The position of Dubai as an ICT distribution and marketing hub is spurring anticipated competition between the UAE’s key computer distributors and retailers at this year’s GITEX Shopper & Consumer Electronics Expo show, to be held at the Airport Expo Dubai from 18-24 November 2006.
“We’ve seen this show grow out of all recognition in just a few short years,” says the DWTC’s Director General, Helal Saeed Al Marri. “ It is now a major show in its own right, used by the distributors and retailers from around the region as a focus for their marketing activities.” Mr Al Marri noted.
This year, more than 150 companies will display the latest IT and consumer electronic products, with major vendors like 3Com, Hewlett-Packard, Acer, Dell, Lenovo, Microsft, JVC, Kodak, LG, Samsung and Toshiba amongst others providing major support for channel partners. These will compete for the attention of an estimated 120,000 visitors with major retail players like Jumbo Electronics, Jacky’s Electronics, Plug Ins, Emirates Computers, Sharaf DG, Cosmos, Trigon, as well as CompuMe, Grand Stores, RadioShack, Oasis Entreprises.
Hundreds of offers and promotions will be the order of the day from exhibitors all aiming to boost last year’s takings of over AED 72 million ($19.6m).
Hot areas for consumer spending are expected to be:
* Mobile phones, with Aptec Mobiles, Cellucom and Nokia partner Emirates Computers all jostling to increase their share of the insatiable Emirates market for mobile phones. New mobiles and expected new services from second telecom operator du are expected to fuel demand.
* Laptops, with all major players riding the wave of new sales predictions from leading ICT analyst group IDC. This projects increased year on year sales of laptops in the GCC of just under 40% for this year and a further 25% next year.
* Portable devices, from new models from i-Mate to the new iriver device from Sharaf DG will be top of mind for many visitors, given the ever-increasing demand for portability.
“We’re anticipating a real excitement from GITEX Shopper this year,” continues Mr. Al Marri. “With consumer electronics forming a part of the Dubai life style, we anticipate major attendance from gadget watchers excited by the latest computer models and accessories on offer.,” Mr. Al Marri remarked.
GITEX Shopper and Consumer Electronics Expo has established itself as the single largest retail platform for technology in the Middle East and this year has an expanded profile of that includes Consumer Electronics.
About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of GITEX Shopper and Consumer Electronics Expo 2006, 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 14 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 with 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.
About GITEX Shopper & Consumer Electronics Expo 2006
www.shopper.GITEX.com
GITEX Shopper has established itself as the single largest retail platform for technology in the Middle East. It has an expanded profile of Consumer Electronics in 2006. It features four main sectors: IT, Consumer Electronics, Gaming and Entertainment and Digital Mobility
• The show has grown by approximately 21% since 2005
• Approximately 150 vendors, distributors and resellers will be under one roof
• Over 124,000 visitors expected to attend from around the region including key buyers from the GCC, Iran, CIS and North Africa
ADMISSION POLICY
GITEX Shopper & Consumer Electronics Expo takes place on the 18-24 November 2006 and will be open from 11.00am to 9.00pm from Saturday to Thursday at the Airport Expo Dubai. On Friday, the Show will be open from 3.00pm to 9.00pm. Admission policy: AED 15 per visitor, per entry. Free for children under five years. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Shuttle buses to and from the venue will be available. For more information, please visit www.shopper.GITEX.com or contact Pankaj Nadkarni on +971 4 308 6056 / [email protected].
