Dubai, UAE, August 2, 2007 (XTVWorld.Com) -- This September, GITEX Shopper & Consumer Electronics Expo 2007 is forecast to be a landmark edition with demand running at record levels across much of its broad offer of products: laptops, PCs, mobile phones, cameras, gaming & entertainment, consumer electronics, home entertainment, office automation and digital mobility devices.

The region's dominant consumer technology platform will be held from 6-12 September over 25,000 square metres of the Airport Expo Dubai.

More than 130,000 buyers are expected at this high-energy event, where approximately 200 vendors, distributors and resellers will compete to offer the latest launches, spectacular deals and exciting promotions in the show's distinctive action-packed atmosphere of prizes, raffles, competitions and easy payment facilities.

"The continuing growth of the consumer electronics market will enhance GITEX Shopper 2007. After last year's record-breaking show we are again delighted to be bringing so many great offers and new products to such enthusiastic and knowledgeable consumers," said Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Director General, Helal Saeed Al Marri.

The Consumer Electronics Agency (CEA) identified the single largest contributor to the consumer electronics sector as display technologies. It estimated that the display category will reach shipment totals for 2007 of $26 billion. Over 30 million digital televisions are expected to shipped as consumers embrace digital technologies.

Both globally and in the UAE flat-panel LCD TVs are expected to be among the main performers in this category.

Just as striking is the UAE's recent surge in demand for notebooks. Last year the UAE had a 65% increase in shipments while the entire Gulf region saw a 61% rise to 1.25 million units. This year UAE retailers expect the market to grow a further 35% in value.

There has also been dramatic growth in the market for digital cameras. In 2006, the international market analysts IDC reported that volumes increased by over 31 percent to 400,000 devices. There has been an associated trend towards higher resolutions, with 6MP replacing 5MP.

The vigour of the UAE's mobile phone market will also be reflected in GITEX Shopper 2007's extensive range of offers and launches. Research by IDC has characterised the UAE as among the most vibrant markets in the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe.

Last year, this market's overall expansion was by 22.5% to over one billion phones. But IDC found the UAE has several unique characteristics such as a short replacement cycle, multiple-mobile ownership and an exceptional service penetration of 135%.

Portability and convergence remain industry watchwords. The CEA has estimated a 12% increase in spending in portable communications to over $20billion. The smartphone typifies the desire for converged wireless capabilities such as e-mail and internet browsing as well as audio and visual entertainment.

Strong demand across so many products is set to bring extra dynamism to GITEX Shopper 2007. As in previous years, vendors will be offering bundled products that enable buyers to simultaneously upgrade a range of electronic goods.

For instance, Ashley LLC, a Dubai-based distributor, will be distributing a booklet at the show featuring bundles of products uniting different brands.

"As the main focus is laptops, mobile phones and cameras we want to show our products like networking, MP3 players, bags, headsets, graphic cards and PC accessories," said Marc de Beunje, Ashley LLC's Business Development Manager.

Pankaj Nadkarni, GITEX Shopper 2007's Project Manager also expects bundled products to reflect vitality across the consumer electronics sector.

"GITEX Shopper 2007 will feature numerous launches and a wealth of competitive products across the board. We expect many buyers to take advantage of bundled offers to bring their electronic devices simultaneously up to date," he said.

Tickets are available in advance from Time Out Tickets at a special promotional rate of AED 20 per person, per entry. Tickets will also be sold at the venue – Airport Expo Dubai at AED 25 per person, per entry

(www.timeouttickets.com or 800 4669)

About GITEX Shopper & Consumer Electronics Expo:
GITEX Shopper & Consumer Electronics Expo has firmly established itself as the single largest and most successful retail platform for technology in the Middle East. Last year this high-energy event attracted over 130,000 visitors and reported sales in excess of AED 84 million. The exhibition attracted the participation of 157 exhibitors showcasing over 15,000 products.

www.shopper.gitex.com

GITEX Shopper & Consumer Electronics Expo 2007 will be held in association with GITEX Technology Week which is made up of the following components:

GITEX Business Solutions – The Leading IT Trade Event for Enterprise and SMBs for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia

GULFCOMMS – The Largest International Telecommunications Trade Event for Mobile, Fixed, IP and Satellite for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia

Consumer Electronics – The Premier International Trade Event for Consumer Electronics, IT Systems, Components and Peripherals for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia

GITEX Technology Week Global Conference – in strategic partnership with Dubai Internet City

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC):
As the organiser of GITEX Shopper & Consumer Electronics Expo 2007, Dubai World Trade Centre offers over 27 years' experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 15 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in the Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region.

Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.

www.dwtc.com

Contact:
Tamra C2
Khalil Majdalawi
Account Manager PR
Tel: +97142951177
Email: Khalil @ tamra-c2.com

Sherine Retna
Assistant Marketing Manager
Dubai World Trade Centre
Tel: +9714 308 6085 Fax: +9714 318 8607
Email: sherine.retna @ dwtc.com