The eighth edition of the Middle East International Cable, Satellite, Broadcast and Telecommunications Exhibition (CABSAT 2002) concluded at the Dubai World Trade Centre Exhibition Complex yesterday.

The event attracted around 4500 trade professionals, where four country pavilions representing UK, Korea, Taiwan and Bavaria were set up. Exhibitors who attended the event said that there was a regional boom in the cable, satellite, broadcast and telecommunications sectors in the Middle East. Companies struck an optimistic note regarding business opportunities in the region and exhibitors who have been displaying their wares regularly at the event noted an improvement in the quality of visitors this time round.

American Satellite major Intelsat has claimed that CABSAT visitors showed keen interest in broadband solutions and is confident that the visit will pay off though the company does not currently have a presence in the region. The company indicated that it would be back next year with more staff to field inquiries.

Procast, which participated in CABSAT for the first time this year said it was negotiating with Orbit to air 10 channels in Dubai. If this deal goes through, it would be one of the largest ever of its kind in the UAE. SMT Electronic Technology, a regular CABSAT exhibitor, anticipates to close deals valued at approximately US $1 million. The company wants to make a dent in the European markets and was able to meet potential clients from Turkey during the exhibition, according to a press release.

Global Interactive Technology (GIT) used the exhibition to launch