A look back at GITEX

Last updated: 11 April 2014

The 2013 Gulf Information Technology Exhibition is all wrapped up for another year. The exhibition was a success on many levels and once again brought forward the world’s leading technology to be on display at the Dubai World Trade Center. The 33rd edition of GITEX, which ran under the theme “let’s Create, Disrupt and Re-imagine Together”, saw a flurry of exhibitor activity and a myriad of innovative technology solutions. As over 130,000 ICT professionals, representing more than 150 countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, and 80% of the world’s leading ICT brands, attended the week, the far-reaching influence of the event was clear to see.

There were many highlights; here are some that caught my eye, and hopefully yours too.

The Panasonic launch: GITEX has a growing global reputation, and is consequently growing in popularity as a product launch site. Panasonic recognized this considerably as they chose GITEX for the launch of a series products, including the world’s first 20-inch tablet with 4K resolution display, the Toughpad 4K UT-MB5.

The HP launch: HP launched several new devices through the exhibition, including the HP Officejet Pro X, the world’s fastest desktop printer.

Saudi Tablet launch: The first 3G tablet for Saudi Arabia, the E-TAB from Elekta Electronics, was launched. When it comes to tech such as this, Riyadh will not want to be left behind in the wake of Dubai’s surge into the modern world of smart tech.

The Blade smartphone: Touchmate’s new Blade is not to be taken lightly by the competition. However, if they’d have added NFC capability with the cell phone, the blade could have then been the key accessory for Dubai as it moves towards ‘smart city’ status. Dubai is already well on the way as the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority launched its first-ever mobile app for ordering a taxi, as well as introducing NFC taxi payments.

Evidently, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s promise of a ‘smart’ life for Dubai residents is well-supported. GITEX has essentially been a technological advert for this.

Gemalto solutions, in particular: E-Government, POP wings, and Mobile Marketing – In addition to product launches, GITEX served as an excellent platform for demonstrating our solutions available in the Middle East and throughout the world.

The Emirate Identity Authority was proud to launch MyID Portal at GITEX for unified access to government services, this garnered considerable attention as this trend of e-government in the Middle East is gaining momentum.

POP wings was also a popular attraction this year as masses of GITEXERS were keen to experience transferring contact details via NFC in an environmentally friendly and convenient way. Preeth K.P was one of many who tweeted his approval.

Preeth K.P tweet

As for Mobile Marketing, the results of our UAE survey (released during GITEX) showed the pervasiveness of mobile technology throughout the Middle East. Mobile technology in the Middle East, and the marketing opportunities, will undoubtedly continue to grow.

And finally, the iPad mini winners: GITEX attendee engagement was brilliant this year; three tweeters were rewarded with iPad minis for insightful tweeting throughout the event. Using the hashtag #GemaltoGITEX, we were able to see tweets of feedback, thoughts on our solutions, and ideas for the future from a wide range of attendees. I am certainly hoping for an even greater level of engagement next year. So, make sure you book your place, October 12th-16th, at GITEX 2014.

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