CABSAT 2006 grows 15 per cent with 439 companies from 45 countries

The show, will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Halls 5, 6, 7, & 8 and will run from March 7 to 9, 2006.

Addressing a press conference in Dubai today, Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), said: "The percentage growth in gross space and the number of participating companies are clear indications of the level of interest shown by international majors who are eager to do business in the GCC and neighbouring regions."

They realise the importance of this region, which has recorded major economic growth over the last few years, Mr. Al Marri added.

Among the various segments in the exhibition, Communications has registered a massive 41% growth in stand space booked by participating companies and Broadcast & Production registered a 27% growth, demonstrating the international interest the show has generated.

Out of the 439 companies, a total of 350 (80%) are international companies and the rest are locally based companies.

For the first time at the show, Spain will have a separate pavilion, bringing the total number of country pavilions this year to six, as opposed to five last year.

Top exhibitors at the show include major international names. In the 'Broadcast & Production' section leading names like Panasonic, Snell & Wilcox, Oasis, AVID and Dubai Studio City will be present. In the 'Communications' section the participants include Arabsat, Eutelsat, Wafa, Thuraya and Gulfsat. Whilst Selevision, Technosat, Eurostar, Golden Interstar and Kaon are just some of the key companies in the Cable & Satellite section.

The exhibition has been endorsed by leading organisations including Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers (IABM) and GVF.

HDTV and Broadband via Satellite are just some of the highlights that visitors can expect to see at CABSAT2006. In addition, there is a comprehensive programme of industry related conferences and seminars on offer to further facilitate the information flow between trade visitors and industry experts.

This will include the two-day 2nd CABSAT2006 Broadcast Conference on "Digitalisation - The Continuing Challenge For Broadcasters" which is being organised on March 8th & 9th by ABU, in association with ASBU and the IABM.

The second GVF Middle East Satellite Symposium focusing on "Growing the Broadband Networking Environment & the Middle East Satellite Imperative" will be held on March 8, 2006, while the SatLabs 1st Middle East DVB-RCS Symposium, scheduled for March 9, 2006 will focus on "Answering Satellite Communications Challenges with DVB-RCS".

CABSAT2006 will open daily from 11 - 7pm from March7 to 9. The exhibition is open to trade visitors only and children will not be permitted at any time.