Smartphone sales penetration in the Middle East was 13.8 per cent of total mobile handset sales by the end of 2009, and is set to hit 28.8 per cent by 2015, according to a research report.

Quoting the Informa Intelligence Centre report, Value Partners, leading global management consultants with offices in Dubai, said they will discuss the adoption of mobile convergence and smart devices in the Middle East at this years’ GulfComms  conference at Gitex Technology Week 2010.

Participating in the panel discussion on mobile convergence, Santino Saguto, partner, Value Partners in Dubai, stated that the development of mobile convergence is accompanied with consumption of digital services from smart phones, digital TV, and portable digital devices.

“The mobile platform is highly visible in the Middle East, with a high turnover on the release of latest models,” said Santino Saguto.

“Consumers in the age group of 15-35, who are active on multiple multimedia platforms and social media are the key drivers of this growth.”

“The increasing mobile penetration will stimulate the growth of the media industry in the region. While traditional media is already beginning to fight new entrants for a piece of the new business, the opportunities presented by new forms of media require a different set of skills and a dynamic style of management,” he added.

Value Partners recognises that Middle East operators are also looking at the convergence between the banking sector and telecommunications. “With the high adoption of mobile services, operators see mobile payment services as a cost-effective means to generate revenue streams,” said Saguto.

Emmanuel Durou, senior manager, Value Partners, will also speak on regional mobile content, applications and services at the panel discussion at Gitex Mobile Apps & Content World.-TradeArabia News Service