ME to spend $212bn on IT

DUBAI / Emirates Business

Under the theme “Reimagining Realities”, Gitex Technology Week 2016, from October 16-20, will highlight how technology can transform businesses through cutting-edge showcases, international keynotes and dignitaries from around the globe in attendance.
Robotics and drones will demonstrate how the supply chain is evolving at the upcoming Gitex Technology Week, the largest technology exchange and marketplace for Middle East & Africa, in Dubai, UAE.
“Gitex is at the global nexus of trade and technology innovation, with the UAE government a leader in using technology to transform daily lives and businesses. Gitex is the single most powerful and influential sourcing platform for tech solutions and innovations in the region,” said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice-president, Exhibitions and Events Management, Dubai World Trade Centre.
“Gitex provides a gateway to the fast-growth Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets, and a global platform for sharing knowledge and innovations from students to start-ups,” said Mohammed Areff, vice president of Meta at Avaya. The company exhibited at last year’s event, which saw over 146,000 visitors from 144 countries, and 4,200 sponsors and exhibitors from 130 countries.
The Middle East IT spend is set to reach $212.9 billion in 2016, a 37 per cent increase from the previous year, she noted, adding that nearly 22,000 CXOs from top corporations are
expected to attend the event.
Gitex will change the way visitors view the world with its interactive Immersive Tech section. The Virtual Reality gaming industry alone is expected to rise to $4.4 billion by 2022 – this technology is set to be the GCC’s next billion dollar industry. From VR headsets, to AR tools used in live surgery, Gitex is set to demonstrate how a new view of reality can change lives and businesses.
The new Gitex Startup Movement is set to be the most global event of its kind, connecting over 400 start-ups from 35 countries, and 1,000 entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, angel investors, government buyers, and mentors.
Gitex Vertical Days will act as a platform for IT leaders to address industry issues and learn from international thought-leaders. A world-class line up of speakers from around the globe will address Vertical Day conference attendees to share their expertise.
The 3D print spend in the MEA region alone is set to reach $1.3 billion by 2019, presenting clear market opportunities. 3D printing technology exhibited at Gitex will demonstrate how an array of printers and makers creating everything from medical supplies and automobile parts shape the vision of 3D printing technology.
“As the interconnected Internet of Things era rises, robotics and automated solutions will be essential for organisations to overcome the world’s most pressing challenges. From high-risk activities such as welding, to driverless cars and robotic cafes, the next generation of automated services being demoed at Gitex will drive Smart City innovation in the Middle East and around the world,” said Bilal Al Hattab, managing director at DigiRobotics Technologies, a Dubai-based robotics manufacturer showcasing at Gitex Technology Week 2016.
“Gitex Technology Week 2016 is the voice and venue for technology innovation. Technology is no longer limited to the IT department – every industry needs to understand how digital transformation can drive competitiveness, from cloud-based mobile apps, to robots, drones, and 3D printing,” said LohMirmand.