Dubai Internet City, Yahoo! Maktoob to partner for second year at Gitex

Dubai Internet City (DIC), a member of Tecom Investments, today announced Yahoo! Maktoob will mark its 10th year of business partnership with the ICT free zone and showcase its Video-on-Demand (VOD) services during the Gitex Technology Week 2010.

In addition to hosting Yahoo! Maktoob for the second consecutive year at Gitex 2010, DIC will also host market leaders Microsoft and Hewlett Packard (HP) at its pavilion on the main concourse at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. To be held from 17-21 October, GitexGitex Technology Week 2010 is one of the most dynamic ICT exhibitions that offers a platform for international businesses across the region.

The new VOD service on offer from Yahoo! Maktoob, the largest Arab online portal, uses syndicated and tailor-made content from Arabic channels including Al Jazeera Arabic and additional content from Rotana. Its ease-of-use service and accessibility (video.maktoob.com) allow a large number of users to browse and watch channels and shows at leisure. In addition to VOD services, Yahoo! Maktoob will be engaging products to embrace online Arab content during the week of Gitex 2010.

Malek Al Malek, Managing Director, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Outsource Zone, said:

“The increasing broadband penetration has allowed internet usage to grow spectacularly in the region over the past few years. The youth in the Arab region are driving expansion as internet accessibility grows and its use becomes the norm. The UAE has one of the highest broadband penetrations in the Middle East which will grow further with the increasing focus on the creation of Arabic content. Users have also realized that the internet offers new opportunities for communication, growth and development with the increasing popularity of forums, specialized sites and social media. DIC’s partnership with Yahoo! Maktoob for the second time further symbolizes the significance of online content and its impact on businesses in the region.”

Ahmed Nassef, Vice-President and Managing Director of Yahoo! Middle East, said, “We are excited to participate at the Gitex Technology Week 2010 as the exhibition continues to attract key global ICT brands to Dubai. Our participation under the DIC pavilion is testament to our confidence in Dubai Internet City as an innovative and progressive community that actively supports the growth of local and international ICT businesses.”

Yahoo! made significant steps towards enhancing the Arab online world by acquiring Maktoob.com in September 2009. Post acquisition, Yahoo! Maktoob continues to strengthen and support Arabic content on the Internet. Furthermore, the company periodically rolls out localised products to the Arabic user while working with local partners to offer new and exciting products.