Dubai: With Saudi Arabia accounting for nearly half of the total Middle East IT spend, Gitex Technology Week, which is said to be one of the largest ICT events in the region, expects to draw major Saudi buyers and exhibitors.

This year, more companies than ever from Saudi Arabia are participating at Gitex, taking place from October 18 to 22 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Some of the top participating companies include Charisma, Datastar International, Integrated Telecom Company and Quality Horizons.

Saudi Arabia’s IT market is projected to be worth $4.9 billion by 2013, up from $3.6 billion in 2009, according to a report by Business Monitor International.

Mega projects such as the $80 billion Economic City demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s demand for global IT solutions. The shift towards knowledge-based industries also represents major opportunities for a myriad of IT product and service firms, with local IT solution providers looking at ways to further develop their lines of business.

"Saudi Arabia is quickly establishing itself as a key international IT hub," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of Gitex.

Gitex is one of the region’s key business platforms providing an essential forum to demonstrate the latest products and services from the Saudi Arabian market, said a statement.

The show’s new sector-focused format will provide a value-added experience for exhibitors looking to access key international players and receive maximum exposure to the global market.