GITEX Shopper 2016, the largest and most anticipated consumer electronics show in the Middle East, was officially opened today by His Excellency Sami Al Qamzi, Director General, Department of Economic Development in Dubai, in the presence of His Excellency Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre Authority. Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from today until Saturday, 8 October, the eight day shopping extravaganza includes more than 35,000 cutting-edge consumer electronics on offer at unmatched prices, and an exciting range of prizes from top name brands and power retailers.

Excitement was high as thousands of eager shoppers packed Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 and 3 and the arena on the first day of the show, taking advantage of the latest deals on smartphones, laptops, tablets, wearables and a broad spectrum of the latest consumer electronics. Visitors also enjoyed the dance off, food trucks and entertainment, interactive product trials and incredible giveaways.

“We thank His Excellency Sami Al Qamzi and are honoured for him to open GITEX Shopper this year. GITEX Shopper has always been an exciting and much anticipated event and this year is no exception. Our exhibitors have put together an outstanding show and visitors will have the best consumer electronics shopping week both in terms of creative product and price packaged offers,” said His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority. “We’re looking forward to an exceptional show this year.”

GITEX Shopper 2016 has attracted some of the world’s top tech brands including Asus, Bose, Hisense, HP, Nikon and Samsung, with new product launches taking place across all segments.

From the busy Samsung stand at the show, C. Purushothaman, Head of Marketing (Smartphones & Tablets), IT & Mobile Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics, said: “We are showcasing the latest products and experiences from our ecosystem of mobile and consumer wearables. In addition to the Galaxy Note7 which is generated strong interest, we have our extensive mobile and consumer electronics portfolio including the Galaxy S7, TabPro S, the 2016 range of SUHD TVs, AddWash washing machines, Twin Cooling refrigerators, and Gear Fit2 and IconX wearables. Visitors can also get the first look and touch of the new Gear S3 that just launched at IFA – we have it here, even though the formal regional launch is not until later this year.”

With their focus on innovation, HP’s Mathew Thomas, VP and MD, HP Inc. Middle East & Saudi Arabia, said: “At HP, our motto is to keep reinventing. And this year with our range of innovative products across desktops, printers, scanners and gaming devices, we have raised the bar once again in bringing new disruptive technologies to the market. We have unveiled a number of new ranges here today, as well as a number of special promotions and activities, while the gaming chamber has been jam packed with avid fans. This is an exciting time and we are enjoying sharing it with our customers.”

Mahiuddin Khasru, Sub Regional Head, ASUS Middle East, said: “At ASUS, we pride ourselves on bringing the latest innovations to our broad base of consumers and there is no better platform than GITEX Shopper to allow them to experience our products first hand. This year, we are offering a wide range of products that ensure consumers get the full ASUS experience. We are also showcasing immersive VR with an engaging and exciting experience.”

Top regional distributors and power retailers including Axiom, Jacky’s Electronics, Jumbo Electronics and Sharaf DG add to the stellar line-up of exhibitors.

Offering great bundle deals and promising a fun atmosphere at the show, Mahesh Chotrani, Assistant Vice President, Jacky’s Electronics, said: “We’re back at GITEX shopper for the second time this year with amazing offers and a seamless shopping experience. Every year we try to do something different and unique for our visitors, and this year is no different. We’ve got the latest products from the world’s top electronic brands including the newly launched Apple IPhone 7 and Samsung Note 7 – for which we are seeing great demand. For Lenovo fans, we have a dedicated area for the latest in Lenovo offerings, including the 2-in-1 Yoga 2 Pro Laptop. And in addition to our amazing deals, we’re also running a live dance competition here on our stand all week long. Jacky’s Electronics is the place to be!”

Promising incredible deals during the show, Srikant Gokhale, CEO, Emax commented, “As part of our 10th anniversary at GITEX Shopper, we’ve got offers that are well worth celebrating! Special deals on both favourite and the latest products, and a host of engaging activations and promotions that reward every visitor to our stand, you can see why we have such a crowd here. Every visitor who shops for AED 5,000 or more can spin to win guaranteed giveaways like iPhone 7, iPads, Samsung Mobiles and Emax Gift Vouchers plus hourly auctions on a range of products. We’ve got around 400 trained and knowledgeable staff this year, our stand is the most consumer friendly in its layout, and our check-out process is the easiest ever.”

Nadeem Khanzadah, Head – OmniChannel Retail, Jumbo Group, said: “We’ve got the latest and most comprehensive line-up of products, and a fabulous range of competitive offers, promotions and premium giveaways like no other retailer. Apple fans are thrilled that we have the much awaited iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, and latest Sony Xperia XZ is capturing a lot of attention. There’s new products across the board here from major brand, ranging from laptops to wearable smartwatches and even virtual reality (VR) technology.”

The official bank for GITEX Shopper 2016, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), is offering incredible promotions during the show. Visitors who spend over AED 1,000 will get their entry tickets refunded and they are eligible to convert their spending into an easy instalment plan with 100% monthly or 12 months Murabaha profit waiver. Visitors who apply for an ADIB card will have a chance to win an Apple Watch, while those who spend using their ADIB Covered Card will get a chance to win 100% cashback (maximum of AED 50,000).

Additional to the never before, never again seen offers, this year’s visitors have the chance to win a number of incredible prizes and giveaways. Simply by making it down to the show on any of the eight days, visitors stand the chance of winning the latest Oppo smartphone, while one lucky shopper will leave the show behind the wheel of the grand prize – a brand new Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

Visitors spending AED 3,000 or more have the opportunity to win one of 32 seaplane flights and holiday packages worth AED 15,000, while the ‘Scratch and Win’ raffle gives visitors the chance of winning an 80 Nikon D3300 camera.

Centrally located at the Dubai World Trade Centre, visitors have the option of arriving by metro which is conveniently located just meters from the door, or by car as there is ample parking for those driving. There are a number of food trucks, and a range of interactive activities to ensure a great day out for all the family.

GITEX Shopper 2016 runs until Saturday, 8 October and is open from 11:00am – 11:00pm every day. This year, tickets for GITEX Shopper will be priced at AED 30 for the weekdays and AED 35 for the weekend. Entry is free for children below the age of five.