HH Sheikh Ahmed inaugurates IEF 2008

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) yesterday inaugurated the 2008 International Electronics Forum (IEF), being held in Dubai.

The IEF brings together around 120 decision makers from the electronics industry and related sectors to discuss trends. This year's event is based on the theme of the Global lectronics Ecosystem - Revolution or Evolution.

In his keynote speech HH Sheikh Ahmed said: "The forum will significantly contribute to DSO's mission to facilitate and promote hi-tech industries in the region. These industries depend on the design, development and manufacturing of precision electronics, optoelectronic technology, nanotechnology, and photovoltaic technology supported by the semiconductor industry.

"Dubai continues to attract global giants, including top tier high-tech leaders, through developing its investor-friendly environment, its state of the art infrastructure, and its solid legal framework that offers effective intellectual property protection," he added.

The IEF also heard keynote speeches from JJ Yamaguchi, executive vice president, NEC Electronics; Petri Liuha, laboratory director of Computation Structures at Nokia Research Centre and Kees Van Der Klauw, senior VP in Technology and Development at Philips Consumer Lifestyle.