UAE TO SPEND NEARLY US$15 BLN ON ICT BY 2011, SAYS REPORT

DUBAI, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE)is likely to spend US$14.8 billion on information communication technology (ICT) by 2011, a recent study revealed.

According to research conducted by economic and financial analysts, Global
Insight, the Gulf state is currently spending US$11.4 billion on ICT.This makes
it one of the leading countries in the Middle East in terms of ICT spending.

The results of the study were made available ahead of the Gitex Technology
Week at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre here from Oct
19-23.

"Many ICT companies from across the world are using the UAE as a base for
their Middle East global operations.

"Gitex Technology Week is helping with this huge increase in spending by
allowing local and international companies to connect with businesses while
establishing lasting working relationships," said Helal Saeed Almarri,
the director-general of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event.

The largest area of spending in UAE's ICT market, according to the
research, is within the consumer sector with US$5.3 billion currently being
spent.

This figure is set to rise to US$6.8 billion in the next three
years.

The UAE is also currently spending nearly US$1 billion on ICT in the
communications, energy and utilities as well as the government sector, with each
rising to US$1.2 billion by 2011.

This year's Gitex Technology Week will incorporate dedicated trade events,
including Gitex Business Solutions, Gulfcomms and Consumer Electronics, as well
as targeted networking initiatives designed to ensure the event covers the
entire technology spectrum.
-- BERNAMA