Oman marks its presence at Gitex Technology Week

Heading the Sultanate's delegation taking part at the ITU Telecom World 2012 which is being held for the first time in coincidence with Gitex, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications informed that the Sultanate's participation this year at Gitex Technology Week comes under the umbrella of eOman and gathers both private and public sectors.

"The main objective of this high-level participation is to reflect the successful efforts made by the participating institutions in going forward on the right track, especially that there is a remarkable advancement in the level of services offered by these institutions," Al Futaisi pointed out.

In a press statement while visiting the Sultanate's pavilion at Gitex exhibition, Al Futaisi, said, "Being organised for the first time in the Middle East, the ITU Telecom World 2012 provides an ultimate platform for the global ICT community to connect, debate and network on the far-reaching transformation of the ICT sector. The Sultanate is keen to expand fast internet services and there are ongoing initiatives in Oman to establish a national company for broadband. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport and Communications is implementing a strategy for the same."

Public and private sectors
On his part, Dr. Salim bin Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, CEO of the ITA, said, "The Sultanate's participation in the conference aims at familiarising itself with latest developments in the ICT industry." "In the conference, Oman will be presenting three working papers in the field of cyber security, community development and regularising communications. The Sultanate, represented by public and private sectors, is also marking a noteworthy presence in Gitex exhibition, from which we aspire to promote and underline Oman's progress and achievements triggered in the ICT field and highlight the award-winning projects," Al Ruzaiqi said.

Attracting investments
Basim bin Ali Al Nassri, Director General of Marketing and Media at the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (PEIE), said, "KOM's participation at Gitex aims at promoting and marketing KOM and the services rendered by it to the largest possible number of decision makers, businessmen, investors and CEOs of ICT companies from different parts of the world."

"KOM has been exhibiting at Gitex for seven successful years and this is the eighth participation, which is aimed at marketing and promoting KOM as a centre for a robust, diverse, prosperous and self-sustaining knowledge-driven economy in Oman. Visitors to the KOM corner will have the opportunity to expand their business horizons. This year, KOM and ITA are representing the Sultanate under the umbrella of eOman, which would further unify efforts made by public and private sectors to uplift the level of advancements made in the ICT sector," Al Nassri added.

He added, "KOM will focus on promoting its fourth building (KOM4) by advising visitors of the services and facilities provided by the building, whose occupancy rate now stands at 65 per cent with 61 local and international companies operating from it."

"KOM is currently finalising the Facility building, which will feature enhanced, upgraded and sustainable facilities," Al Nassri informed, adding: "The constructed area is estimated at 16109.77 square meters and the height is 47 square meters. The building will provide vital services and facilities to investors and employees at KOM, as well as ensure to achieve added value for all beneficiaries," he concluded.

It is worth mentioning that Oman's participation in this year's Gitex is the biggest of its kind compared to previous years in terms of the area earmarked for the Sultanate's pavilion and the number of participating institutions under the umbrella of eOman. Gitex is one of the largest global trade events and is the ICT business gateway to the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia Region.

Around 3,500 companies and brands are taking part in this year's Gitex, which are representing 54 countries are displaying their products and solutions to different ICT sectors in the Middle East.