According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, consumer spending in the UAE rose 32 percent to AED 483.9 billion in 2008, and global consumer electronics companies say their participation at this year's Gitex Technology Week will play a leading role in their long-term plans for future growth. Gitex Technology Week, scheduled on Oct. 18-22, is open to trade and business professionals only from 10 A.M. - 7 P.M. and will take place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Some of the most influential companies in the consumer electronics market including Genius, Ford, Panasonic, Promate, Sanyo, Seagate have committed to participate at this year's event, which takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 18-22 October 2009. In 2008, the UAE GDP grew 27.4 percent to AED929.4 billion up from AED729.7 billion in 2007. The jump in the GDP last year boosted the UAE's per capita income to its highest ever level of around AED197,000 according to the Ministry of Economy. With many parts of the world experiencing a slow down in consumer spending, leading manufacturers are looking to strengthen their market position within the Middle East - an area of the world which has remained relatively buoyant during the optimistic times. “Consumer sentiment across the region remains strong, especially in the UAE, where tech-savvy consumers are some of the biggest spenders of electronics products in the world,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organizer of the event. “Globally, companies are looking for new and innovative ways to raise consumer confidence. Gitex allows market leaders the single most important face-to-face marketing channel in the year to test their product strategies and secure early market share for new launches with the region's most savvy technology adopters.” The Consumer Electronics section is one of the most popular with trade visitors to Gitex Technology Week which reflects the latest green products and innovations, as well as the newest and coolest gadgets of the future. Consumer Electronics includes many products from home entertainment, through to IT components, and gaming. With technology evolving so fast, it's sometimes hard to keep track, let alone visualize and understand how it can be integrated into the home or office environment. To address the challenges of our rapidly changing techno-society, Gitex Technology Week is proud to present a complete re-creation of both a Smart Home and Smart Office environment that will allow people to interact, visualize and experience first hand how technology is shaping our lives on a social and professional level. Ford will return to the event as the official Gitex Technology Week Car, offering visitors the opportunity to see first hand the latest innovations hitting the car industry. “Panasonic is a market leader in high definition products and will showcase it living in high definition concept at Gitex,” said Anthony Peter, Associate Director and Group General Manager Direct Consumer Communication and Customer Care, Panasonic. As well as the Consumer Electronics section, Gitex Technology Week will offer a focused environment with industry specific sectors including Gitex Business Solutions, and Gulfcomms. In addition, the Middle East International Banking, Financial Technology and Services Exhibition, MEFX, will run alongside Gitex Technology Week to provide all-encompassing exposure to business opportunities throughout the region. __
