Technology, gadgets and apps contribute to the wow factor of the event.
Over 120,000 visitors – registering a 26% increase from last year including 3,500 registered business visitors.
Muscat, May 3: COMEX, the region’s leading ICT trade fair came to a close with exciting product and app launches and major collaborations cemented. Held under the auspices of the Information Technology Authority (ITA) and organized by Oman International Trade & Exhibitions (OITE), the event was a resounding success,
Dr. Salim Sultan Al Ruzaiqi CEO, ITA Oman remarks, “COMEX has demonstrated that when you bring the right business and technologies together in a vibrant, collaborative environment, the result is outstanding and truly beneficial to Oman.”
The COMEX Conference and Seminars provided a technology masterclass from leading technology companies, all packaged in the 5-day meet.
The annual ICT conference was held on the 28th to 29th April, under the theme ‘Disruptive Technologies for Fast Tracking National Growth’. A number of papers in the field of ICT were presented discussing critical issues on Cloud Computing and Big Data and therefore providing solutions and sharing best practices for better economic growth in the Sultanate.
Hari Krishnan, country manager, Avaya says,” Technology and development need to be synchronized to produce effective outcomes. Oman’s commitment to this makes it an amazing opportunity for us. COMEX this year brought exciting opportunities and an amazing presence of government and private sector decision makers; the dialogue was fuelled with the need to innovate and effortlessly transform. We look forward to continue working closely with the country's leaders to deliver foundation technologies that will accelerate Oman's transformation.”
At COMEX 2015, several educational tools, devices, software and technologies for the differently-abled was also showcased, demonstrating that technology can also serve the purpose of inclusiveness.
Besides the exhibits showcased by large companies' and institutions' at COMEX 2015, Omani school students also put their own innovations on display. Robots created by Omani school students stood out among these technologies and innovations.
“The exchange of knowledge and learning is crucial to a vibrant business and tech environment. At COMEX, we are able to exchange, connect and learn. This benefits us tremendously in business development and skill upgradation” says Ahmed Auda General Manager, Gulf Business Machines (GBM) Oman.
COMEX 2015 was also host to the signing of agreements that heralded further cooperation between the public and private sector in the ICT field.
An important outcome of the event was the signing of agreements by Oman Broadband Company (OBC) with Omantel and Ooredoo which enabled them to use OBC's network for providing their services coming to provide faster connectivity for individuals and enterprises.
Manager at Omantel commented, “Our customers demand the best that the world provides and we constantly upgrade our products and services to meet this need. COMEX, Oman’s only ICT event, offers us the setting to showcase our latest service offerings and products to visitors.” Omantel launched their path-breaking smart home product and 4.5G mobile network during the event.
Another key agreement was signed between Bank Muscat and Ministry of Manpower and ITA on e-Payment Gateway System, which in return will secure and facilitate the online e-payment transactions of the ministry while also enabling it to obtain authentication and authorization from the responsible paying banks.
Another signing in the IT Trade show was the MoU signed between Daleel Digital Solutions (DDS) and the Omani Road Transport Association (ORTA) on OTAXI mobile application. OTAXI app will ease the transportation availability for the public.
Moreover, ITA signed a contract, which is going to be valid for 3 years, with HCL Technologies in order to implement the Mobile Applications Development Center. The center will help develop the mobile applications development capability in the region.
Hana Ibrahim, Marketing Manager of Cisco remarks, “Oman is looking for better products and services that are on par with the rest of the world and Cisco provides the best in class technology solutions and products to enable local entrepreneurs and organisations to be competitive with the growing global demands of delivering and conducting business in the 21st century."
Adds Joana Osta, Country Marketing Manager, Microsoft, “These five days have opened up fruitful business opportunities for us to engage with our expanding base of business customers and provide them information on new developments and our latest products and services.”
“As the world moves towards making cities smarter, we are focused on sharing our knowledge with Oman. COMEX offers us this opportunity as it brings together ministries, public authorities and private businesses under one roof”, says Mohammed Aiyaz Alam of Huwaei.
Tarek Ali, General Manager OITE comments,” We want to thank the ITA, our sponsors, participating government institutions and public authorities from Oman and abroad, companies and shoppers for making this 25th edition of COMEX a resounding success. We assure you, that COMEX next year will be even more exciting and vibrant as we move to Oman’s new state of the art Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat.”
