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Dubai opens its doors in welcome to internet service providers from around the world, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister, stated after inaugurating Gitex 2005 yesterday.
 Asghar Khan/Gulf News Shaikh Mohammad with other officials, at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, after the opening of Gitex 2005. |  |
"As a regional and international hub for experts and companies interested in spreading and establishing the culture of internet among the Middle East and North Africa's societies, Dubai welcomes all companies taking part in this exhibition," Shaikh Mohammad said. "Our country will keep the confidence it has gained from all international circles by developing its various services, including service utilities and government facilities, to enable all looking for social and economic security and stability to live safely in an Arab oasis of peace with all peoples from all over the world," he said. Shaikh Mohammad opened Gitex at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) yesterday and toured its various stalls where he was briefed on the products being showcased at the exhibition. Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates Group and President of Dubai Civil Aviation, who was accompanying him, said the Exhibition City planned near Jebel Ali would be able to host most of the exhibitions when it is ready. Gitex, the premier international ICT event, which has a five-day run, has recorded double-digit growth in the number of participating exhibitors, up 24 per cent to 1,163 this year, said the organisers. "The number of exhibiting companies has gone up by 12 per cent to 2,724, while country representation has shot up by 49 per cent to 61 countries," said Helal Saeed Khalfan Al Marri, DWTC director-general. The number of national pavilions this year has gone up by 14 per cent from 21 to 24, while the net area for the event has increased by 10 per cent to touch 30,227 square metres, he said.  Asghar Khan/Gulf News Shaikh Mohammad tours the stalls at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre after inaugurating Gitex 2005. | | |
Shaikh Mohammad also visited the 15th edition of Gitex Shopper currently on at the Airport Expo later in the day. Opening day visitor count figures at the Shopper were up 75 per cent as the event received over 7,000 visitors on the first day itself. "Last year, people would come on the opening day, and then again at the last day, but they wouldn't find what they were looking for as it was all sold out," said Plug-Ins Electronics Marketing Manager, Miran Ellahee.  Visitors queue up to enter the exhibition and survey the latest gadgets. | | |
"This year, I noticed that if visitors see something they like, they buy it on the spot, without hesitation," said Miran Ellahee, marketing manager with retailer Plug-Ins Electronics. Laptop and mobile sales were in high demand. But lack of parking space and t
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