CABSAT 2012 to Highlight Unique Opportunities in the Middle East Satellite Market

Dubai, UAE, December 8, 2011--CABSAT 2012, is bringing together the most dynamic – and lucrative – broadcast markets in the world.  According to the latest research by Informa Telecoms and Media, there are 80 million television households in the Middle East and North Africa market. Today satellite television reaches 65% of them, but by 2016 that proportion will rocket to 80%.

Outside broadcast operators like Al Kass and Live have built new fleets with the latest equipment and working practices. Twofour54 in Abu Dhabi is actively marketing its production and post-production capabilities across Europe as well as to local producers.

Many analysts believe this is not just an exciting time to be in broadcast and media in the region, it is a vital time for long-term success. The dynamism the industry feels will be reflected in the 18th CABSAT exhibition when it returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 February – 1 March, 2012.

With almost 90% of the exhibiting space already sold out, CABSAT is set to welcome leading companies from around the world, including: Arabsat, Astrium, Avid, Canon, Dubai Studio City, Eutelsat S.A., For.A Company Limited, Harris Systems, Hitachi Broadcast, Humax, Live, Mediacast, Panasonic, Sony, Salam Media Cast, twofour54 and Al Yahsat.

Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, the event organiser said: “The broadcast and satellite technology market in the Middle East and North Africa is not only extremely attractive in terms of business opportunities, but also in terms of innovation. Often we see rapidly emerging markets as the catalyst for new technology, helping to set the industry agenda. CABSAT has become one of the world’s most influential platforms for investors and developers, and as the event continues to grow, it increases its spectrum of exhibitors and visitors. We have seen greater participation not just in terms of sectors within the industry, but across a far wider geographical reach.”

In 2012, the CABSAT exhibition will be 15% larger than last year, filling the new Sheikh Saeed Halls and expanding into the Arena with satellite dishes, outside broadcast equipment and other demonstrations. With exhibition space close to selling out, all the world’s leading manufacturers are planning a strong presence, recognising its vital importance in the market.

Abdulhadi Alhassani, Director of Satellite Control and Maintenance at Arabsat said “CABSAT has put the MENA region on the world map”; Paddy Roache, EMEA director of Hitachi, described the event as “delivering the quality of people I need to see”, and Awad Mousa, Head of Product Marketing - Sony Professional Solutions, called CABSAT “an absolute must for all members of our industry across the region”.

Last show, Harris chose CABSAT to launch a key new selenium product in its future strategy, a powerful platform bridging the worlds of broadcasting and telecoms, video and IP. The first sale of this remarkable product was to OmanTel to update its transmission network.

The launch at CABSAT was not only a great endorsement of the event, it also demonstrates that this region is at the forefront of convergence. The future will be multi-screen, with consumers finding the content they want on air or online, and sharing their views and their favourites on social networks.

“Social TV is not just a buzzword: it is the future of TV and people’s desire to have a deeper engagement with their favourite content,” said Alex Blum, COO, Kit Digital. Kit Digital will, of course, be exhibiting at CABSAT.

The event is more than just an exhibition. This year there are even more opportunities for specialist training, tutorials and hands-on workshops under the umbrella of the CABSAT Academy. The GVF Satellite Summit is extended to two days because of the weight of information to be exchanged – there will be 19 new satellites launched by 2013.

According to the latest research by the IABM, the body that represents manufacturers and vendors in broadcast and media, the MENA market is set to grow significantly towards $2 billion in 2015 and CABSAT will be the region’s foremost platform for the essential technology that accompanies that growth.

CABSAT provides a showcase for Broadcast Equipment & Systems, Cable & Satellite Installation, Camera Equipment & Accessories, Computer Graphics Software & Equipment, Decoders, Dish Antenna, Editing Software, Lighting, Audio Equipment & Accessories, Modulators, Motion Picture Products &Services, Production & Post Production Equipment, Receivers and Streaming Media.

Held in conjunction with CABSAT, the Satellite section of the show, launched four years ago, has become the industry networking platform to explore business opportunities, formulate strategies and create partnerships for video, voice, data and IP communications over satellite.

CABSAT 2012 will run from 28 February – 1 March, 2012 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The exhibitions are strictly for trade and business only. Visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted entry.

For more informatio go to: www.CABSAT.com