IT Spending in Middle East and Africa to Grow 12% in 2010 Compared to Just 3% Globally

Worldwide IT Spending to Reach US$ 1.48 Trillion;

DUBAI, UAE, May 5, 2010 - 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 www.gitex.com.

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

About GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK

Website: 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
www.gitex.com

About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)

Website: 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

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