Annual spend on augmented reality and virtual reality in the MENA region is set to top US$ 6 billion annually by 2020

Dubai, UAE, September 17, 2017:  With augmented and virtual reality booming in the MENA region and expected to top US$ 6 billion annually by 2020[1], the technology is set to transform a variety of domains, ranging from education to healthcare and most notably gaming, marketing and film. So it’s great news that GITEX Shopper 2017, the region’s largest consumer IT and electronics show, is putting on the most advanced display of new models at the best possible prices. 

Visitors to the eight-day consumer-tech bargain bonanza, which runs from the 23rd – 30th September 2017 at the new location, Za’abeel Halls 3-6 in the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), will find the world’s top technology companies and the region’s power retailers offering fantastic deals on virtual reality devices, including the HTC Vive, DJI Goggles, and Samsung’s Gear S3, Gear VR, Gear 360 among others.

“GITEX Shopper has been running for almost 30 years and during this time we’ve seen a vast number of new technologies becoming the hottest trend each year - 2017 is most definitely the year for VR. Increased interest and investment in VR has made the technology increasingly accessible and affordable for consumers, and we’re excited to the see the number of products being showcased at the show this year,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). “GITEX Shopper 2017 is the ultimate platform for shoppers in the Middle East to search, compare and buy VR headsets from a selection of the world’s leading power retailers and brands.”

Major VR players including Oculus, Google and Samsung amongst others, are competing to make VR more accessible while maintaining quality. VR technology is also shaking up the gaming industry, with Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR offering an alternative and immersive gaming experience. Most recently, Apple’s iPhone X has showcased its breathtaking augmented reality experiences with its new software, ARKit. The potential of VR is extensive, with many industries from sports to education, healthcare and entertainment experimenting with its huge possibilities. Consumer confidence is high, with 7 out of 10 consumers believing that VR and AR will become mainstream in media, education, work, social interaction, tourism and retail.

Commenting on their participation and the development of VR in the region’s retail market, Nadeem Khanzadah, Head of OmniChannel Retail at Jumbo Electronics, said: “In the age of information, today’s consumers have different demands than those of previous generations, and developments in the electronics sector are happening at a dizzying pace. We will be exhibiting the latest VR products from leading brands at this year’s GITEX Shopper, including Samsung Gear VR2, HTC Vive and DJI VR Goggles.” 

GITEX Shopper 2017 will take place from 23rd – 30th September and will open from 11:00am – 11:00pm every day. This year, tickets for GITEX Shopper will be priced at AED 30 for all days. Entry is free for children below the age of five.