GITEX 2004 opens with excellent numbers - 2100 visitors register in the first two hours of opening

GITEX, which began yesterday at the DWTC Complex, opened with 2100 visitors registering in the first two hours of the event. Meanwhile, GITEX Computer Shopper opened to a record breaking 7000 visitors on DAY 1 of the event.

Helal Saeed Khalfan Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre said, "We have witnessed an unprecedented increase in the visitor count on Day 1 of both GITEX and GITEX Computer Shopper. The Day 1 figures for Computer Shopper have increased by 42% over 2003 figures for the first day. GITEX's 24th year is the exhibition's biggest ever, with the total exhibition space expanding to 27,489 square metres net, up by 20% over 2003."

GITEX is hosting a record number of over 2,428 companies.

GITEX Computer Shopper, the single largest IT retail platform in the Middle East, opened on October 2 at the Airport Expo, with approximately 140 exhibitors representing over 500 companies.

Attributing this growth to the optimistic mood of the ICT industry, Al Marri said, "The MENA region's ICT requirements are to the tune of US$ 7.9 billion, as estimated by recent IDC reports. These exceptional numbers are a testament to the vision of Dubai's Rulers to maintain it as a regional technology hub. GITEX continues to remain the most important channel for IT companies worldwide to tap the growth potential of this buoyant market."

With a substantial percentage of the annual ICT business deals being signed at GITEX, computer trade professionals and corporate buyers from various industry verticals converge at this premier event to network and look for deals and new launches in hardware, software and services.

GITEX, the business-to-business exhibition opened to trade visitors at the DWTC Complex yesterday (October 3), underlined with the theme, 'meet_explore_and_connect'. Wireless, IP telephony, Data Storage, CRM, Business Software and Security Software will be some of the focus areas.

GITEX has 21 national pavilions (up by 10%), 930 exhibitors (up by 20%) 2,428 companies (up by 42%) a net area of 27,489 square metres (up by 20%), all underlining an impressive and sustained rate of growth.

"The proven business benefit of participating in GITEX has attracted 930 exhibitors, from 41 countries. We promote the exhibition exclusively to professional and trade visitors with an extensive media campaign that is fine-tuned with feedback from the industry. The 2004 edition reflects the trend with Acer, Cisco, IBM, Mindware, Microsoft, Oracle and many such exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in these sectors," adds Al Marri.

Moreover, the show is split into three zones: Software, Hardware, and Communications Networking, for the convenience of both visitors and exhibitors.

GITEX also features 'The Pavilion,' a 3,300 square metres gross area built adjacent to Halls 5, 6 and 7 to cater to the exceptional demand for space this year. This new area houses part of the UK, Germany and China country pavilions in addition to hardware companies and media providers.

In a marked change from last year, Dubai Internet City's Community Zone occupies an impressive 1158 square metre area anchoring Concourse 2, between Halls 7 and 8. DIC's Zone showcases the cutting-edge technologies, products and services of many of its Business Partners.

GITEX Computer Shopper - Middle East's largest IT retail extravaganza

Concurrently, GITEX Computer Shopper, targeted at the retail community and the individual home user opened at the Airport Expo Dubai on October 2. Converting the Airport Expo into Middle East's largest IT retail platform, Shopper is the place for the discerning buyer to study, select and get familiar with the latest innovations in design and technology.

"With an expected visitor count of 80,000, we estimate that the transaction levels at GITEX Computer Shopper will exceed the Dhs 42 million achieved last year. The exhibition features approximately 140 exhibitors representing more than 500 companies, and as a matter of fact, never before has the Shopper witnessed such a strong support by the vendors to their resellers by way of stand participation, branding and promotion offers," said Al Marri.

Acer, HP, DELL, IBM, BenQ, Samsung, Sony, Hitachi, JVC, Nokia, Canon, INTEL, Lexmark, Nikon, Toshiba, Sharp, Siemens to name some, form an exhaustive list of the supporting vendors offering the latest innovations in home entertainment, mobile technology, gaming, hardware and digital imaging at this seven day event.