NEWS
UAE
Infocom to focus on
future of communications
and Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality Association set to host
half-day seminars. InfoComm expects to host more than
500 delegates to network with the world’s top audiovisual
experts, and exchange knowledge on and share rising trends,
technology updates and industry best practices.
The theme of InfoComm MEA 2017 will be ‘The Future of
Networked Communications.’ The event, held in Dubai, will
showcase the latest audiovisual solutions and knowledge
across audio, digital signage and immersive technologies such
as augmented reality and virtual reality.
InfoComm has expanded its partnerships to drive audiovisual
innovation, with the International Live Events Association
The event schedule will include the InfoComm university
seminar, technology forums and industry forums. “InfoComm
MEA saw strong success on our first standalone exhibition
in 2016, with 45% visitor growth. Thanks to our expanded
partnerships and conference programme tracks, and
enhanced exhibitor and visitor experiences, Middle East and
Africa entertainment leaders will be able to sign deals and
exchange knowledge to support the region’s audiovisual
growth,” said David Lim, Project Director of InfoCommAsia Pte
Ltd, the event’s co-organisers.
The 7th InfoComm MEA will run from 5–7 December at
the Dubai World Trade Centre. For more information and to
register for free visit www.infocomm-mea.com
ICT infrastructure to
transform live event sector
The transformation of the live entertainment sector in Dubai
is set to create a large increase in money made from tourism
in the UAE. By 2020 BMI Research forecasts that USD 44
billion will be made from international tourism in the UAE as
the country enhances its role as a global leisure, tourism, and
entertainment hub.
Virtual and augmented reality is expected to transform the
live event experience thanks to the Middle East and north
Africa’s ICT infrastructure, along with the region being the
world’s second-fastest market in smartphone adoption,
according to industry group GSMA.
The organisation says this represents 51% growth from 2016.
It also predicts that the country will welcome 25 million
visitors for Expo 2020 Dubai.
“The Middle East and north Africa is one of the world’s fastest-
growing live event markets. The UAE has the potential to
leapfrog established European and north American markets
in using the latest audiovisual innovations to transform
the visitor experience,” said Dan Bolton, President of the
International Live Events Association Middle East.
As a result, the Middle East’s professional audiovisual market
is one of the world’s fastest-growing, reaching USD 2.8 billion
in 2016, with the UAE as the region’s largest at USD 1.2
billion in 2016, according to InfoComm International.
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