THE Middle East’s largest and most anticipated consumer electronics show, GITEX Shopper, was opened Saturday (Sept. 23) by Sami Al Qamzi, Director General, Department of Economic Development in Dubai, in the presence of Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre Authority. Tech enthusiasts came to the Za’abeel Halls at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) this morning to nab some of the most exciting deals on an exceptional range of the latest tech products on the market.

The bargain extravaganza runs for eight days, or until the Sept. 30, and is open for twelve hours a day, from 11:00am – 11:00pm - with flash sales from the top retailers and leading tech brands adding another level of excitement to the show. More than 35,000 products will be showcased at GITEX Shopper, including the widest range of smartphones, HDTVs, laptops, wearable tech, smart watches, cameras, and gaming consoles among many others.

“GITEX Shopper has been one of the hottest highlights on Dubai’s annual calendar for over 20 years, and has taken generations of consumers on a tech journey since it began. Visitors wait every year for the show to come round so that they can snap up the latest products and best deals. This year’s event has come at a fantastic time, as highly anticipated tech devices such as the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are now available in the UAE, and shoppers have the chance to try before they buy. This is an unmissable event, not only for tech enthusiasts but for anyone looking for the best deals when upgrading their tech devices and gadgets,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

A staggering number of prize draws, scratch cards and competitions give shoppers bonus chances to win thousands of dirhams in prize money, the latest tech devices for the home, and mega prizes that include a 2017 Mitsubishi Montero Sport and tickets to the latest entertainment attractions at Dubai Parks & ResortsImmersive experiences throughout the show give visitors a taste of some of the latest gaming technology. Speciality electronics retailer Sharaf DG, in partnership with HP, have returned with the show-stopping Omen Torture Chamber. Crowds are once again filling the stand for a chance to use the latest HP Omen Gaming laptop in the specially designed chamber equipped with moving seats, force feedback controls, high-end sound and visual effects.

GITEX Shopper attracts the world’s top tech brands including Samsung, HP, and Nikon among many others, and together with power retailers Axiom, Jacky’s Electronics, Jumbo Group, EMax Electronics, Sharaf DG and more, will bring their own special deals and customer-focused promotions.

Nilesh Khalkho, CEO of Sharaf DG, said: “GITEX Shopper has is a permanent feature in our calendar of events and this year the event marks the start of a series of new launches such as smartphones from Samsung and Apple, as well as new gaming consoles. We also see premium convertible laptops and gaming laptops with the latest range of Intel processors and Smart Home devices trending this year. There are some great offers on large panel TVs which we think will make consumers upgrade from their existing smaller size televisions. Of course, one of our most exciting promotions continues to be our BMW + TV bundle offer which we are repeating this year.”

Retailer Jumbo Electronics will be showcasing a wide selection of offers on premium electronics. Nadeem Khanzadah, Head of OmniChannel Retail at Jumbo Group, said: “Jumbo has participated at GITEX Shopper since the show’s inauguration, and as the leading OmniChannel retailer in the UAE, we see the show as an indispensable platform for us to engage with both new and existing consumers directly, and deliver maximum value. We have exciting and premium giveaways on smartphones, laptops, TV’s, and gaming products, as well as the latest products in VR technology, drones and wearables.”

This year, tickets for GITEX Shopper are priced at AED30 for all days. Entry is free for children below the age of five.

— SG