DUBAI, UAE, May 5, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- IT spending in the Middle East and Africa is set to grow faster than almost any other region in the world as investment continues at a record pace with a 12 percent growth this year, four times that of the global average, according to the latest research.

While worldwide spending will only grow at three percent, the Middle East and Africa is set to buck the trend as emerging markets drive global industry growth reports IDC, the premier global provider of market intelligence for the information technology, telecommunications and consumer technology markets.

Global IT spending figures are set to reach US$ 1.48 trillion for 2010, according to the study.

International companies are already recognising the potential for growth in emerging markets like Dubai, with an unprecedented interest and confirmed participation to showcase the latest technology and innovation at this year's GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, the region's most influential ICT exhibition.

This year, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK will celebrate its 30th anniversary when the exhibition opens from 17 - 21 October 2010 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

The show connects more than 133,000 industry professionals from 134 countries with over 3,500 suppliers and is one of the most influential and high-profile events in the global ICT sector today.

The five day event embodies the aspirational vision of the sector by drawing global attention and continuous investment to the Middle East market.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK's 30th anniversary is a key milestone for the UAE and the region's ICT industry, said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK. As Government and private institutions continue to invest heavily in increasingly advanced technology solutions, the international focus is on developing nations to drive impressive return on investment.

International companies are aligning with GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK earlier than ever before, reflecting the increasing demand to generate new business in the UAE and wider Middle East region, he added.

New elements to the show this year will make it more impressive than ever, including the dedicated Telecommunications Forum, Cloud Confex, GITEX Mobile Apps World and many more 30th anniversary features.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) is a strategic partner of the new Telecommunications Forum and Mohammad Al Ghanim, Director General, TRA, said: TRA is proud to participate in GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, as we believe experts and key providers all come together to share ideas and valuable business.

The 30th anniversary show will provide high profile international brands the most important strategic platform to fuel sustainable business growth and ensure strong returns on investment. GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK celebrates this landmark achievement at a time when companies are realigning their business proposition and strive to bring new innovations into the industry.

Malek Al Malek, Managing Director of Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource Zone, ICT cluster of TECOM Investments said: GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK has reflected the impressive growth of the ICT sector in the last 30 years.

Dubai Internet City's support for the event continues since our establishment 10 years ago. As Dubai continues on its path to a strong knowledge based economy, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK alongside DIC will continue to demonstrate the investment opportunities the IT industry offers in the region.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK's 30th Anniversary is sure to be a celebration for Dubai and the region, with many events and activities scheduled throughout the course of the week as the ICT industry celebrates one of the most iconic events in the region.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK runs from 17 - 21 October 2010, at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. For more information please visit http://www.gitex.com.

Photo Caption: IT Spending in Middle East and Africa to Grow 12%, Bucking Global Trend

About GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK

Website: http://www.gitex.com

Now in its 30th year, GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK 2010 delivers the ultimate platform for the international ICT industry to meet and conduct business. The event is a definitive gateway not just to the Middle East market but to the wider region.

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK hosts thousands of key suppliers and market innovators across four core disciplines:

GITEX Business Solutions: The leading international ICT trade event for enterprise solutions and SMBs for the MENASA region

GULFCOMMS: The largest international telecommunications trade event for mobile, fixed IP and satellite

Consumer Electronics: The MENASA region's premier international trade event for consumer electronics, entertainment, IT systems, components and peripherals

GITEX Global Conferences: The region's largest dedicated knowledge exchange forum

GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK Global Conferences - This key networking platform brings together the creme de la creme of industry experts and ICT professionals under one roof and will feature an unparalleled series of strategic keynotes, seminars and dynamic networking sessions. The event gives delegates a priceless opportunity to learn from, debate with and exchange views with some of the leading experts within the ICT industry.

In 2010 the GITEX Global Conferences includes:

- Telecommunications Forum - Cloud Computing Confex - Tutorials workshops - Leaders in Industry brunches

New Telecommunications Forum

As the MENA telecoms industry continues to experience unprecedented growth, GITEX presents a new focused Telecommunications Forum. Thought leaders and analysts will discuss the latest hot topics and challenges for the industry including regional harmonisation, infrastructure rationalisation and transparency though a high level keynote address and a series of seminars and panel sessions.

New Cloud Computing Confex

Introducing a new confex for cloud computing specialists to showcase their newest services and innovations, compare and research new ideas, garner new partnerships and knowledge share. The event will also discuss the pros and cons of this new IT strategy including dynamic infrastructure, flexibility, cost reductions and increased reliability.

GITEX Majlis

This executive business programme for CEOs and other top level executive attendees, is designed to ensure that they enjoy a fast-track experience at the show. Keeping their busy schedules in mind, members can enjoy easy pre-completed registration, advance issuance and delivery of the GITEX Majlis Badge and Executive Lounge facilities. These are just a few of the benefits offered to GITEX Majlis members. For more information, please visit http://www.gitex.com

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)

Website: http://www.dwtc.com

As the organiser of Dubai International Boat Show, Dubai World Trade Centre offers more than 31 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 18 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in 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 the region's leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all conferences deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.

For more information, please contact: Jon Barber Dubai World Trade Centre Tel: +971-4-308-6124 E-mail: jon.barber@dwtc.com

SOURCE: Dubai World Trade Centre

CONTACT: For more information, please contact: Jon Barber, Dubai WorldTrade Centre, Tel: +971-4-308-6124, E-mail: jon.barber@dwtc.com