The Gulf Information Technology Exhibition 2006 – or GITEX as it is commonly known – drew in 1,347 exhibitors from 76 countries, while the inaugural GULFCOMMS, which ran concurrently, featured some of the world’s largest telecommunications firms, such as Nokia, Orange, Thuraya and local firm Etisalat. Development of the ICT sector has become one of the main pillars of Dubai’s economic development strategy, as the government seeks to establish a successful knowledge-based economy. Taking a front seat In order to stimulate the ICT sector, the government initiated several projects to pave the way for the private sector. The first step was to establish infrastructure, such as the Dubai Internet City (DIC) in 2000. Aside from the sophisticated telecommunications infrastructure, particularly advanced in a region still lagging behind in terms of ICT, a 100% exemption from personal and corporate tax, 100% ownership of business and no currency restrictions nor customs duty
