The Middle East and Africa’s premier broadband event to include larger programme with more operators and industry players than ever

Broadband MEA, the region’s premier broadband event, is expanding its programme in 2012, making it the most informative and insightful conference yet. Leading operators, Etisalat, STC, Sudatel Telecom Group and du, are already on board, as well as vital industry content players and industry ‘game changers’ such as Google and Al Jazeera.

The conference, which takes place from 25 – 27 March, already has an exceptional speaker line-up, made up of prominent industry experts, including Nasser Bin Obood, CEO at Etisalat UAE, Dr. Saad Zafer Al Kahtani, CEO Strategic Operations at STC and Hatem Bamatraf, Senior VP of Network Development and Operations at du.

Dr. Saad Zafer Al Kahtani of STC said: “We are very excited to be part of the Broadband MEA 2012 show next year. It is a key event in the calendar for STC as it provides a fantastic networking opportunity with our key industry partners and enables us to showcase our latest innovations. STC has embarked on major developments within the ICT industry through smart investments on a state of the art broadband infrastructure and its related ecosystems.” In recognition of its work in driving the sustainable growth of broadband in the Middle East and Africa region, Broadband MEA 2012 has the official support of the TRA UAE, the event’s Official Government Partner. Delegates will also get the opportunity to hear a keynote presentation from H.E. Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, Director General of the TRA.

UN Special Advisor for Africa, High Representative Cheick Sidi Diarra, has spoken ahead of the event on its importance in highlighting the potential of the region. He says: “The conference is a very important space that brings together business people from abroad and policy makers so they can attract potential clients for networking. I hope it will continue to try to help implement policies that will enable the accessibility and affordability of new technologies and information to African and Middle East countries. It’s a tool that will help them to leapfrog into this new era of knowledge economy and develop their own potential.”

Now in its fourth year, the conference and industry leading exhibition will take place at The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, Dubai, UAE. Bringing together over 1,000 decision makers, Broadband MEA will provide networking, learning and business development opportunities. With a combination of local and international knowledge, experience and best practice, the event promises to deliver inspiration, insights and ideas that will further regional business.

Broadband MEA’s programme also features The Rural Broadband Summit, which is set to explore delivering broadband connectivity to rural areas, and The Executive Summit - an invitation-only event that will focus on convergence and ensuring the co-existence and sustainability of future fixed and wireless technologies.

To view the full event programme and register for Broadband MEA, please visit www.broadbandworldforum.com/mea or call +44 (0) 20 7017 5506.