DWTC expects over half a million visitors in October

Gitex Technology Week to be held at DWTC is expected to welcome visitors from 150 countries.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is expected to welcome over half a million visitors this month to events that cover a range of subjects from sustainable economic development to B2B and B2C technology. With over 350,000 visitors attending technology events alone, DWTC continues to solidify Dubai's position as the leading regional hub for ICT development and innovation.
DWTC kick-started October with Gitex Shopper 2016, the region's most popular consumer electronics and IT show, setting the momentum for strong footfall at the venue.
Economic sustainability events early in the month were also leading contributors to the budding visitor numbers. Organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), The World Green Economic Summit and Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (Wetex), have been two key events in ushering in thousands of visitors interested in resource and economic sustainability.
Ahmed Alkhaja, Senior Vice-President, Venues, DWTC said: "As the MICE sector is an important facilitator of economic diversification and contributed 3.1 per cent to the Emirate's GDP last year, it is a core focus for us to bring diverse conferences and events to the city. This month, in addition to popular technology events, we are also welcoming professionals from the fields of healthcare, mining, environment as well as entertainment."
The rest of October will continue to see growing visitor numbers that include technology professionals, entrepreneurs and industry specialists as they gather for region's largest technology event, Gitex Technology Week.
With focus on technology innovation and an increase in IT spending, Gitex Technology Week commences on October 16 until October 20, expecting to welcome visitors from 150 countries, and providing industry professionals a sneak peak at the latest solutions and technologies ranging from cloud storage to virtual reality. The new addition to the show, Gitex Global Startup Movement, will connect over 400 startups from 60 countries and over 1,000 entrepreneurs.
"DWTC is focused on driving economic growth through knowledge and innovation, in line with UAE Vision 2021. We provide a business conducive environment where professionals from leading technology companies and start-ups can come together to forge effective partnerships. Events such as Gitex Technology Week not only enable innovative companies to showcase latest technological solutions but also reinforce Dubai's role as the technology enabler in the region," Alkhaja added.
Augmenting the growing demand for technology investment, consumer electronics and technology trade events within DWTC and others within the MICE industry continue to gain popularity. According to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the sales in the UAE IT market will arrive at almost Dh22 billion by 2019 and per capita spending to reach above Dh2,000 by 2018[2].
Also at DWTC this month is GSMA Mobile 360 Series Middle East, an event that connects industry leaders of telecommunications and mobile companies from across the Mena region to share industry developments. Taking place from October 17-18 and co-located with Gitex Technology Week, the show's theme "Building Connected Societies" will feature discussions on IoT, Smart Cities, digital technologies and wireless connectivity.
- business@khaleejtimes.com