Opening on November 18th, 2006 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), GITEX has recorded spectacular double-digit growth across the entire spectrum of show parameters, from increased exhibitors to larger country representation.

"Following on from its past sterling performance, GITEX continues to grow in perfect tandem with the surging Middle East ICT market and has once again affirmed its position as a world-class technology gateway to this dynamic region, "said DWTC Director General, Helal Saeed Al Marri, at the GITEX and GULFCOMMS press conference today.

GITEX, with its new telecoms positioning has accelerated its momentum of growth to become one of the largest ICT exhibitions in the world, occupying 13 halls and more than 62,000 square meters (33% more than last year) at the sprawling DICEC complex.

"As the IT market strengthens and spending in the Middle East and North Africa markets increases we believe our role as a facilitator to deliver valuable
businesses opportunities for the worldwide industry is paramount." Mr. Al Marri
underlined.

According to international market research firm IDC, the Middle East ICT spend will hit a whopping US.8 billion by 2010 - up from just US$ 8.4 billion in the year 2005.

This year, the number of exhibitors has risen to 1,347 (up 16%) and country representation has also risen by 23% to 76 countries with new country groups from the USA, Syria, Hungary and Portugal preparing for a concerted national representation at the event.

Some of the major participants have already lined up new launches at GITEX 2006. Industry giant Microsoft will use the event for their Launch of Office, Vista and Exchange campaign (LOVE), converged communications provider Mitel will showcase its capabilities in VoIP and network, windows mobile 5.0 device vendor i-mate will launch two new Pocket PC-based PDAs and internet access kit vendor US Robotics will display its new range of wireless and wired product offerings.

Earlier this year, GULFCOMMS was launched to provide the industry with a dedicated and exclusive business-to-business platform for the telecommunications market.

Strongly supported by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in UAE, GULFCOMMS is set to debut to widespread acclaim. As the largest launch show in the history of the Middle East, GULFCOMMS has already power packed the new Zabeel Hall to the brim with over 125 direct exhibitors including some of the world`s biggest telecoms giants such as TRA, etisalat, du, Nokia, Orange, Thuraya, Alcatel, Belgacom, Potevio MENA and Korea Telecom amongst other big names.  These industry leaders will bring to GULFCOMMS some of the world`s most innovative and awe-inspiring products and technologies in mobile communications, network development, satellite applications, IP technology and infrastructure solutions.

Industry professionals to the exhibition can also take advantage of the GVF Communications Forum, a series of free industry led updates on key issues including the pure-play satellite services, selling of hybrid connectivity and building wireless infrastructure.

"The strategic co-location of GITEX and GULCOMMS reinforces the technological breakthrough in digital convergence.  We are delighted to present the international community with a highly effective and strategic business platform to connect to this vibrant and trend-setting industry.

As the most influential and sought-after global telecoms event, GULFCOMMS presents visitors for the first time with over 15,000 m2 of specialist telecom products and solutions, making their annual patronage of GITEX a more rewarding and adventurous experience.

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The spectacular twin-show event, which drew a record number of 1,347 exhibitors from over 76 countries, was inaugurated by UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in the presence of large gathering of Shaikhs, Ministers, senior government and corporate officials.

With a mind-boggling range of the latest products and technology on display, the show featured an impressive array of ICT industry leaders seeking to reinforce their share of the region`s booming IT market poised to reach billion by 2008.

Running concurrently with the 26th edition of Gitex 2006 is Gulfcomms, the new dedicated exhibition aimed exclusively at the telecommunications sector. The show, being staged at Zabeel Hall, has brought together some of the world`s largest and most innovative companies in the telecommunications sector, including operators and specialists in mobile communications, network development, satellite applications, IP technology and infrastructure solutions.

Organisers said the event has recorded double-digit growth across the entire spectrum of show parameters, from space expansion and increased exhibitors to larger country representation. Running till November 22 with 33 per cent growth, the show occupies 62,000 square meters in 13 halls. They said the five-day event is expected to attract more than 130,000 trade visitors and industry professionals.

GITEX is the biggest event for the ICT Industry in the Middle East and North African region. "With IT spending on the rise in the Middle East and North Africa, this is an event not to be missed by any company seeking to garner greater share of this growing market," organisers said.

Gitex 2006, which features several national pavilions, is to witness some of the region`s most anticipated launches such as the Launch of Office, Vista and Exchange campaign (LOVE) by industry giant Microsoft, two new Pocket PC-based PDAs by i-mate and Internet access kit provider US Robotics will use the event to display its new range of wireless and wired product offerings in addition to high-definition products from Sony and Samsung.

The inaugural Gulfcomms has some of the world`s powerful telecoms giants such as TRA, etisalat, du, Nokia, Orange, Thuraya, Alcatel, Belgacom and Korea Telecom among other big names.  These industry leaders have on display some of the world`s most innovative and awe-inspiring products and technologies in mobile communications, network development, satellite applications, IP technology and infrastructure solutions.

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The event will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from April 22 to April 25, 2007 under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi & Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Etisalat, new telecommunications company du, and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority in the UAE have all taken Platinum event sponsorships for the international telecom exhibition.

Mohammed Nasser Al Ghanim of the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority said, "We are delighted to extend our full support to MECOM, which we believe will become a major industry showcase combined with a strong conference programme that will stimulate discussion concerning best practices in all areas of telecommunications."

Mohammed Khalfan Al Qamzi, the Chief Executive Officer Of Etisalat expressed his support, stating, "It gives me great pleasure to confirm Emirates Telecommunications Company`s (Etisalat) support of MECOM 2007 and its participation in the trade fair and the MECOM Congress."

Osman Sultan, Chief Executive Officer of du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company) said, `It is my privilege and pleasure to confirm that Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company - du - will be an integral part of MECOM 2007."

The show will host a number of international pavilions from around the world. Leading international companies such as Alcatel, Nortel, Juniper Networks and Hewlett Packard have already booked significant exhibit spaces at MECOM as well as Motorola and Ericsson who have also taken Gold event sponsorships.

Ziad Karam, Manager Market Communications for Ericsson Middle East said `We believe that MECOM will be a significant regional event for the telecoms sector and are delighted to take on Gold Sponsorship. Ericsson will also have a major exhibition stand display and an active role in the conference programme, reflecting our support for this event.`

MECOM will be two events combined into one major telecoms and IT coms showcase. Apart from the exhibition, leading providers of communications products and services will take part in a four day trade fair that will be promoted to visitors across the whole of the Middle East, Africa, The Indian Sub-Continent and the Caspian and Black Sea States.

Heads of regional regulatory authorities and telecoms operators will be invited to attend the prestigious MECOM conference where issues vital to the whole industry such as Regulations, Standards, Pricing, Cooperation and Security will be discussed. The MECOM Conference will also cover the latest developments, issues, products and opportunities in the communications sector such as Wireless, Satellite, 3G, Internet & Broadband, VOIP and Next Generation Networks.

David Hirst, Exhibition & Conference Director for MECOM commented, `Abu Dhabi will provide an excellent location for this high profile communications exhibition and conference. The UAE boasts one of the world`s highest per capita levels of mobile phone users at over 90 percent of the population and internet subscribers at over 32 percent.`

Simon Horgan, Chief Executive Officer of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre stated, `The UAE`s pivotal role in the regional communications sector combined with its vibrant domestic market make the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition the perfect choice for MECOM. We are delighted to be the venue for this event and we will work with the organisers to make sure that this becomes one of the most important showcases in the global communications industry.`

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