Helal Saeed Al Marri, Dubai World Trade Centre

Since he was appointed as the Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in September 2004 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Minister of Finance and Industry, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of DWTC,

Helal Saeed Al Marri has led the rapid growth and development of GITEX, pioneering the first GULFCOMMS exhibition to industry acclaim last year, and driving the expansion of the show into this year's GITEX Technology Week.

Al Marri and the DWTC GITEX team have been instrumental in repositioning what was formally known as GITEX into the week-long GITEX Technology Week.

The refocused event will now host three segments: GITEX Business Solutions, GULFCOMMS and Consumer Electronics, each offering greater value, focus and expertise to exhibitors and visitors alike. The exhibition is also being accompanied by a dedicated GITEX Technology Week Global Conference.

"By refocusing the show our aim is to give exhibitors and visitors even more value. So with the event now split into three distinct technology sections, it will be more customer friendly and optimise participant experience," Al Marri explains. With thousands of exhibitors signed up for the show it's proof that Al Marri and his team are once again at the helm of another hugely successful technology gathering.

"Recent reports suggest that the MENA region's ICT industry is on track to reach the $45 billion mark by 2010 and with its expansion set to continue we decided to give those working in the industry a dedicated GITEX Technology Week event," says Al Marri.

Also new this year is a series of industry conferences, GITEX Technology Week Global Conference - as part of the refreshed show concept - is designed to focus on some of the high profile challenges and opportunities currently experienced by the IT industry, particularly within the Middle East and North Africa.

"This will give CEOs and IT executives from around the region the opportunity to share their views on regional business developments, strategies and a range of hot technology topics, from security to IT in banking, and outsourcing," Al Marri says.

"Our aim is for continued growth over the next decade, as well as continually increasing the level of specialisation and innovation," he continues.

"Exhibitors are always looking for a strong sense of focus within the business development side of trade shows and, as GITEX Technology Week continues to mature, we are looking at a number of exciting new initiatives to keep GITEX Technology Week as the most commercially and industry-focused of the major global trade shows," Al Marri adds.