Gitex 2015 is the major IT and technology show in the Middle East and Africa region and takes place each year in Dubai, in the UAE, a great location in terms of airline routes and hotels. It has taken place each year alongside Infocomm MEA. The Infocomm show occupies part of one of the halls, but opened a day later.
However, 2016 will see a change to this arrangement, with the Infocomm event splitting off and due to take place in November, independently. Given that most of the bigger companies were in the Gitex part of the show, rather than Infocomm, that is a real risk for the organisers, we believe. Although there have been one or two “flag waving” editorials that were positive about the move in the press, at the show, I couldn’t find any exhibitor or press person that was positive about it. (this wasn’t a survey, but in general conversation!). Having to come to the area twice for two smaller shows is really an issue for us and for exhibitors. Several that we spoke to said that they simply won’t attend or exhibit at either event. It will be a real question for us, too.
So, from our point of view, this is a wholly negative development.
The show this year felt a little quieter than the last couple of years, but not at a dramatically different level (and attendance had not been published when we wrote this article). On the first morning, we were worried about getting around as there were security checks on all the doors, but this was apparently just for the visit of the Sheik and disappeared again after he left, which was a relief!
The wars in Yemem (UAE is supporting Saudi Arabia in this) and in Syria are both having a negative impact on government spending and government revenues in the region are down because of the low oil prices. Local specialists told us that the typical oil price used for budgeting is around $75-$80. If the price is above, things feel good, but below means restrictions.
We heard that many governement-funded projects have been delayed or cancelled and there are expected to be more slowdowns. This will impact education and other areas. However, the Dubai government is planning a huge boost to investment ahead of the 2020 World Expo, which will take place in the region. We plan to include a boost in investment in our digital signage forecasts once we start the detailed forecast for 2020. The World Cup in Qatar in 2022 will have the same effect.
In the A/V segment, we heard again that there are still not really enough good companies that can deliver complete system solutions for, for example, digital signage systems with full maintenance, support and content development. Although companies exist in the region, there are not enough and that is a barrier to development.
We have reported on quite a few of the companies over the last few months at Infocomm and IBC, so completely new products were not in abundance. However there was interesting technology from Panasonic, Silicon Core, Sharp and some others, so we found plenty to look at and report on!
The show is at the World Trade Center which is well served by the Dubai Metro
