Dubai Internet City Community Zone to anchor Concourse two at GITEX

Dubai Internet City's enhanced presence at GITEX 2004 is a reflection of the exponential growth of both GITEX and DIC over the last few years. The five-day information technology extravaganza, the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the region, looks set to break all attendance records.

Building on the resounding success of its participation at GITEX Dubai 2003, DIC's purpose-built new 'Community Zone' will showcase the cutting-edge technologies, products and services of 29 of its Business Partners. The companies participating in the Community Zone include a mix of leading global companies, regional majors and exciting local ventures from the entire spectrum of the ICT industry. Sectors represented in the Community Zone include software development, business services, web-based & e-commerce, consultancy, sales and marketing and back office operations.

Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, CEO of DIC, said: "Dubai Internet City's Community Zone at GITEX 2004 represents the tremendous diversity and dynamism of the DIC cluster which now has 650 companies. The Community Zone will not only be a tremendous showcase for our community but also a platform for DIC and its Business Partners to network and establish new relationships with international and regional ICT companies," he added.

The Community Zone will occupy an impressive 1158 square metres anchoring the sprawling Concourse 2, between Exhibitions 7 and 8. Always a crowd-puller, the Community Zone will feature a spectacular design that facilitates high-quality visitor interaction and provides a setting for events and presentations.

"DIC's commitment to this event has been unfailing since its inception. It is flattering for the region's IT sector that this global technology zone leader is featuring so prominently, and we feel certain it will be one of the major attractions of this year's GITEX," said DWTC International Project Manager, Ms Claire Winfield.

"Many start-ups within DIC take advantage of the Information and Communication Technology hub's presence to use GITEX as a launch pad for their new products and services, and this year is set to build on that exciting platform," Ms Winfield added.

The Community Zone also presents an opportunity to hear more about Dubai Outsource Zone (DOZ), the latest initiative of DIC. DOZ, established earlier this year, is the world's first free zone dedicated to the global outsourcing industry.

DOZ will provide a comprehensive infrastructure and environment for outsourcing companies to set up global or regional hubs servicing the worldwide market. DOZ's offering includes 100% exemption from taxes, reliable technology and communications infrastructure, a one-stop shop of support services and the best possible working environment.

DIC, which was launched in 2000 to provide the infrastructure and environment for ICT companies to operate globally, regionally and locally with competitive advantage, is completing its fourth year of operations in October, 2004 .

The 24th edition of GITEX is far bigger, brighter and more comprehensive than ever before and this year organisers are expecting around 100,000 visitors to the show which has grown to cement its place as one of the most prominent events of its kind in the world. This year, the show is conveniently split into three zones: Software, Hardware, and Communications Networking, for the convenience of both visitors and exhibitors.