Firms rush to exploit Middle East IT opportunities

GITEX DEMAND: Countries are rushing to exhibit at this year's show in Dubai. (Supplied)

A growing number of countries will be represented at this year’s Gitex Technology Week as IT chiefs seek to take advantage of opportunities in the Middle East.

New pavilions from Bahrain, Ireland, Serbia, Slovenia, and Sri Lanka will join the major nations of China, Egypt, India, Pakistan and the UK at the event in Dubai in October.

More than 30 companies will be represented from Bahrain, with 10 from Serbia, eight from Slovenia, six from Ireland and five from Sri Lanka as the widest range of countries ever will be participating at the exhibition.

During a difficult financial period for global IT markets many countries are planning to capitalise on the more stable Middle East market which, according to a Merrill Lynch report, is one of the only areas in the world that is showing continued growth.

More than 130,000 visitors will gather at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from the October 19-23 for Gitex.

Helal Saeed Almarri, director general, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the Gitex week said: “Gitex continues to attract companies from leading technology hubs from around the world, who recognise the unique opportunities for expansion and further growth that the Middle East markets offer.”

Research conducted by Business Monitor International, a specialist on global emerging markets, shows that Bahrain is set to increase IT spending from $27 million in 2005 to $400 million in 2012 while Serbia, where the IT industry is the fastest growing in Europe, has seen a 37 percent growth over the last year.

This year, Gitex will span 64,000 sqm, with more than 3,300 exhibiting companies from more than 80 countries.

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