H.H. Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, director general, Dubai Department of Information opened the 16th edition of Cabsat MENA and the 2nd Satellite MENA exhibitions at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) this morning, launching three days of power-packed business development and knowledge exchange.

With between 60 - 70% of homes throughout the Middle East having access to multi-channel TV, according to research by BuddeComm, and the satellite capacity leasing market growing at an annual rate of more than four percent, both shows encapsulate a growth market, especially in the Middle East and North Africa regions.

More than 700 companies from across over 50 countries, including 11 national pavilions, will be showcasing the latest products in the broadcasting, digital media and satellite market as they look to capitalise on this potential.

"We are delighted that H.H. Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum has offered his support to Cabsat MENA and Satellite MENA," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre. "There is a great deal of international focus on the Middle East broadcasting, digital media and satellite industries as the region is one of the most buoyant in the world. We welcome a vast array of companies from all over to Dubai to create new business opportunities and explore new avenues of growth."

Leading companies including Al Mazroui, AMT, Avid, Blusens, EuroStar, Fujinon, Harris, Hewlett Packard, Hitachi, Horizon Satellite Services, Thomsun, MediaCast, Nilesat, Noorsat, Satcom Global, Sony, Venutech, VSAT, Wasp 3D and Yamaha will all be showcasing the latest technological advances and generating new business.

Many companies will also be launching new products and technology to the market, including Al Yahsat, Arabsat, Televes Middle East and The Vitec Group.

Visitors to this year's Cabsat MENA and Satellite MENA exhibitions will also be able to create their own personalised broadcasts from the show floor. The new 'Creative Media Zone' at this year's event is an exciting interactive feature where content recorded during the show will be edited, formatted and broadcast on-site.

Running alongside Cabsat MENA and Satellite MENA are the Cabsat MENA 2010 Broadcasting Conference and the GVF MENASAT Summit 2010, providing invaluable knowledge exchange and networking opportunities. The Broadcasting Conference Keynote address will be by Jamal Al Sharif, Executive Director, Dubai Studio City, while the GVF MEANSAT Summit 2010 keynote will be presented by Jawad Abbassi, Founder & General Manager, Arab Advisors Group on regional market growth.

Another attractive feature at this year's event is the brand new Creative Media Zone; an area equipped with roaming cameras, audio and video equipment for trade visitors to create on-site content including interviews, short movies and broadcast live from the show floor.

Cabsat MENA and Satellite MENA 2010, will run until 4 March 2010 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The exhibitions are strictly for trade and business professional only. Visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry.

Broadcast and Media technology companies are preparing for one of the most important weeks of the year, as the latest research indicates the industry is steadily returning to profit.

On the eve of the Cabsat MENA and Satellite MENA exhibitions, the International Association of Broadcast Manufacturers (IABM) Industry Index for quarter four of 2009 shows that operating profit is now at 11.3% year on year for the global industry.

Nearly 700 exhibitors will be looking to capitalise on the opportunities throughout the Middle East at this year's Cabsat MENA and Satellite MENA from more than 50 countries around the world, including leading companies such as Al Mazroui, Al Yahsat, AMT, Arabsat, Avid, Blusens, EuroStar, Fujinon, Harris, Hewlett Packard, Hitachi, Horizon Satellite Services, MediaCast, Nilesat, Noorsat, Satcom Global, Sony, Venutech, VSAT, and Wasp 3D.

Cabsat Mena and Satellite Mena run from 2 - 4 March 2010 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

"There has never been a more important time to bring the industry together and generate new business opportunities for the broadcast, digital media and satellite industries in the Middle East. Cabsat Mena and Satellite Mena will help garner future sales activity and ensure that companies are capitalising on the market potential in the region," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre.

IABM values the global broadcast and media sector at more than $25bn, with the Middle East continuing to be a key region due to the expansion of media production facilities and the opportunities for expansion.

"Cabsat provides the perfect platform to engage with our customers, to understand their requirements and offer them solutions," said Awad Mousa, Head of Product Marketing, Sony Professional Solutions Middle East. "We get a pulse of the local and regional markets as well as the progress that this industry is making."

Cabsat MENA will provide a platform for a wide range of products and services including Broadcast Equipment, Computer Graphics Software, Decoders, Lighting, Audio Equipment and Production & Post Production Equipment.

Held in conjunction with Cabsat MENA, Satellite MENA has become the industry networking platform to explore business opportunities, formulate strategies and create partnerships for video, voice, data and IP communications over satellite.

Running alongside Cabsat Mena and Satellite Mena are the Cabsat Mena 2010 Broadcasting Conference and the GVF MENASAT Summit 2010, providing invaluable knowledge exchange and networking opportunities.

Jamal Al Sharif, the Executive Director at Dubai Studio City will be delivering the keynote address at this year's broadcasting conference, offering his insight into the developments in the industry and how we can all benefit from them, while the GVF MEANSAT Summit 2010 keynote will be presented by Jawad Abbassi, Founder & General Manager, Arab Advisors Group on regional market growth.

Cabsat Mena and Satellite Mena 2010 will run from 2 - 4 March 2010 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The exhibitions are strictly for trade and business only. Visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry.

New satellites due to start launching across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) this year will serve the high demand of leading digital media companies, the government and the military, says the latest independent report.

The satellite capacity leasing market has been growing at an annual rate of 4.2% globally with annual revenues for this segment to exceed $650m by 2018, according to Northern Sky Research. It also states that the MENA region is predicted to see the largest FSS Ka-band demand in the world over the next two years.

The need for more transponders currently outpaces the available supply in the MENA region and the launch of more than five new satellites over the next five years will help to generate a rise in TV broadcasting, government and military usage. The demand will drive a need for more digital media and satellite companies to provide products and services in-line with the growth.

With the focus heavily on the MENA region currently, this year's CABSAT MENA and Satellite MENA  exhibitions taking place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) from 2 - 4 March 2010, are expected to provide a key strategic platform for setting the direction of the industry in the region.

"The UAE is quickly becoming a major player in the global satellite industry. There is clearly huge untapped growth potential in the Middle East and CABSAT MENA and Satellite MENA will bring together the key industry leaders to facilitate the increased business opportunities throughout the region," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of CABSAT MENA and Satellite MENA.

"Revenue growth is expected to continue with such high transponder demand and this will create many opportunities for companies within the satellite and digital media market," he added.

Now in its 16th year, CABSAT MENA will be held in conjunction with Satellite MENA pulling tens of thousands of industry leaders from the US, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Leading companies at this year's exhibitions include Abdelall Satellite, Advanced Media Trading, Al Yahsat, Arabsat, Blusens Middle East, Eutelsat, Hamresan Group, Eurostar Communication, Hitachi Broadcast, Horizon Satelitte Services, Intelsat, Noorsat, Smartlink Communications, Sony Professional Solutions, Telespazio, Temix and United Broadcast & Media Solutions.

CABSAT MENA and Satellite MENA 2010 will run from 2 - 4 March 2010 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The exhibitions are strictly for trade and business visitors only. Visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry. The show timings are 11am - 7pm on 2 - 3 March and 11am to 5pm on 4 March 2010.

The 29th edition of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK has been hailed as one of the most successful information communications technology events of the year by industry leaders.

133,708 trade visitors attended this year’s show, a three percent increase on 2008 and the highest number of visitors to the show ever, confirming GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK as the indisputable de facto IT networking event of the year.

Senior executives lauded the impact of GITEX on bucking the recent economic drift and confirming its status as a leading industry sxhibition of global importance. At a time when all other ICT shows are slowing down or reducing in size and stature, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK 2009 rose above industry expectations to deliver exceptional return on investment to more than 3,000 international companies.

“GITEX 2009 defied the global downward trend in technology exhibitions to record a very successful event,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre. “We were successful and effective in providing a global platform for dialogue and mission critical business issues, at a time when the global ICT industry is facing its toughest challenge.”

Trade visitors were delighted with the opportunity to source new business solutions and share knowledge at the GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK event.

The major launches and deals which took place were a key part of the week’s success with four new product launches from Oracle including Fusion Middleware 11g, Panasonic’s breakthrough 3D technology, and the preview of Microsoft Windows 7 ahead of its global launch.

Du also announced a strategic partnership with Cisco to offer Cisco WebEx collaboration solutions, while Etisalat unveiled its first self-branded mobile device. Dell launched ProManaged modular and managed services, Toshiba showcased the world's first 64GB SDXC Memory Card, and Thuraya launched the world’s toughest satellite phone.

Feedback from exhibiting companies affirmed that 2009 witnessed an increase in the number of senior executives at the event. Many of the exhibitors created major opportunities for companies to sign new agreements and introduce new solutions to the region.

“GITEX 2009 was a great show for us, really money well spent,” said Husam Dajani, Senior Vice President, Middle East and Africa, Oracle. “We saw higher visitor numbers, and from the entire region including Africa. And we believe that, from an organisational perspective, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK 2009 was much better than previous years. Based on what we have seen, Oracle remains confident in, and committed to, the region.”

The GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK opening keynote address was presented to hundreds of C-Level executives by Steven Guggenheimer, Corporate OEM Vice President, Microsoft Corporation.

“GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is such a large show for the region; it is very technology focused,” said Guggenheimer. “If you look at the senior executives coming from all around the world, I think it speaks to the importance of the region, the growth that people are looking for and expecting in the Middle East and Africa region. GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is obviously a very large show, so in the global economy, the Middle East and Africa region is probably one of the fastest growing areas and will be for many years to come.”

Other leading international names were among the speakers, including Bobby Cameron, VP, Principle Analyst, Forrester; Katja Ruud, Research Director and Agenda Manager, Gartner Research; and Sandy Carter, VP, IBM Software Group Worldwide Channels for IBM Corp.

“Nothing will ever replace face-to-face communication,” said Sandy Carter. “It is still the number one way to network and learn and to uncover those little chunks of gold that can be a valuable asset to your company. I really believe live events are crucial, especially in an economy like ours today. It is a way you can find out ideas to help you grow.”

Exhibitors commented that the show delivered excellent opportunities to form valuable partnerships.

“As the region’s leading mobile satellite operator, it was a pleasure for Thuraya to be a key exhibitor at GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK once again this year,” said Mr Yousuf Al Sayed, CEO, Thuraya. “GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK was a great platform where Thuraya launched the world’s toughest satellite phone, Thuraya XT, and showcased the world’s smallest satellite broadband solution, ThurayaIP, to thousands of customers who visited our stand.”

Other companies noted that the increased focus and targeting of visitors ensured they had a very productive show.

“The new Sheikh Saeed Halls give lots of focused attention to Consumer Electronics. As the biggest exhibitor, Panasonic would like to show its long-term commitment to the region with innovative technology. GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK is a great venue to showcase our large portfolio of products and establish us as a truly global brand,” said Anthony Peter, Associate Director and Group Manager, Direct Communication and Customer Care, Panasonic Marketing Middle East.

Etisalat was another leading brand to hail the show a roaring success and highlight the seniority of the visitors it welcomed to its stand. “The quality of visitors this year is unmatched by the successful previous years,” said Khalifa Hassan Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President, Marketing/Consumer, Etisalat. “GITEX has maintained its position as the main platform for interaction with both consumer and commercial customers.”

Etisalat launched the Middle East’s fastest broadband internet for residential customers in the UAE through the new 30MBps package at the show.

Other highlights at the show included the Smart Home Smart Office which attracted thousands of visitors across the course of the week to see the latest in integrated technology throughout the home and office environment. The Xbox 360 Gaming Zone, In-Car Entertainment Area, and, of course, Titan the Robot – an eight-foot talking, singing, dancing, crying animatronic, which took the crowds by storm.

“This year's GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK was the ideal regional platform to preview Ford's latest technological innovations in the Middle East,” said Theo Benson, Regional Marketing & Product Manager, Ford Middle East. “The all-new 2010 Ford Taurus debuted at the show featuring most of these technologies and got immense interest from GITEX visitors. We are pleased with the visibility that our new flagship model has received during this event.”

“We are really looking forward to our 30th anniversary next year, when we usher in another era in technology development,” concluded Almarri.
 

Building on its record performance in 2007, the region's leading venue operator and events organiser, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has revealed a further 10% increase in visitor volumes for exhibitions, conventions and conferences at its venues in 2008.

The company's year-end results validate continued growth for the region's events industry, with many leading shows across a range of sectors showing strong growth in the number of exhibitors and visitors.

'We have shown consistent and aligned growth across all our business lines, reinforcing DWTC's position as the leading convention and exhibition venue in the region, and underlining Dubai's capabilities as a world-class destination for business networking. Our long-term strategy aims to make Dubai the global hub for exhibitions and conferences, and 2008's performance, despite the prevailing global conditions, is evidence of our strong business fundamentals,' said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre.

The DWTC venues- Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and Airport Expo Dubai, welcomed a total of approximately 1.1 million visitors across exhibitions, meetings, and conferences last year, driven by record growth in leading shows across a number of sectors that are core for the strategic development of the region; ranging from healthcare and construction, to travel and technology.

DWTC-organised exhibitions posted encouraging results over 2008, with Gitex welcoming an impressive 129,884 visitors and the consumer show at Airport Expo, Gitex Shopper attracted over 132,000 buyers, emphasising their growing significance in driving the region's high-growth ICT and telecommunications sector; Gulfood retained its status as the premier event for the food and hospitality sector, with a 32% growth in show space, taking up over 60,000 sq m in 2008.

Additionally, DWTC also debuted two new shows in 2008, MEFX in partnership with DIFC and Ingredients Middle East - a specialist event designed to serve the producers and consumers of ingredients related to the high performing food and beverage industry.

Other notable shows included Arab Health, one of the largest global events for the healthcare industry, which recorded a massive 166% spurt in visitor numbers. Cityscape saw a 44% increase in footfall from 52,000 in 2007 to 75,000 in 2008, despite the global decline of the real estate markets. Big 5, which last year was DWTC's largest exhibition in physical size since its opening in 1979, covered almost 85,000 sq m - over 30% more than in 2007.

The biggest regional event dedicated to the construction sector welcomed over 60,000 visitors as well as 3,200 manufacturers and suppliers from over 55 countries - making it the largest in size and spread of exhibitors for the plant, construction vehicles, machinery and equipment industries.

An indicator of the constantly evolving and vibrant exhibition sector, was the launch of nine new shows in 2008, spreading across such diverse sectors as banking and finance, food and beverages, travel infrastructure development, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology and aircraft interiors, among others.

Complementing the success of Dubai's exhibition sector, the meetings, incentives and conferences industry is also positively impacting visitor figures with 2008 drawing close to 76,000 delegates that attended 597 conferences and meetings; a 50% increase in attendance over 2007.

The increase in visitor numbers enabled DWTC's award-winning hospitality division to record an even stronger 2008. The division served an impressive 1,017,335 covers, marking a 14% increase in catering for MICE events alone, and making ours one of the busiest catering teams in the Middle East.

To support Dubai's capacity to attract global business tourists, DWTC continues to work in close partnership with the Road and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality (DMC), and Dubai Police, providing infrastructure support and travel logistics to facilitate access to and from our shows and to alleviate traffic congestion. In 2008, special buses, taxis and additional routes were made available from key locations, malls and hotels in the city to and from DWTC venues.

Airport Expo Dubai, adjacent to the Dubai Airport, is connected via the new Business Bay corridor to the central business areas of the main city. Additionally, RTA provided 'park and ride' bus service to and from neighbouring parking areas to the Airport Expo Dubai facility to ensure that all participants were easily able to access all events.

Following its strong performance in 2008, DWTC will continue to move forward with its commitment to contributing to the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, as laid out by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

'We are working to sustain our target of 1-1.5% contribution to Dubai's GDP, on par with global benchmarks such as Singapore and Hong Kong in the events and exhibitions sector. DWTC divisions have shown record growth, met significant milestones during 2008, and we expect the events sector to play a critical role during 2009 as the catalyst to stimulating the investment climate and boosting economic growth, while playing a major role in driving up visitor traffic to the region,'said Almarri.