Dubai ruler opens GITEX Technology Week

GITEX Technology Week is reinforcing its market leading position with the addition of new features and an enhanced conference programme this year. Together, the changes will help ensure that executives and CIOs have all the information they need to stay competitive in today’s changing business landscape.
“GITEX is cementing even further its position as a leading influence on the global ICT industry by introducing brand new sectors, not only reflecting the current trends, but by providing opportunities for the future,” says Helal Saeed Almarri, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of GITEX. “The industry’s top cyber security, digital marketing, card technology and telecoms organisations and experts will showcase their latest products and offer essential new industry perspectives.”
One of the new features added to the exhibition this year is CyberSecurity @ GITEX, where visitors can see presentations and tutorials from the world’s foremost experts on cybercrime and electronic security. Featured companies and organisations include Abu Dhabi Police, McAfee, Norton, aeCERT and Black Hat.
Also new this year is the GITEX Digital Marketing section of the show, which provides an opportunity to assess, evaluate and analyse the full potential of what is becoming an essential business tool. Exhibitors include Yahoo Maktoob, ikoo, ICANN and Khellan.
Across the business world, the use of card technology is increasing. From widespread use in the financial services sector to mobile phone SIM cards, road toll systems, national ID cards and hospital records, the smart card is everywhere. GITEX Card Technology, a new feature this year, will showcase developments in the sector.
In addition to these new features, a brand new trade event, InfoComm Middle East & Africa (IFMEA) 2011, will make its debut alongside GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK. This joint collaboration between Dubai World Trade Centre and InfoCommAsia will provide a showcase for the latest in professional audio-visual (AV) technology.
As part of this year’s improved conference lineup, GITEX Global Leaders Summit on day one provides a rare opportunity to hear from some of the world’s foremost thinkers. Pranav Mistry, one of the top 35 innovators in the world under the age of 35, will be demonstrating his unique human interface concepts and introducing prototypes for the first time in the Middle East.
Chris Dedicoat, President EMEA of Cisco, a leader in developing new business models and increasing productivity; and William H. Saito, an advisor to governments worldwide, venture capitalist, and 2011 Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, will also speak. Other distinguished speakers include Rod Beckstrom, President and CEO of ICANN; Georgio Di Paolo, IT Strategy Head, Accenture; and Tariq Hassan, VP Marketing, Hewlett Packard.
In addition to the wealth of knowledge on offer, GITEX provides an opportunity to network with industry peers. Every evening, GITEX will host i-Meet networking sessions in Sheikh Rashid Hall between 5.30 and 8.30pm. These themed evenings present an opportunity to relax, unwind, meet with colleagues and forge new business relationships at dedicated ‘Industry Meeting Points’.
To help international trade visitors make the most of the show, DWTC has introduced an exclusive reception area, the GITEX International Trade Visitor Lounge. Open daily, the International Trade Visitor Lounge will include refreshments, a visitor package (including features and conference schedules), an information counter, an international press stand and a ConneXions kiosk, all aimed at making the visit to GITEX easy and smooth following a long journey.