The 2011 edition of Gitex, the leading technology event in the Middle East, will showcase new features which reflect regional and global trends.

Gitex 2011, which takes place from October 9 to 13 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, connects more than 136,000 industry professionals from five continents with over 3,500 suppliers, a statement said.

“Gitex strives year-on-year to drive the regional ICT market and provide a platform for the world’s most influential technology businesses to share their knowledge and products on the essential issues of the day,” said Trixee Loh, SVP, World Trade Centre, organiser of the event.

“Following the event’s extremely successful 30th anniversary last year, we committed to adding even more cutting edge components in order for Gitex to strengthen its global positioning.”

Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, Oracle vice president Technology, MEA said: “With the introduction of these features, once again we see Gitex offering to deliver what the industry demands.”

“Cloud computing, security and mobile apps are increasingly relevant to businesses now than ever before and Oracle is committed to making sure visitors to Gitex have access to the latest technology and IT solutions across the region,” he added.

“The need for a comprehensive international ICT event that features the most important aspects of today’s technology industry is vital for the Middle East,” said Samer Abu Ltaif, regional general manager, Microsoft Gulf.

“Gitex is at the forefront of driving ICT business in the region and bringing leading technology companies together to showcase their most innovative products. Gitex has always offered Microsoft the opportunity to reach new clients and introduce them to our latest services, and with the essential elements that Gitex is adding this year, the potential is even greater and I’m sure the results will reflect that.”

Under the 2011 theme of “Redefine the Future” Gitex will address the issues most relevant to the region’s businesses.

The brand new CyberSecurity @ Gitex edutainment feature will offer presentations on cybercrime awareness and how to avoid falling into traps including web phishing site, mobile phones credit card scanning and cloning, and identity theft.

Live demonstrations will give visitors practical advice on how to defend against attacks across a variety of platforms.

Also new to Gitex 2011, Gitex Digital Marketing is an opportunity to assess, evaluate and realise the full potential of what is becoming an essential business tool.

Digital marketing is being employed by businesses in the Middle East as consumers utilize social media, smartphones and tablet PCs contributing to the increased use of digital media and with mobile subscriptions in the Middle East region on track to hit 300 million by 2014 this is business area set for considerable growth.

Gitex Digital Marketing presents a host of digital opportunities to an emerging market, offering a combination of Internet commerce and all things “e” together in a multi-dimensional platform.

The new Gitex Card Technology feature will reflect and drive one of the most rapidly developing ICT sectors. From widespread use in the financial services sector to mobile phone sim cards, road toll systems, national ID cards and hospital records, the use of smart card technology, be it in contact or contactless format, continues to grow apace.

Building on the hugely successful Gitex Mobile, Apps & Content World, the 2011 edition returns with an even stronger and more comprehensive presence.

The importance of ICT across Middle East government departments is reinforced by the increasing investment that countries are placing on governance.  The Total Middle East IT spend is estimated to reach $14 billion in 2011 and integrating knowledge-based economies with digital communities is vital. Government @ Gitex will provide an essential public sector element.

With the inaugural edition in 2010, the Gitex Cloud Confex has already become the largest cloud platform in the Middle East.  The Cloud Confex incorporates two days of intense conferencing and a five day exhibition featuring leading international players, establishing the event as the premier route to market.

The 2011 Gitex Conference programme continues to evolve as an integrated business symposium with unprecedented levels of knowledge exchange and focused networking opportunities.

The Global Conference agenda explores technology trends with a powerful combination of leading conferences including: Global Leaders Summit, with this year’s theme of innovating technology through creative leadership; Gitex Telecoms Symposium and the annual Gitex Cloud Confex, the largest cloud platform in The Middle East. – TradeArabia News Service