Saudi Arabia is expected to make up 43 % of the USD9 billion Gulf IT market in 2008, according to IDC, and is the fastest growing market in region alongside the UAE. The market is also maturing, with 10 percent growth in services spending and 15 percent growth in security spending in 2007.

Barti Rajan, research analyst at IDC Middle East and Africa, commented: "As the Saudi economy continues to develop and its population grows, demand for IT services will increase strongly over the coming five years."

The exhibition is being held as usual at the Riyadh Exhibition Centre from 20th-24th April. The event will showcase a wide range of solutions for all sectors of the IT market, with representation from major vendors and systems integrators operating in the region.

In parallel with Gitex 2008, the REC will also be hosting the 7th Gitex Saudi Arabia Computer Shopper, the leading retail event for manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of consumer IT products in the Kingdom.