largest-ever cabsat highlights strength of regional media and communications sectors

Over 500 Electronic Media and Satellite Communications Companies will gather for “Landmark” Exhibition and Conference Series Dubai, United Arab Emirates Satellite Communication and Electronic Media are “defining technologies” for the Middle East, making a major contribution to both commerce and culture, according to international executives heading to Dubai for CABSAT2007. Electronic media and satellite communications companies are having a significant impact on contemporary Middle East society, through the provision of connectivity for people and companies in remote areas, and by contributing to the proliferation of new media in the Arabic language. This impact is reflected in the rising economic value of the sector. A new report from IABM, International Associations of Broadcasting Manufacturers, suggests that the overall value of the market for products and services is currently USD 11.6 billion, with recorded market growth per annum of almost 11 percent in 2006. Northern Sky Research estimates that the market for satellite communications alone will reach over USD 1.4 billion by 2010. Given the social and economic opportunities presented by such a fast-expanding market, it is understandable that global companies should look to increase their footprint in the Middle East, according to organisers of the leading trade show in this area. “CABSAT’s ongoing growth and development reflects the major evolution of the satellite communications and electronic media sectors, which have changed immeasurably over the past decade. Given the dynamism and growth of local and regional markets, CABSAT offers both established groups and new entrants to the market an ideal opportunity to develop business in this exciting sector,” said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of CABSAT2007. Now in its 13th year, CABSAT has become a landmark event for the electronic media and satellite communications industry, matching the development of some of the fastest-growing areas of the Middle East’s technology sector. The event has grown by 27 percent in 2007, with 500 companies from over 50 countries exhibiting, including over 100 new companies such as Al Watan, Arqiva EgyptSat, Measat, NDS, Radio Computing Services and Yamaha. In particular, the event has become far more internationalised since its launch, reflecting the extent to which global groups are looking to penetrate regional markets in the Middle East and North Africa. CABSAT2007 will see eight country pavilions, including France, which is exhibiting for the first time. CABSAT has traditionally been a launch pad for major new technologies and viewing platforms, and this year will see innovations in a number of areas. Industry-watchers are expecting a number of new developments in the field of High-Definition Television (HDTV), Mobile Television, IPTV and Broadband via Satellite to be presented at the event. Among the highlights will be the demonstration of several new customer services by EMIRATES Cable TV & Multimedia (E-Vision). These will include IP Television (IPTV) and also Mobile Television, which allows mobile users with 3G-enabled handsets to watch popular news, sport and entertainment channels live on their phones. Arabsat, the ninth largest satellite operator in the world will provide further details of the successful launch of its state-of-the-art BADR 4 satellite, which enables the group to provide high-definition programming to over 324 million people in the Middle East and North Africa region. Satellite provision is a fast-growth sector in the Middle East. According to a recent report from the Arab American Institute, the number of Arabic satellite channels has risen from one in 1990 to over 200 today, second only to the number of satellite channels in English internationally. CABSAT will also support a number of industry discussions to help companies understand the changes occurring in the satellite communications and electronic media sectors. The third GVF Satellite Symposium, organised by GVF for CABSAT2007, will take place on March 7 and will examine how best to respond to unprecedented demand for IP-based services in the region, as well as the emergence of new terrestrial broadband wireless access technologies. The CABSAT2007 Middle East Broadcasting Conference will examine the theme of “digitalisation,” exploring the new convergent technologies that are relevant to the broadcast, satellite and telecommunications industries. The conference is co-organised by Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) and in association with Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) and International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers (IABM). CABSAT2007, the Middle East’s largest electronic media and satellite communications event, will run from 6-8 March at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC). It is endorsed and supported by by ASBU, ABU IABM and GVF. -Ends- About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) www.dwtc.com As the organiser of Cabsat 2007, Dubai World Trade Centre offers over 27 years’ experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 15 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region. Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works the region’s leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all conferences deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector. CABSAT www.cabsat.com CABSAT is the largest Electronic Media and Satellite Communications Event. As an annual event, the exhibition provides the perfect platform for decisions makers, buyers and sellers to network, exchange ideas, debate and explore business opportunities and strategies. CABSAT will cover three main industry sectors including: • Cable & Satellite Equipment & Accessories •