Middle East telecoms in excellent health

"Despite the global economic downturn, with regional increases in population, expanded network coverage and increasing per capita incomes, the Middle East telecoms market is proving beyond doubt, to be one of the most lucrative for business opportunities and scope for advanced communication systems,"

said Ed Malkoun, Group Exhibitions Director, Mecom.

Malkoun's optimism was borne out of comments made by Steven Hartley, of international telecoms and software consultancy Ovum, who predicted at Mecom that income generated by the regional mobile broadband market would exceed revenue from mobile voice within five years.

"Data revenues are forecast to reach almost $18bn by 2014, a growth of 188% from 2008," said Hartley.

Mecom the region's only dedicated communications for enterprise trade show and conference, was opened by Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), who was equally upbeat about the prospects for the regional market.

Top of the agenda on day one was the inaugural Telecoms Leaders Roundtable Summit. An impressive line-up of chief executives gathered for the first time for an in-depth debate on the issues affecting the telecommunications landscape both globally and regionally.

CEOs arrived from Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, India, Nigeria, Uganda, Sudan, Kuwait and Egypt, as well as the UAE representing Vodafone, Yahsat, Nawras, Majan, STC, Mobily, Orange, Omantel, Mobitel, Warid Telecom, MTN, the Arab League of Regulators, TRA and the GSM Association.

Addressing delegates during the opening ceremony Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) reiterated that the key to the future was next generation mobile broadband as well as integrating the parallel stream of wire-line and wireless technologies.

Khalifa Al Shamsi, VP Consumer Marketing at Etisalat, concurred with the TRA sentiment. "It is a major opportunity for us to differentiate ourselves by adding value for the customer and generating additional revenue," he said.

However, underscoring their commitment to broadband fixed lines in the UAE, he also announced that Abu Dhabi would be the first capital city in the world to be fully connected by fibre optic cables with plans to connect the entire country within three years.

On the consumer side, Germany-based Olaf Kroll, Director Business Development Europe, Fox Interactive Media/MySpace.com stated that, "In an average day an individual would spend approximately 20% of his/her time surfing the internet and accessing social networking sites."

Currently 50% of MySpace traffic data is via mobile devices, leading mobile profits from 8% to 35% in just 15 months time.

"With the mobile voice market in the Middle East approaching saturation, operators, with government support, now recognise that mobile broadband services hold massive potential. Network development right across the region will naturally open up endless opportunities," added Malkoun.

Away from the summit, it came as no surprise that the Mecom exhibition featuring many leading industry brands, showcasing the latest in hardware, software and services, attracted over 3,600 visitors.

Mecom is also positioned as a dedicated communications for enterprise trade show and this aspect was evident throughout the event, none more so than the 'Communications in Enterprise' forums. This new aspect consisted of a series of seminars spread over the three days, covering specific industry sectors from manufacturing, oil and gas, healthcare to travel and hospitality.

"Overall these dedicated forums attracted over 300 delegates. Participants gained invaluable market intelligence, especially for sourcing next generation communications solutions, tailored to their own industry sector," commented Malkoun.

Mecom 2009 also attracted wide industry support. Sponsors this year included heavyweights like Oracle, IBM and BS Technologies who took gold sponsorship while Qualcomm. FVC and Polycom opted for silver sponsorship status.

Mecom 2010 will next take place on 17-19 May 2010.