MEA region has the highest telecoms growth rate

The Middle East and Africa region has the highest growth rate within a consumer telecommunications market that is set to reach $2 trillion (Dh7.3trn) in global revenues by 2012, according to a report from research firm In-Stat.

Global trends suggest 5.7 per cent annual revenue growth in consumer telecoms network services over the next five years, while countries in the Middle East are set to grow at more than double this rate.

With the impact of privatisation and increased liberalisation being felt across the region, this year's edition of Guflcomms, an international telecommunications trade event for mobile, fixed, IP and satellite, communications, is set to be one of the biggest in its history.

International firms, including Aastra Middle East, Alcatel, BlackBerry, du, etisalat, NEC Philips Orange Business Services, Nortel Networks, Potevio, and Thuraya Satellite have all announced their presence at this year's event, which runs from October 19 to 23 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre as part of Gitex Technology Week.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of Dubai World Trade Centre, the organiser of Gulfcomms said: "The number of international companies set to exhibit at this year's event is high because it demonstrates the interest in the regional market. The telecom sector across the Middle East continues to see high levels of growth and investment, and is among the most dynamic in the world."

While the Middle East and Africa region has the highest growth rate, Asia-Pacific is set to become the largest market in 2012, based on its huge population and ongoing investment in telecommunications technology. This year's Gulfcomms will attract its highest number of trade visitors and exhibitors from key markets such as India, China and Pakistan, as telecoms providers look to service a market of over two billion people.

"One of the most interesting trends for Gulfcomms in 2008 is the business potential for regional providers to use it as a launch pad to enter the Asia-Pacific market," added Al Marri.

This year will also see world-leading telecommunications supplier, Ericsson, debuting at the event, with plans to roll out several pioneering initiatives on the occasion. Jeremy Foster, Marketing Director, Ericsson Middle East, said: "The Middle East telecommunications market continues to grow across a wide range of areas, with strong demand for mobility and multimedia solutions across the corporate and consumer sectors.

We have ambitious plans for Ericsson's debut at Gulfcomms, which we feel provides an important platform to reach a wide spectrum of potential customers and partners."

Another first-time exhibitor will be Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), the UAE's first nationally owned satellite operator. The group aims to showcase its satellite capabilities, applications and coverage areas at the event.

"We are pleased to make our debut at this year's event, and are confident that we will make a significant impact," said Jassem Mohamed Al Zaabi, CEO of Yahsat. The broad range of companies exhibiting at this year's event reflects the dynamic nature of the regional market.