GULFCOMMS Will Provide Major Opportunities in Mideast

The second edition of the region's largest telecommunications and networking exhibition GULFCOMMS is set to bring major operators and communications specialists to the Middle East in September, as more companies look to become part of the world's fastest-growing telecommunications and networking sector. GULFCOMMS is part of a powerful line-up of exhibitions taking place from September 8-12, 2007 during GITEX Technology Week, which builds upon the region's largest technology exhibition by presenting a packed week of trade events dedicated to the Middle East's booming ICT Sector. Designed to maximise the value for visitors and exhibitors, other highlights during the week include GITEX Business Solutions, the leading international IT Trade event for Enterprise and SMBs, and Consumer Electronics - the premier trade event for consumer technology, IT systems, components and peripherals.

With the decision by the UAE government to open its telecom market to additional operators, every country in the region is heading towards market liberalisation, generating massive opportunities for companies operating in network development, satellite applications, and infrastructure solutions.

The Middle East has a number of major growth markets with huge potential for development. According to industry analysts Arab Advisors Group (AAG), despite the fact that penetration of fixed line, mobile and internet is increasing throughout the Arab world, the region still lags behind in the broadband internet. However, this gap is expected to narrow, due in large part to significant levels of telecom investment in the region, with regional telecom operators having raised a combined US $14.7 billion from investors in the first four months of 2007 alone to support expansion and acquisition strategies.

GULFCOMMS provides one of the most attractive points of entry to this dynamic market, with companies showcasing a range of mainstream products and technologies such as fixed mobile convergence, WiMAX, and next generation networks.

This year international companies like Alcatel Lucent, Blackberry, du, Etisalat, Thuraya, France Telecom, Korea Telecom, Nortel, Orange Business Solutions and UT Starcom have already confirmed their participation.

Recent market entrant du will also be taking advantage of the high-profile event as an opportunity to reach out to new customers and demonstrate its commitment to the industry."Telecommunications in the region is booming and GULFCOMMS is undoubtedly the best forum for the industry to showcase itself. We see the event growing in tandem with the Telco industry and look forward to being a part of its 2nd edition, at which visitors can expect a unique experience at the du stand," said Osman Sultan, CEO, du.

The Middle East has a number of major growth markets with huge potential for development. According to research and consulting firm Booze Allen Hamilton, the current revenue for the telecommunications and broadband internet sectors in the MENA region is $50 billion, and is set to grow to $70 billion by the year 2015.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will run from 8-12 September 2007 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), held in association with GITEX Shopper, which takes place from the 6-12 September 2007 at the Airport Expo Dubai. Source