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Majority of UAE residents find gadgets as irresistible

Almost three quarters of UAE residents could not live without their laptop or smartphone due to addition to technology, according to a new survey findings.

Commissioned by dmg events Middle East as it gears up for the December launch of the region’s largest consumer lifestyle event — The Life & Style Show UAE — the survey provides unique insight into the attitudes of UAE residents towards all-things tech. It also comes at a time when the UAE’s consumer electronics industry is booming, with it predicted to reach $3.97 billion by 2015. Euromonitor International suggests that the rise in disposable income coupled with strong consumer interest in gadgets such as smartphones or tablet PCs was responsible for the industry‘s growth in 2012.

The findings also highlight that money is no object when it comes to purchasing gadgets, with more than half (53 per cent) of those surveyed admitting to spending up to Dh10,000 a year on technology and a further 15 per cent splurging Dh15,000 annually. What’s more, the UAE is a nation of gamers with one in ten claiming to own an average of three games consoles, while 20 per cent switch between two.

Taking place on December 5-7 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre, or Adnec, The Life & Style Show UAE will comprise of seven individual events, including one specific to technology; Gizmos, Gadgets & Tech. Visitors will have the chance to walk away with some of the best bargains in the UAE from top brands such as Virgin Megastore, Sharaf DG+, Intel, Clear-Coat and BlackBerry. If this isn’t enough, The Life & Style Show UAE will also include an exclusive gaming area in which visitors will battle it out on Sony PlayStation and Nintendo game consoles against friends and strangers for the top score.

The Gizmos, Gadgets & Tech Show will sit alongside Speed & Power, Home & Living, Fashion & Beauty, Sport & Leisure, Toys, Hobbies & Games and Luxury Property & Build. Visitors to The Life & Style Show UAE will be able to access the seven individual events, including the feature areas, via one ticket.

“Our latest research shows just how important having the hottest gadget or latest technology is for UAE residents. What better place to fuel this passion than at The Life & Style Show UAE — the biggest consumer lifestyle show the country has ever seen, of which the Gizmos, Gadgets & Tech Show is a key part. It is also the perfect opportunity to bag a bargain ahead of the festive period and impress loved ones with the latest must-have gadget from leading international and home-grown brands,” said Ashley Roberts, event director, dmg events Middle East.

“The Life & Style Show UAE is expected to attract more than 51,000 visitors from across the GCC region, over the three days. We fully expect the Gizmos, Gadgets & Tech to be one of the busiest and liveliest parts of the show. Children, adults, techies and even technophobes will be bowled over by the variety of gadgets and technology on display,” added Roberts.

— abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com