The 17th annual Middle East Com opened today in Dubai...

***Join us for Day 2!***    Share your thoughts on #MECom @allaboutcom 
   
The 17th annual Middle East Com opened today at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai.  

Delegates enjoyed an inspiring keynote speech, presented by Osman Sultan, CEO of du. Mr Sultan focussed on the expectations of the new digital generation, and the role of the telco in meeting those expectations. Du’s CEO acknowledged the need for partnership, between OTT players and telco’s, and between telco’s themselves. He emphasised the need for openness and scaleability to embrace in order to realise the potential for innovation and creativity in the digital world.

Delegates at the Keynote session

The theme of innovation was continued during a panel featuring Etisalat, du, Areeba Areeba and Pinger. The panel were questioned on whether operators had it in their DNA to innovate – or would it be preferable to leave that to the small entrepreneurial start-ups?  The operators emphasised the benefits they can bring to the OTT players – with a focus on their billing capabilities, authentication of users, and the vast information they have about their customers.

Ihab Hinnawi the CEO of @Ihinnawi #Umniah @Umniahbelong in a panel at #MECom

An interview with Google’s Mohamad Mourad continued the theme of innovation, with delegates being given an insight into the internet giant’s creative strategies.  Mr Mourad emphasised the need for bottom-up thinking, and the importance of attracting the most talented professionals to develop a truly innovative proposition.

Speed Networking at #MECOM well attended by VIP operators & vendors

With break-out streams focussing on Digital Services, Transforming Network Economics, Customer Experience Management and MVNOs, delegates were treated to a comprehensive insight into the opportunities available in the Middle East’s digital world.

Tomorrow’s keynote sessions feature Etisalat, Nokia, Samsung and Blackberry, together with leading content developers showcasing the progression and development in localised Arabic content.  The break-out sessions feature the 2nd day of MVNOs, alongside a focus on Mobile Money, Mobile Marketing and LTE.

We look forward to seeing you at the second day of Middle East Com.

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Make sure to join us for Day 2
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There is an outstanding speaker line-up for day 2 of the event as well -  
make sure to join us tomorrow!  
     
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What are your thoughts on this year's Middle East Com?    
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Tweet about your experience using #MECom @allaboutcom on twitter!

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Sponsors of Middle East Com
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Comviva * Comverse * Comza * Bics * Blackberry * Huawei * CSG International * Tellabs * Openwave Mobility * Analysys Mason * Wimax Forum * Effortel