Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Celebrating its 25th edition this
year, GITEX Shopper has earned its position as the largest and most anticipated
consumer IT and electronics show in the Middle East. Attracting the world’s
leading brands and the region’s power retailers, the show has grown in every respect
since its first edition in 1991. Always
a sell-out event, and constantly increasing in size, number of exhibitors, visitors
and sales, GITEX Shopper reflects the growth of UAE in becoming a leading
gateway for trade in almost every industry.
1991: GITEX Computer Shopper is launched at Dubai World
Trade Centre (DWTC). As the retail arm of the Gulf Information Technology
Exhibition, and held concurrently, the event offers the general public the
latest in home computer equipment, computer accessories and electronics.
1992: GITEX Computer Shopper opens two days before the
trade-focused Gulf Information Technology Exhibition event to allow members of
the public access to the show during the weekend. Over 30 companies offer
special retail prices in a 750 square metre exhibition space in Hall 1. More
than 10,000 private and trade buyers visit the show and purchase an estimated
AED10 million worth of equipment.
1993: Over 12,000 visitors attend Computer Shopper with
exhibitors reporting brisk sales.
1994: Event organiser, DWTC, reports a sold-out show
two months prior as well as an increased space to 1,000 square metres. More
than 17,000 visitors – a 41% increase from the previous edition - flocked to
the retail-focused GITEX Computer Shopper, which generated over AED20 million
in revenue.
1995: Due to increasing demand from computer retailers,
show organisers expand Computer Shopper by 50% to offer some 1,500 square
metres of exhibition space to 64 exhibitors and 35,000 visitors. This results
in AED22.5 million in generated revenue.
1996: The four-day Computer Shopper announces longer
shopping hours for the public and a 33% increase in space with more than 100
companies already booked to take part. Over 62,000 visitors attend with AED45
million generated in sales revenue.
1997: An unprecedented surge in attendance and sales
results in organisers of the Computer Shopper extending the event by another
day, attracting more than 150 local and regional companies. The five-day event
is firmly established as one of the most prominent events in the marketing
agendas of exhibitors and retailers in the region with 91,500 visitors – a 47%
increase over last year - streaming through the doors.
1998: Computer Shopper draws 100,000 visitors looking
for hi-tech bargains from the latest consumer electronics. Increased hall space
accommodates bargain hunters from the Middle East, Africa, Indian sub-continent
and CIS countries.
1999: GITEX Computer Shopper grows to 3,000 square
meters at DWTC with AED65 million in sales concluded.
2000: GITEX Computer Shopper relocates to Airport Expo
Dubai and is extended to eight days.
2001: GITEX Computer Shopper attracts over 125 IT
retailers representing 200 companies from 15 countries displaying and selling
the latest computers, accessories and peripherals across 12,000 square metres
of space.
2003: Despite tension in the Gulf over Iraq and the
worldwide economic downturn, GITEX Computer Shopper continues its upward
trajectory and reports a 14% jump in the number of exhibitors.
2004: The 2004 edition breaks all previous records with
more than 140 exhibitors representing 500 companies exhibiting and 108,000
consumers making a beeline to purchase the latest electronic gadgets.
2005: The renamed GITEX Shopper, now in its 15th
edition, doubles its size with the addition of a new exhibition hall at the
Airport Expo, which accommodates the rapidly increasing profile of the show.
Retailers collectively report sales in excess of AED76 million. The event opens
with more than 140 exhibitors from 15 countries and 117,994 visitors in the
renovated and expanded Airport Expo.
2006: Retail spending at Gitex Shopper hits AED82
million over the seven-day event as shoppers take advantage of reduced prices
on a range of consumer electronics. The total visitor number for Gitex Shopper
is higher this year at 125,753.
2007: GITEX Shopper is 18% bigger this year, occupying
26,000 square metres of the Airport Expo, featuring over 170 exhibitors and
more than 20,000 products. The event concludes sales to the tune of AED97
million compared to AED82 million in 2006.
2008: GITEX Shopper continues to grow in the face of
the global financial crisis. GITEX Shopper exhibitors report that the first few
days see a marked 25% to 50% increase in sales over the previous year.
2009: Dubai GITEX Shopper is open for two full weekends
to give visitors more time to take advantage of the exclusive deals and
promotions on a wide variety of technology. Ahead of the event, 20,000 visitors
pre-register, a 40% increase over last year's numbers.
2010: Spread over 32,000 square metres, GITEX Shopper
offers more than AED2.5 million in prizes, which draw a large number of
shoppers. Regular exhibitors increase their floor space by as much as 55% while
others go the extra length to launch a series of promotions. Due to visitor
demand, Gitex Shopper extends its opening hours until 11pm for the last day.
2012: GITEX Shopper moves back to the DWTC location,
which is a contributing factor to the edition’s exceptional success. A total of
AED237 million in sales is generated during the eight-day show, an increase of
23% over 2011. Visitor numbers also swell to 206,201, a 22% increase over the
last year. The central location with easy access for visitors and 25% more
space for exhibitors, allows the display of more than 25,000 products by some
of the world’s top consumer IT and electronics brands.
2013: Following a directive by His Highness Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE
and Ruler of Dubai, DWTC launches a new edition, GITEX Shopper Spring, which
takes place in April. For the mainstay October event, power retailers and the
world’s leading brands report excellent sales across the board, with an
estimated AED245 million generated across the eight days. The much anticipated
event attracts 210,324 visitors.
2014: GITEX Shopper 2014 celebrates high results in
numbers of products sold, revenues generated and visitor footfall to its venue
at DWTC. The eight-day electronics extravaganza generates an estimated AED259
million and welcomes 211,398 visitors with more than 35,000 products on show.
GITEX Shopper 2015 runs until Saturday, 10th October and is
open from 11:00am - 11:00pm every day. Tickets are priced at AED 30 per
person and are available at the venue and at select Emarat outlets and entry is
free for children below the age of five. A promotional entry ticket price of
AED 10 is available for students pre-registered in groups over 50. Entry is
free for children below the age of five.
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