Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 70 | Page 40

FEATURE : GITEX PREVIEW
With the region ’ s biggest and highly anticipated tech event back live and in-person from October 17th to 21st
2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre ( DWTC ), Intelligent CIO Middle East spoke to companies participating at this year ’ s event to get their views on why this year ’ s ICT event is much more special for the Middle East .

The Middle East information technology ( IT ) market has continued its growth trajectory in recent years and still retains the appeal rarely seen in other information and communication technology ( ICT ) markets around the globe .

Even though the overall business climate has started to pick up in the Middle East IT sector , there is still some elements of uncertainty brought about by the disruptions to business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown restrictions that most governments across the region have imposed .
With the region ’ s biggest and highly anticipated premier technology event back live and in-person next month , industry pundit share their view on what will make GITEX Technology Week 2021 an important event to attend this year , the reasons their companies are exhibiting , what they aim to achieve at the show and key messages they will be delivering to channel partners and end-user customers at this year ’ s show .
Amir Sohrabi , Area VP , Emerging Markets , Citrix , said as Dubai gets back into its stride as the conference and exhibition hub of the Middle East , GITEX Technology Week again plays a pivotal role in bringing together industry leaders and innovators for conversations around the tech ecosystem , Artificial Intelligence , cloud and digital economies .
Sohrabi said the 2021 edition of GITEX heralds a new era for the tech industry and business in general . And this year ’ s theme – “ Creating a Bolder Digital Future Together ” – resonates particularly well with what Citrix works for . “ With our partners over the past 18 months , we have focused 100 % to support our customers to adapt to new work models and ensure their digitalisation and employee experience efforts remain an advantage when the crisis ends . The entire tech industry must demonstrate to all businesses and organisations that innovation and Digital Transformation are crucial to building a resilient and sustainable future ,” he said . “ For that aim , GITEX is the right place to reinforce the industry unity to face upcoming challenges and showcase the latest , disruptive solutions in various industries .”
Selim Bouri , Vice-President and Head , Middle East , Africa and Asia Pacific , Secure Land Communications , Airbus , said each year , GITEX provides Airbus with a global platform to showcase its technologies and the possibility to engage with a diversity of people who could potentially be the next international partners . Bouri said it is known as the largest and most influential tech show in the UAE and beyond , making it an ideal venue for Airbus to showcase the power of its mission-critical collaboration and communication solutions , which are currently being used by users in different fields . “ These include : front-line workers , security and emergency personnel , and public safety officials . We are also looking forward to interacting with the representatives of private organisations who are seeking to upgrade their communication infrastructure . In such a case , they will find our technologies highly valuable ,” he said .

GITEX Technology Week 2021

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