Following a directive issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre announced today that GITEX Shopper will now run bi-annually from 2013.
In addition to the highly popular traditional year-end event in September/October, GITEX Shopper will also present an earlier edition from 3 – 6 April 2013 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
“It is important for the UAE to maintain its leadership position in sustaining the growth of technology in the region, and guided by the astute vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we have the support to deliver the successful GITEX Shopper extravaganza twice annually,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of DWT and organiser of GITEX Shopper.
The strategic relocation of GITEX Shopper to its new home at DWTC this week has been positively received by exhibitors and visitors, with more than 100,000 Shopper fans already rushing to the event in the first opening days to celebrate the incredible Shopper fever.
Confirmation of the additional GITEX Shopper event in April has been widely supported by exhibitors, both retailers and brands, with many welcoming the double opportunity to boost their retail business and further energise the market. The Middle East is one of the of the fastest growing regions in the world to harness digital technology, whether in homes, schools or corporations, driving strong demand for the latest products and innovations.
“GITEX Shopper provides the only platform in the Middle East for consumers to access the top retailers and international consumer IT and electronics brands in one convenient location, and the ever-increasing demand from throughout the region can no longer be met by one show a year,” added Saeed Almarri.
The region’s biggest IT and consumer electronics industry sales extravaganza has enjoyed year on year success since it was established 22 years ago and will close its 2012 edition tomorrow (Saturday), with visitor numbers and final revenues expected to break all previous records.
Both shows will be hosted at its new home at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The central location, which enjoys a dedicated Metro station at the entrance to the show, ample parking and wide selection of food and beverage outlets, is well placed to comfortably welcome visitors for each show.
