Both GITEX and GITEX Computer Shopper, posted marked increases in the number of visitors, announced organisers Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) at a press conference.
GITEX, which opened Sunday at the DWTC Complex, saw almost 3000 visitors in the first two hours of the event. Meanwhile, GITEX Computer Shopper opened to a record breaking of 7000 visitors on DAY 1 of the event.
Helal Saeed Khalfan Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre said, “We have witnessed an unprecedented increase in the visitor count on Day 1 of both GITEX and GITEX Computer Shopper. The Day 1 figures for Computer Shopper have increased by 42% over 2003 figures for the first day. GITEX’s 24th year is the exhibition’s biggest ever, with the total exhibition space expanding to 27,489 square metres net, up by 20% over 2003.”
GITEX is hosting a record number of over 2,428 companies.
GITEX Computer Shopper, the single largest IT retail platform in the Middle East, opened on October 2 at the Airport Expo, with some 140 exhibitors representing over 500 companies.
Attributing this growth to the optimistic mood of the ICT industry, Al Marri said, “The MENA region’s ICT requirements are to the tune of US$ 7.9 billion, as estimated by recent IDC reports. These exceptional numbers are a testament to the vision of Dubai’s Rulers to maintain it as a regional technology hub. GITEX continues to remain the most important channel for IT companies worldwide to tap the growth potential of this buoyant market.”
GITEX has 21 national pavilions (up by 10%), 930 exhibitors (up by 20%) 2,428 companies (up by 42%) a net area of 27,489 square metres (up by 20%), all underlining an impressive and sustained rate of growth.
“The proven business benefit of participating in GITEX has attracted 930 exhibitors, from 41 countries. We promote the exhibition exclusively to professional and trade visitors with an extensive media campaign that is fine-tuned with feedback from the industry. The 2004 edition reflects the trend with Acer, Cisco, IBM, Mindware, Microsoft, Oracle and many such exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in these sectors,” added Al Marri.
GITEX also features 'The Pavilion,' a 3,300 square metres gross area built adjacent to Halls 5, 6 and 7 to cater to the exceptional demand for space this year. This new area houses part of the UK, Germany and China country pavilions in addition to hardware companies and media providers.
In a marked change from last year, Dubai Internet City’s Community Zone occupies a 1158 square metre area anchoring Concourse 2, between Halls 7 and 8. DIC’s Zone showcases the cutting-edge technologies, products and services of many of its Business Partners. (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
