTC will also host a series of developer workshops at the event, with specific emphasis on supporting the development of original Arabic games and software

Gitex Technology Week takes place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre featuring three dedicated industry events: Gitex Business Solutions, GULFCOMMS and Consumer Electronics, and is held in conjunction with Gitex Technology Week Global Conference, Gitex Majlis, and Gadget Glam 2008.

Gitex Technology Week is open from 19 - 23 October from 10am - 7pm. The event is open to trade and business professionals only and takes place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.