MECOM opens to large support

MECOM is the largest telecoms event to be hosted in Abu Dhabi, drawing
participants from within the UAE, the region and abroad.

The Middle East Communications Exhibition and Conference
(MECOM 2008) – the region’s premier event for the telecommunications industry, opens today at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The level of expenditure on telecommunications equipment, in the GCC in particular, has been a catalyst for local, regional and international telecoms companies to secure exhibition space at MECOM, including Abu Dhabi Media Company, Arvato, Blackberry,
BT, du, Ericsson, Etisalat, GMS Voipmonster, Itqan, Maktoob, Panasonic, TRA and Yahsat.

MECOM is held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and showcases the latest in hardware, software and services related
to this dynamic industry sector.

Global telecoms industry leaders are also descending on Abu Dhabi to participate at the MECOM summit. More than 50 representatives from international telecoms solutions providers such as Alcatel
Lucent, Ericsson, Tektronix and Motorola will debate the issues affecting a fast growing market.

In addition, a debate on the liberalising of the Middle East telecommunications sector will take place at the Connect: Strategic Telecoms Summit running alongside MECOM.

The summit will also discuss the latest trends shaping the industry, prospects for future market growth, investment opportunities and the expectations for regional uptake of 3G and WiMAX.

“The telecoms market in the Middle East has some of the highest growth rates in the world and with liberalisation spreading throughout the region, the environment is ripe for further investment, innovation, and higher usage rates,” said David Hirst, Director of MECOM 2008, organised by IIR Middle East.