Consumer electronics firms gear up for Hometech Middle East show

The organisers of the forthcoming Hometech Exhibition have cited the UAE's roaring retail market as a reason why companies in the Middle East consumer electronics (CE) channel should ensure their attendance.

Hometech kicks off on May 13th and Christopher Hudson, COO at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, is expecting a strong turn-out.

"According to our findings, 54% of visitors are either wholesalers, distributors or retailers," he explained. "If we're looking at the market data, there is compelling information for retailers to attend the event. The electrical and electronics equipment trade in Dubai is expected to top US$7m billion in 2007 - a 66% increase over last year."

Close to 170 exhibitors have already registered at Hometech so far, including Archmedia, Pacific Controls, and Pioneer. Hometech will also see a number of industry names, such as Microsoft Gulf boss Charbel Fakhoury, giving their view on the market, while a discussion panel will also debate consumer and retail trends in the consumer electronics sector.

The panel is set to be represented by a number of regional retailers including Sharaf DG and entertainment software distributor Red Entertainment.