Bigger and better than last year


Dubai: The 26th annual Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (Gitex) exhibition attracted more than 130,00 visitors, smashing last year's figures, according to event organisers.

Visitors flocked to the IT extravaganza to view the latest products from more than 1,200 exhibitors representing 2,274 companies from 61 countries.

This year, a wellspring of new offerings in the telecommunications field was on display at Gulfcomms 2006, the first ever telecom expo held simultaneously next to Gitex.As in years past, Gitex 2006 will be remembered for its pomp and pageantry, with elaborate two-storey booths and showy displays of new products, while DJs and announcers held court over audiences with games and prize giveaways in addition to live dance and music performances.

However, for both visitor and exhibitor, as always it's all about the products, and this year saw ever more on offer: MP3 players and mobile phones for children and students, computer peripherals for IT managers and the technically inclined, and a broad range of cameras, printers, and other consumer electronics for the general public.

Nokia's participation exceeded expectations according to Joe Devassy, enterprise sales manager for Nokia Middle East and Africa.

"It was good overall, as this was the first time we had a booth at Gitex. From an awareness perspective, it was very good, and the feedback was very positive."

At events like this location can be essential. Devassy said he wasn't sure the Gulfcomms section where Nokia had its booth received as much foot traffic as other halls closer to the entrance.

Traffic of another kind was also a prime concern for Elvie Wong from Jiade, an electronics firm based in Shenzen, China.

"The foot traffic was great, we had a nice location next to a busy corridor," she said. But Wong wasn't so fond of the traffic she dealt with coming to the event. "I hope next year," she said with a laugh, "they improve the traffic out there."

Coming to Gitex for the first time was Sahel Fawel, who runs a photocopy business in Yemen. "I think Gitex is good," he said. "Everything I want, I see here, and this helped me make some difficult purchasing decisions."

Also enjoying the event was Samson Gaulinde of Namibia, in Dubai to attend a conference later in the week. He said his favourite booth was Panasonic's - "The size of the booth, the breadth of products on offer, the shows going on, it was all wonderful," he said.

While the once-busy halls have fallen silent for the main Gitex event at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, there are two days left at the Shopper segment of the Gitex event held at the Airport Expo.