Strong international presence at 22nd edition of Gitex

Dubai, UAE
Doors will open to visitors at 1 PM. With more national pavilions than ever before (16), and covering more space than even before (47,000 square metres) - organisers said the show's continued growth reflects the importance new technologies and products continue to provide to a nation intent on leading the region's IT revolution.

This year's GITEX trade exhibition, which will be open from 10 am to 7 pm from Sunday, October 13 to Thursday, October 17 (inclusive), occupies all eight halls at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. More than 600 exhibitors representing some 1500 companies and 37 countries will participate.

Exhibitors will demonstrate new technologies, launch the latest releases of a broad range of new IT solutions into the regional market and display their newest wares in a bid to corner new business opportunities. Meanwhile, the exhibition's retail component, Gitex Computer Shopper - which opened yesterday (Saturday) at Airport Expo Dubai will feature more than 100 companies offering super deals on a wide selection of computer hardware, software, peripherals, telecommunication products and multi-media options.

"We are pleased to announce that there will be four new pavilions at Gitex this year. Finland Northern Ireland, Pakistan and India are making their debut. This event's international appeal continues to broaden with a total of 16 national pavilions and the return of the ScanTech pavilion. This is complemented by the presence of numerous international players including Microsoft, Cisco, Intel, Toshiba, HP, Acer, Panasonic, Siemens, Ricoh and Canon," said Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Assistant General Manager, Dubai World Trade Centre.

The exhibition's strong appeal among international players is complemented by a solid regional contingent with many of the region's largest interests represented, including the significant presence of Etisalat, Dubai Internet City, Dubai e-government and Emaar.

"Gitex has a strong, loyal following among many IT players, and we continue to draw the interest of a high degree of newcomers. Roughly 35 per cent of this year's exhibitors are new to the show," added Al Hashemi.

This year, Halls 1 and 8 house national pavilions, Halls 2, 3 and 4 feature hardware solutions while Halls 5 and 6 focus predominantly on software solutions. Once again, Hall 5a features Oracle Open World and Hall 7 is devoted to networking and business communications technology.

Al Hashemi said that refurbishment activity at the exhibition complex is ready to welcome Gitex visitors, however some traffic flow will be directed through the halls to minimise the impact of ongoing construction activity at the adjacent complex (home to the new Dubai International Convention Centre).

"We are delighted to use this opportunity to showcase the bright, new, air-conditioned concourse that now fronts Halls 1, 2, 3 and 4. These four halls will offer direct access to the exhibition. However, access to Halls 5a, 5, 6 and 7 will be gained through the Exhibition Centre's main entrance, located in the Al Wasl Building. Hall 8 will have a separate entrance located behind the hall and a car park will be available opposite Hall 8, to facilitate smooth access to it," he explained.

Mini-buses will provide transportation for visitors and exhibitors from the car parking areas to the Dubai International Exhibition Centre at regular intervals. In addition, a shuttle service will operate October 13-17 to transport visitors between the trade exhibition and the retail event, Computer Shopper, being held at Airport Expo Dubai. The retail event, which is open to the public is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm daily, except for Friday, October 18 when hours will be from 3 pm to 9 pm.

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Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Gitex Dubai, held annually at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, is the Middle East's largest and most important IT event. The exhibition targets trade professionals and is complemented by Gitex Computer Shopper, a consumer-oriented event that will be held at Airport Expo Dubai, October 12-18, 2002. There are several Gitex events now being held throughout the region, including Termium-Gitex Beirut held in Lebanon and Gitex Saudi Arabia held in Riyadh. In addition, Gitex Hyderabad (India) made its debut in January 2002, marking the debut of the Gitex brand outside the Middle East region, it will be held again in January 2003.

For further information, please contact:
Janice Edgar, Corporate Communications Division
Dubai World Trade Centre, PO Box 9292, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: 009714-308 6083
Fax: 009714 331 4853
Website: www.gitex.com
www.dwtc.com