Bahrain ICT Expo 2009 attracts a range of major ICT companies

This global showcase of state-of-the-art information and communication technologies (ICT) is expected to attract close to 70 exhibitors from around the region/world. The demand to exhibit at the show is high with 70% of the space already sold out to local, regional and international companies.

Commenting on the exhibition, Mr. Waleed Kanoo, chairman of the exhibition Committee and member of the eGovernment Forum executive committee said:

"Being the most comprehensive technology show ever in Bahrain, the Bahrain ICT Expo will showcase and capitalize on the existing & new technology growth centres in the region, in order to meet the rising demand for new products, services and applications."

He further added: "The Expo will provide opportunity for companies and institutions to display and demonstrate their services related to eGovernment besides providing a unique networking platform for exhibitors to share their expertise with government bodies in Bahrain and the region who stand to benefit from such innovative technical solutions, as well as exchanging knowledge and experiences with regional and global leaders."

Mr. Kanoo also commended Tamkeen's (Labor Fund) initiative to directly support Bahraini exhibitors from small and medium enterprises (SME's) by funding 80% of the participation costs, and directed anyone wanting to participate to call the Bahrain Society of Engineers (BSE) or visit the forum's official website, www.egovforum.bh.

He further added, "We are proud, that eGA in partnership with other government agencies has taken the lead to host this spectacular exhibition in the Kingdom. In alignment with Vision 2030 the aim of the event is to help the Kingdom build a strong, strategic, integrated, and secure ICT infrastructure."

After the resounding success of last year's event, the Bahrain ICT Expo is expected to have a more robust participation this year. There has been a phenomenal interest from ICT companies to participate in this exhibition with 70% of the space already sold out to companies including, Gulf Business Machines, Microsoft, BATELCO, Gulf Air, TechnoByte, Affno, Gartner, Gulf Future Business, WIPRO, and New Horizons, amongst others.

The Bahrain International eGovernment Forum 2009 will be held for the second year running between 25 and 27 May 2009 under the patronage of HE Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Information and Communication Technology (SCICT). It is co-organized by the eGovernment Authority in cooperation with the Bahrain Society of Engineers, the Bahrain Information Technology Society, and the Bahrain Internet Society.

In addition to the chiefs of eGovernment authorities, the forum is expected to be attended by an elite group of international eGovernment thought leaders and decision-makers, United Nations experts, ICT specialists in the public and government sectors, specialized technology societies, and representatives of industry and chambers of commerce.