Cisco unveils new Cisco Connect 2013 UAE

Previously known as Cisco Expo, Cisco Connect is not just a name change - this year, the annual technology event will offer an expanded forum, showcasing the company's cutting-edge technologies, products and solutions.

At the heart of Cisco Connect 2013 UAE is the theme 'Your Vision Made Possible'. The aim is to provide a platform for Cisco to discuss and showcase current ICT trends such as the Internet of Everything (IoE), and how organizations and government throughout the Middle East can leverage these trends to drive business success and make their visions possible. Participants will also benefit from presentations and technology breakout sessions delivered by Cisco subject matter experts, as well as Cisco partner workshops. These sessions will embrace technology topics such as cloud, collaboration, video, virtualization and borderless networks.

Cisco Connect UAE 2013 includes a strong line-up of senior Cisco speakers:
• Rabih Dabboussi, Managing Director, Cisco UAE will deliver the opening keynote
• Howard Charney, Senior Vice President, Office of the President will also deliver a keynote;
• Ian Kennedy, Senior Director, Technical Operations, EMEAR will deliver a keynote focussing on 'Innovating with a Trillion Smart Objects'
• Den Sullivan, Head of Architectures and Enterprise, Emerging Theatre, Cisco & Rabih Dabboussi will give a Unified Access demonstration.

Cisco Connect UAE will also feature the 'World of Solutions', an interactive exhibition area where visitors can explore the broader Cisco partner ecosystem, experience Cisco solutions, and hear the unique perspective of Cisco technology experts and partners.

Continuing on from the success of last year's Cisco Expo, Cisco Connect UAE 2013 expects to attract over 2,000 attendees, comprising regional business and technical decision makers from government and mid to large enterprises from a diverse cross-section of industries.

Cisco Connect UAE 2013, alongside with the recent Cisco Connect KSA 2013 held on 20th January 2013, serves to underline Cisco's continued commitment to the Middle East region as it strives to help business and governments across the globe drive sustainable ICT growth.

Sponsors of this year's event include:
• Diamond sponsors - BT, Emircom, GBM, Vision Valley and Dimension Data
• Gold sponsors - Alpha Data, BSMART, Electech-Verba, Schneider Electric
• Silver sponsors - Commscope, Fastlane, Global Knowledge, IP MagiX, Lancope, Redline, Panduit and BIOS ME

Cisco Connect UAE 2013 is a registration-only event.

Rabih Dabboussi, Managing Director, Cisco UAE, "As adoption of information and communication technologies in the GCC accelerates at unprecedented pace, so too does its effect on breaking down barriers, increasing the connections between people and its ability to bring the world closer together. With this in mind, it is all the more important that business leaders, IT experts and key decision makers in the UAE are kept informed of the latest technology solution developments. Following on the success of last year's event, we are confident that Cisco Connect UAE 2013 will provide a real platform to communicate thought leadership, learn about the latest technology architectures, and the role of innovation in the current and future ICT environment, not only in UAE but also throughout the GCC and Middle East Region. Cisco Connect 2013 will also provide great opportunities for the UAE ICT professionals to network together, strengthen relationships, and connect with key customers and partners."