Dubai – 29 April 2009: At a time when other industries are struggling to stay afloat, the Telecoms sector appears to be getting connected. The most prominent profiles in the business will convene in Abu Dhabi next month to chart the future of the region’s evolving telecoms landscape as part of an exclusive CxO summit and roundtable.

Latest figures reflect the resilience of a market that’s rapidly reinventing itself as a mature, more secure player and one in a prime position to capitalise on operational opportunities. With KSA’s Mobily recently reporting a first-quarter net profit rise of almost 50%, and with growth in revenues and profits at Etisalat now topping $ 593 million, it’s clear that there’s still plenty of scope for entrepreneurial action.

However, experts are also keen to exercise caution and want to cultivate a culture of culpability as well as planning ahead to cater to the challenges that are synonymous with a burgeoning business. For the first time, telecoms visionaries will get together in the region to communicate critical insight and discuss the future of a new revolutionary age.

“We wanted to host an open, honest debate that dispels the myths and is willing to court controversy in a bid to overcome obstacles and source sustainable solutions. This is an exceptionally exciting time within the industry, but only by mitigating risk and checking ambition with pragmatism can we truly pave the true path to prosperity,” said Annemarie Franssen, Director of Telecoms Leaders 2009.

Vodafone, du and Mobily will be among world renowned experts that will examine the challenges of managing diverse operations in multiple countries, as well as strategising ways to maximise growth in the MENA region. Staying one step ahead of the competition will also come under the spotlight, with a focus on regulation and financial feasibility.
“The message today is yes, we have a challenging economic situation to confront, but no, this does not mean that we shelve good ideas and stick to what we know, rather we have to be creative. It is in challenging times like this that operators have a chance to show their value to shareholders and employees, and the market, commented Khalid Al Kaf, CEO of Mobily.

“A vibrant telecom industry is the driving force behind any economy. It is where the latest technologies and concepts are applied, and with them the latest in business thinking. In challenging times like this, it is crucial that business thinking is opened up, not closed. As such, having all these leaders and their experience present in one place has the potential to give people coming to the event eye-opening insight into the regional telecom industry as a whole,” he added.

“Telecoms trends in the Middle East are keenly scrutinised on the international circuit and this is an optimum opportunity to set new industry benchmarks and to break new ground in terms of innovation. We want to lay it on the line, to tell it like it is and to stray from convention in a bid to raise the telecoms bar with actionable information,” said Annemarie.

Telecoms Leaders 2009 will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on 25th May 2009, as part of the MECOM 09. For more information, log on to www.mecomexpo.com/conference