Gitex Plays Host to Several Deals, Project Announcements

“This year has seen some of the most exciting deals done in the Middle East and we are delighted with the feedback from industry leaders on their participation,” says Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser Gitex Technology Week

Just a few of the major deals done during the course of the week included Dubai EGovernment signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with eHosting to promote e-services for creating a paperless environment. ETA InfoTech announced a Dh 55 million deal to invest in healthcare and education. Dell Middle East announced that Orion Holdings, a key player in the Financial Services Industry in UAE, has become the first Middle East customer to adopt the newly launched Dell/EMC CX4 data storage system.

Dell, du, Dubai EGovernment, Etisalat, Intel, Microsoft, Oracle, Panasonic, RTA, Samsung and Sony were among many leading companies to use Gitex Technology Week as the platform to make some of their biggest announcements of the year.

Microsoft Gulf announced the launch of the new Microsoft Dynamics AX (Axapta) 2009, furthering its commitment to developing a feature rich and comprehensive eco-system product under its Business Solutions portfolio.

Samsung Gulf Electronics launched the new Omnia and Innov8 mobile phones at the exhibition. Another major exhibitor at this year’s event was Oracle which was inundated for its free enterprise consultations during the week.

“Etisalat announced a special campaign for the ‘More’ rewards programme that credits rewards points to Etisalat mobile customers. During Gitex Technology Week, du partnered with Sony Pictures to show mobile content of the new James Bond movie.

Officials of the Ericsson Middle East said, further discussions will take place after Gitex with regards to the company’s products such as the XL XPERIA Smartphone and MD400 USB wireless modem, which have received incredible interest from a section of end-users.

International participation has been wider than ever before, with the total number of participating countries reaching an all-time height of83, orgasnisers claimed.

Dubai World Trade Centre also announced that next year’s exhibition will take place October 18-22, 2009.

ramavarman@khaleejtimes.ae