Gitex Technology Week will build on its 28-year history to produce the most spectacular edition this year, its organiser Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) said on Tuesday.

To be held from October 19-23 in Dubai, Gitex will provide one of the most effective platforms for many of the leading brands in the ICT Industry to meet existing clients, attract new customers, launch new products and services, and heighten brand awareness.

'Gitex is an event of true international stature, with some of the largest names in technology using it as a platform to unveil some of their most far-reaching initiatives to the world,' said DWTC director general Helal Saeed Almarri.

In addition, it has become the primary event for Arab companies and government organisations to demonstrate their increasing contribution to the advanced technology sector, he added.

Major exhibitors have already confirmed their presence, with many significantly expanding their stand size for 2008.

Key exhibitors including Blackberry, Etisalat, Oracle Systems, Panasonic, Sharp and Symantec are among the major names that have committed to Gitex.

This year’s event will provide one of the most comprehensive updates on major e-government projects from across the GCC region, with the ministry of justice and the ministry of interior naturalization and residency administration all participating for the first time.

The Dubai e-Government project will also provide the fullest insight to-date on its work to move transactions and interaction online

This year’s Gitex will incorporate a powerful week of dedicated trade events, including Gitex Business Solutions, GulfComms and Consumer Electronics, as well as targeted networking initiatives designed to ensure the event covers the entire technology spectrum.

To support the show’s focus on high-level business development and strategic alliances, Gitex Global Conference programme has been expanded to include an impressive 35 tracks of interactive discussion, featuring some of the world’s leading industry experts on new generation technology.

For the first time, Gitex is supporting dedicated developer sessions, to facilitate the creation of original technology and programming within the Middle East, along with new initiatives for education and health industries.

In addition, the expo will present the exclusive Gitex Majlis, an executive business programme for CEOs and senior business professionals providing a networking forum, executive lounge and preferred priority seating at seminars, workshops and keynotes.-TradeArabia News Service