Global ICT Leaders @ Gitex 2005 discusses role of ICT leaders in 21st century organizations

The event formerly known as the 'Datamatix Gitex Conferences' is being held from the 24th to the 29th of September, 2005 at the Penta and Theater Room, Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, UAE.

Global ICT Leaders @ Gitex 2005 focuses on great ideas, strategic use of best practices and real world leadership experiences from IT and business executives who are advancing their organizations through technology. It is a six-day event tailored to help senior IT professionals better leverage emerging and existing technologies to meet their business objectives. Expert speakers at the conference provide insight, strategy and knowledge that the attendees can apply in their businesses.

The third day of the summit began with a keynote presentation on 'The future of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) with new IT world changes' delivered by Mr. Shahid Khan, Managing Director, BearingPoint US (Formerly KPMG Consulting). During his presentation he spoke about the key impacts of globalization on the Middle East IT Industry and how regional organizations can leverage this opportunity, whether globalization is a net advantage or disadvantage for IT innovation in Middle East companies and how emerging trends in global IT market can influence Middle East technology buyers.

Mr. Jawad Abbassi, Founder & President, Arab Advisors Group addressed the session on 'Challenges & Opportunities for Next Generation Telecom & Mobile Technology in Middle East Enterprises'.

Mr. Tarek Niazi, Executive Director, SmartSquare Innovation Centre provided insight into questions such as why Middle East ICT investments do not deliver promises and why the majority of regional ICT projects fail. In his session he addressed the issue of IT development trends and Actual Business Benefits. This was followed with an interactive dialogue on how these trends are impacting organizations worldwide with special focus on the Middle East

The day's proceedings ended with a Panel Discussion on 'The Middle East CIO's role in driving business transformation and why it is vitally important'.

Speaking about the third day of the summit, Ali Al Kamali, Managing Director, Datamatix said, "As the business and technology world evolves, the question arises - Are Middle East ICT leaders and CIOs prepared for the emerging 24x7 business economy? CIOs have a more important role to play in today's organizations by using technology to drive business growth. The sessions today presented a wide range of views on what should be done to empower and enable CIOs so that they can maximize their potential in the new economy."

The key sponsor of the event is Microsoft and the co-sponsors are Intel, Computer Associates, Cisco Systems, Qtech, Dubai Naturalization & Residency Department (DNRD), Abu Dhabi Education Zone (ADEZ), Fortex International and Gulf Commercial Group.

More than 200 ICT industry leaders, experts, CIOs, vice presidents, directors and managers responsible for driving their organizations performance through technology are participating in the conference.