Time passes like an arrow; it has already been 2 month since GITEX 2007, but I would like to write a comprehensive review about it.

Right after IFA 2007 ended on September 5th, I left Berlin and headed to Dubai (United Arab Emirates) where GITEX 2007 took place. As I have written several times in my entries, it was my first time in a Middle Eastern country. Among Middle Eastern countries, we hear Dubai mentioned the quite often these days. And GITEX, the largest exhibition on IT, telecommunications, and consumer electronics held in the Middle East took place in this city. All in all it was a very exciting trip.

We arrived in Dubai in the middle of the night. There, I experienced an endless string of surprises -being KO-ed by the heat; the skyscrapers I saw from the taxi window; and the price of beer in the hotel refrigerator. But because it was in the middle of the night, it didn't feel like I was really in Dubai yet.

The next morning, I visited the Panasonic booth at GITEX. I was a bit startled when I saw people from Asia, Middle East, and the West working together to set up the booth; it was the first time I saw something like this. This finally made me realize that I have arrived in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai.

Panasonic's theme for GITEX was "Living in High Definition." I wonder how this was received by people who came to the exhibition. I only stayed in Dubai for 6 days. But from the time I spent in Dubai (even though most of the time I was busy taking the exhibition in) and the information I came to know about it during my research and over the internet, I felt that, and this may not be the right expression but, this city has "the speed and momentum of undergoing continuous upgrades." What I mean is that in Dubai the "future" instantly becomes "present," and then shifts into the "past." And when it comes to the world of high definition, as long as infrastructure and other conditions are in place, high definition may quite quickly become the typical environment.

Including this entry, I wrote 37 entries before and during the exhibition. I would like to thank all of you who have read even a few of them. When I reread my previous entries, I feel a mix of emotions – I think to myself, I should have included more information about the city, food, or travel tips, etc. Given an opportunity like this again, I will write my entries with more useful information drawing from the lessons I have learned. Well, good bye for now, but I am looking forward to see you again!

The night view from the highway that separates the hotel we stayed in and the GITEX venue.

The GITEX 2007, which has been held here for 5 days, has just ended. Public announcements are blaring overhead (in such a loud volume leaving no room for doubt), telling everyone that the show has ended. The staff in the Panasonic booth have smiles on their faces - a smile of relief, satisfaction, intermingled with a bit of fatigue.

First IFA in Berlin, then straight to GITEX in Dubai. I have reported to you about the international exhibitions during this excursion that lasted a total of 16 days. I hope I was able to communicate the surprise and excitement I experienced from these exhibitions, especially for GITEX as it was my first trip to the Middle East. I thank you for your patronage.

The blog for GITEX will end for now, but video reports will become available in the near future. Please don't forget to check them out. Well, adieu for now as I am off to the hotel to pack my things and then to the airport!

I took this picture in the bus heading back from GITEX to the hotel. It is my last sunset in Dubai.

The "VIERA Link" was repeatedly introduced in the main stage and substage shows. It refers to a convenient network created by linking equipment such as the high definition camcorder, Blu-ray Disc player, DVD recorder "DIGA," and the digital camera "LUMIX" around the plasma TV "VIERA."

By connecting the equipment to the "VIERA" with a HDMI cable, you can easily operate all of these equipment with the remote control of the "VIERA." Moreover, you can simply insert the SD memory card containing images taken with the high definition camcorder or digital camera "LUMIX" into the SD card slot of the "VIERA" to quickly enjoy them on the large screen. Thinking back at how difficult it was to rewire everything every time you change the layout of the room, the single cable wiring offered by the "VIERA Link" is very easy. And the simple operation of inserting the SD memory card is very beneficial to people who are not mechanically savvy.

With the "VIERA Link" you can more readily enjoy the world of beautiful high definition images. And each and every one can be creative and share their ideas. I am certain people in Dubai associated with such a new and fun lifestyle offering.

• VIERA Global Site

I am sure tightening of the muscles in your shoulders and back is an universal phenomena. That is why you find various styles of massages in each country. Massage chairs are no different. In Japan, massage chairs have been a familiar presence since I was little, found in public bath houses and ryokan-style inns. But these chairs have made a few jumps and leaps since then.

In the Panasonic booth here in GITEX, you will find a corner introducing Relaxation Solutions. Two massage chair models known as "Real Pro" and "Urban" as well as the Core Trainer, "JOBA," were introduced. Many people who came to the exhibition took turns sitting in the chairs and on the "JOBA."

My shoulder muscles often get tense, and I believe I am speaking for all of us who often experience muscle tightness that once you experience a massage chair, you definitely want to have one at home.

You will see many construction sites in Dubai. If you walk along the streets there are constructions sites. If you look up, you will see many buildings mid construction with cranes on the top floors.

Perhaps the sand is blown into Dubai City from the desert, but many of the construction sites looked quite sandy. Working on a computer – a precision mechanical equipment – outdoors will need considerable care (normally it probably would be quite impossible).

At the Panasonic booth you will find the notebook PC "TOUGHBOOK" that you could even use at such sites. This corner introduces the features of the "TOUGHBOOK" under 3 key words, "Ruggedised," "Light Weight," and "Long Battery," emphasizing the fact that it can be used for long hours at a time in hard conditions.

The "TOUGHBOOK" was designed with the concept, "a notebook PC you can use on the field." Experiments after experiments have been conducted to test its strength against shock, and waterproof and dust-proof ability. So it is a great asset to have in Dubai.

The product known as "Let's note" in Japan is sold as "TOUGHBOOK" in the Middle East. Perhaps Panasonic is suggesting that we use different models depending on where the products are to be used.

Good morning! Dubai is, again, very sunny, and temperatures are rising. Today is the 5th and final day of GITEX 2007. The first entry of the day is, contrary to what you would expect, a cool one.

Temperatures in Dubai rise to more than 50 degrees Celsius in the summer, but did you know that there are ski slopes here? You can find "Ski Dubai" in the "Mall of the Emirates." It is, of course, an indoor ski slope located in the mall. It measures 400 meters, and has 5 courses; quite a good size. There are also slopes reserved exclusively for snowboarders and family. You can get a day pass for 270 Dh (about 75 dollars) and for children for 220 Dh (about 60 dollars), and this includes ski pants and jacket, boots, and the rest of the gear. It is a bit pricy, but because you do not really get a chance to hit the slopes in the Middle East, Ski Dubai is quite popular.

It is understandable that there are luxurious beach resorts in Dubai, but to build a ski slope… It feels as though you can feel Dubai's absolute commitment to tourism.

In the exhibition corner for "Home Safety," you will learn about a system that gives you to a quick view on your PC of the images from the network cameras placed in the various rooms in your home. The network cameras send the visual data via the home LAN, created in this case using the power lines.

For example, you could set up a network camera in your children's bedroom, in a room where your pet is, or in the kitchen. And if you set it up so that you can see the images of the camera on your PC via your home network, you can check up on the rooms at anytime while you finish up your chores or work from home.

At GITEX, the High-Definition-Ready, High Speed Power Line Communication, the "HD-PLC" was introduced as a home networking solution. This technology allows you to use power lines in your home to create your network, virtually making the power socket on the walls a point of entry for your network. It is really convenient as you can just use the existent power lines in the walls to connect to the Internet without having to have LAN cables running across the floor, and easy because you can register your adapters with a touch of a button. What's more, it offers robust security, so the "HD-PLC" is expected to become widely available in the future as one way of establishing a home network.

Moreover, in Japan, a service that lets you see remotely the images of the network cameras from your mobile phones and PCs is also available. Perhaps a similar service will also become available in Dubai in the near future.

	The various sections represent rooms in the house. In this demonstration network cameras have been set up in the children's bedroom, the kitchen, etc.
	You can see the images of the rooms on the PC (which has been connected to a large monitor for this exhibition).
	This is the adapter for the High-Definition-Ready, High Speed Power Line Communication, "HD-PLC," which will create a home LAN using the power lines and power sockets.

I found a commemorative flyer, the "Amazing Gitex Offers," in the Panasonic booth. It says that the plasma TV "VIERA," high definition camcorders, and digital camera "LUMIX" are available a special price commemorating　GITEX 2007.

The actual shop is located at "GITEX SHOPPER," a venue near the Dubai International Airport. Many distributors and retailers have opened up booths there attracting customers with special prices offered during the GITEX. The flyer I saw was the one from the regional Panasonic distributor; it is being distributed here in the Panasonic booth.

For people in Dubai, GITEX is not only a place to see the latest products on display, but also a place to get a great deal on such products.

As I have mentioned a couple of times, Dubai is going under rapid economic growth. You can also see evidence of this in the speed of population growth, as its population has increased from 1,130,000 in 2005 to 1,420,000 in 2006. According to the local media, this means that the population has grown by 24,000 people each month, a phenomenal growth rate considering UAE's national population is only a little over 4 million people.

Such rapid increase in population also means that you need more help looking out for everyone's safety. Panasonic booth introduces a great helping hand, the security solutions created around the video surveillance system using the IP network. This video surveillance system allows you to monitor images that the camera has captured, which are then sent via the IP network. Its low initial cost is also very attractive. It seems that here too, you can see early signs of Dubai going IP.

Transmitting video data in high resolution unfailingly using IP network, rather than a regular video cable, requires an integration of video and network technologies. The entire line-up of the "i-pro series" - from cameras to network disc recorders - which can be described as the crystallization of such integration, was exhibited at the booth. Among the various equipments on display in the corner, the demonstration of the surveillance images seemed to have the greatest impact on visitors, as the images of the numerous surveillance cameras were displayed on the 103-inch plasma display - a multi usage of the screen, which divided the screen into 4,9, and 16 segments.

	The iris recognition system/Iris reader system is also introduced here. Its identification technology is extremely precise as its error rate is only 1/1,200,000..
	Exhibition of a rich line-up of surveillance cameras. Each suits the needs of various settings or situations.
	The demonstration of the footage from surveillance camera is shown on the 103-inch plasma display.

IPv6 compatible digital color imaging system, "WORKiO," comes equipped with a variety of functions such as a scanner, fax, and printer. At GITEX the "WORKiO" is labeled as a "Photo copier" and emphasis is placed on its ability to directly input images from the SD card slot and print in color with a flexible range of expressions. Colorful print samples unprintable with a regular printer due to its size and shape are on display.

In addition, the electronic blackboard, "Interactive Panaboard" is introduced both for business and academic purposes. It allows you to project a computer screen onto the surface and interactively operate software with the special, pen-shaped interface and to directly edit data. For businesses, Panasonic proposes it as a tool for making presentations. Printouts of the blackboard illustrating how it may be used are posted as presentation documents. For schools, a learning software running on the notebook PC "TOUGH BOOK" is projected on to the "Interactive Panaboard" to introduce how as a teacher you could use it to teach your class.

Both products are introduced in a way to meet the actual needs of the locations, but using the network functions of all of these products, you could build an IP office in the future. They are extremely scalable products as they adapt to more sophisticated needs such as streamlining of tasks or enhanced security.

	The corner introducing the digital color imaging system, “WORKiO,” where you can see a variety of print samples.
	The display suited for schools demonstrates the learning software.
	This display gives visitors an idea of how it would come in hand when making business presentations.

Good morning! Today is the 4th day - entering the latter half of GITEX. Please enjoy another hot update from Dubai. The first report today is about local transportation.

It is unthinkable to walk around the city of Dubai because the various facilities and tourist attractions are scattered apart from one another, and there is also the incredible summer heat. (Actually, I tried walking about once in the daytime for about 15 minutes… I almost had to call for SOS…). All kidding aside, as visitors, I have often been riding a taxi to and from my destination.

Especially because GITEX is being held, it is very difficult to get a taxi near the exhibition venue. There is not a huge line of taxis waiting for customers at the taxi stand like in Japan. You can find people trying to hail a taxi at almost every intersection in the evening in various parts of Dubai. Unfortunately not many available taxis go by. In short, it is on a very competitive, first come, first served basis.

I called the hotel I have been staying at and asked if they could send a taxi over to the exhibition venue, but as I had expected, the answer was "no." It seems that the surest way for visitors to get a taxi in Dubai is to wait in a taxi line, at say a hotel, with plenty of time to spare.

In the corner introducing projectors, you will find a wide range of products such as those suited for home theaters, products that offer mobility, products for conference rooms and large venues. And the TH-DW10000 that uses 3-chip DLP panel type can project full high definition images, providing a high resolution quality images.

What I learned from the staff from this region is that about 70% of the projectors are sold to companies and schools for use in presentations. Panasonic also has received inquiries about implementing projectors in shops and malls, nevertheless the market competition is becoming increasingly fierce. Having said that it seems that there is excitement about the newly introduced F100-NT with easy maintenance and sustained brightness, and there is a gradual increase in demand for projectors for home theater use.

While people are demanding high performance, there are also many projectors available for low prices, so the world of projectors offers an even wider variety for consumers to choose from. As Dubai is an international business hub, we can easily imagine that there must be tough competition between foreign and domestic companies. The demand for projectors as a tool for making great presentations may increase even more in the future.

	Exhibition of a variegated line-up including projectors for home use and for large venues.
	You can watch the images projected by the TH-DW10000 equipped with 3-chip DLP panel type.

You can experience the advantages of the Blu-ray Discs in the "Blu-ray Disc Premium Theatre" and "Blu-ray Disc Home Theatre" here in the Panasonic booth at GITEX. Many people seem to be quite interested.

In the corner there is a line-up of movie titles currently sold as Blu-ray Discs in Dubai. There are only a limited number of titles available, and it seems that the Blu-ray Disc player is yet to become prevalent (however expected to do so in the near future), but its name and performance is gradually sinking in. It is said that Panasonic has sold more 103-inch plasma TVs in this region than any other. And this region is about to be hit by the wave of high definition. Perhaps the day Blu-ray Discs will become a common media is not so far away.

To communicate the advantages Blu-ray Discs offer in anticipation of the high definition wave, Panasonic has dedicated a section to "Blu-ray Technology" introducing how Panasonic supports the Blu-ray Disc at every stage from encoding, authoring, to pressing, and a section to the "Recordable Blu-ray Disc" introducing the various features of the discs.

In such a rapidly developing city, the speed at which "future" becomes the "present" must also be astonishing. So it is understandable that many people are interested in exhibitions about the next generation media.

	"Blu-ray Disc Premium Theatre" where you can experience the advantages of the Blu-ray Discs.
	"Blu-ray Technology" exhibition explaining the wide range of solutions Panasonic provides.
	"Recordable Blu-ray Disc" exhibition where you will find, for example, disc drives for PCs.

• BD Global Site

As I indicated in my previous entry, Dubai has been developing rapidly as a hub of commerce and trade. According to the articles, there are over 1,600 foreign companies from over 32 industries here in UAE. Dubai certainly must be a metropolis with great business opportunities for the office equipment industry.

I went to the corner where the IP-PBX was being introduced. "IP-PBX" stands for IP compatible Private Branch eXchange. It is, let us say, a switchboard necessary to start using office phones as an IP phone. It is said that in Dubai many companies are also looking to integrate IP phones to reduce communication costs, but the necessary legislation is not yet in place, so IP phones can only be used to make phone calls internally. But there is talk that people in Dubai will be able start to make external IP phone calls soon, so companies opening up new offices in Dubai and investing in infrastructure must keep IP phones in mind.

The new IP-PBX "TDE Series" on display in the Panasonic booth at GITEX can be used as an analogue and digital line as well as an internal and external (when the time comes) IP phone line, offering smooth migration to full VoIP. As "it allows easy gradual migration to complete VoIP suited to the various countries' infrastructures" it may be befitting of the situation currently found Dubai. More and more companies are emerging into Dubai. If you are implementing or upgrading communications infrastructure, it may be well worthwhile to take IP phones into consideration.

Good morning! Today is day 3 of GITEX and I am still reporting to you from Dubai. Today's first entry is about the world's tallest building in Dubai.

I am sure many people may already know about this as it has been in the news, but the "Burj Dubai," which is still under construction has surpassed "Taipei 101 (measuring 508 meters)" in Taiwan to become the world's tallest building.

Construction is said to finish next year, but they have yet to announce the final height (!). Rumor has it that upon completion it may be taller than 800 meters (!!). Actually this building is not so far from my hotel. It is a bit frightening when you look at it. I wonder how tall it will be... Dubai is truly amazing.

When Burj Dubai announced that it had broken the record, it measured 512.1m tall. On the top floor the construction is still on going. How high are they going to go?!

"GADGET GLAM 2007" was held in partnership with GITEX and a gadget magazine known as "T3," which features digital and audio-visual products. This event introduced some of the latest products in a fashion show like event held on a catwalk, located in the busy concourse in between the halls, so I went to take a look.

The editors of "T3" tested out major manufacturers' products per category, and selected the best-buy products to be introduced in the show. Six products selected from Panasonic are the high definition camcorder SD5 and SX5, the digital SLR camera "LUMIX L10," and the FX100, FX55, FZ18 from the digital camera "LUMIX" compact camera series. The products drew much attention as the models walked down the catwalk with them in hand.

• LUMIX Global Site

We introduced "Ondine" in our entry for IFA. And at GITEX, too, a new content was unveiled. Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta (U.S.) has one of the largest tanks in the world known as the "Ocean Voyager." This new content, called the "Aquarium" uses the footage from this tank. "Ondine" was about a water nymph, but "Aquarium" truly depicts the "world of water." You will see large fishes such as whale sharks, hammer head sharks, and saw sharks as well as smaller fishes that twinkle in the water as they swim delightfully in schools. They are vividly presented in high resolution only possible with full high definition.

The temperatures in Dubai rise to over 40 degrees Celsius at this time of year (when you step outside, it is as though you have stepped into a dryer), so this footage is truly soothing. In Dubai, technology to transform salt water into fresh water is quite advanced nowadays, and so it has plenty of water. You will find fountains at the World Trade Centre, the venue for GITEX 2007, and at renowned hotels. Perhaps this reflects the following - people still remember that water once used to be precious and the ability to now use water quite luxuriously is sign of wealth. (That is how hot it is here!)

"Ondine" and "Aquarium" is shown during the main stage shows to people who live in such an environment. When I see people stopping mid stride to watch the content, or sitting down in a chair to enjoy it, or taking pictures of it, I feel pretty sure that I must not be the only one thinking that "Ondine" and "Aquarium" were great picks.

Let me introduce the corner that describes the advantages of the plasma display panel.

In the corner described as "Plasma Advantages," you can learn about the 5 key benefits of the plasma, which are "best for watching sports," "best for watching movies," "wide viewing angle," "great for living room brightness," and "environmentally conscious" as its panels are lead-free. Panasonic also demonstrated that its plasma display panels are "strong against shock."

"Strong against shock" is something I learned for the first time at GITEX. This is demonstrated by throwing an iron ball against the screen. It may be strong but should you really do that? I was a bit worried, but it was quite fine (of course there must be a limit). Larger the screen, the larger the possibility for something to hit it, so this truly seemed to be a valid benefit.

If you press the button at the bottom, an iron ball weighing 250g will fall from a height of 40cm and hit the screen. I was a bit anxious but also excited.

There is a track on the floor of the Panasonic booth. What you will find on the end is the corner displaying broadcasting equipment such as the "DVCPRO P2HD Series," which has been selected as the official broadcasting equipment for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Panasonic has been committed to the Olympic Games as the top tier sponsor known as TOP or The Olympic Partner since the Calgary 1988 Olympic Games through to Beijing 2008, so for 12 games or over 20 years, with its state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. And as I have described in my entry for IFA, it has newly extended its partnership for 8 years from 2009 to 2016 on September 3.

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will be the first time in history that the international broadcast signal will be in high definition. As the Official Worldwide Partner, Panasonic supports a wide range of high definition technology from audio-visual equipment and official broadcasting equipment on site to the plasma TV at home. Such advanced technologies are attracting much attention here at GITEX as well.

Dubai is rapidly developing, so you will see a lot of construction sites in progress. This may be a factor, or may be it is the desert, but sometimes the sky looks white and hazy (as was the case on the first day of GITEX). The "DVCPRO P2HD Series," which does not require a mechanical drive mechanism, therefore strong against impact, and uses the "P2 card," which is a solid-state memory card resilient against dust, may prove to be a great asset for the region. There are many beautiful sights in Dubai that I would like to see recorded and broadcast in high definition. If there are people from production companies reading this blog, I hope you will get a chance to come to GITEX.

In the corner, you will learn about the spirit of innovation underlining Panasonic's broadcasting equipment and the history of its support of the Olympic Games on the 103-inch plasma display panel.

The Panasonic booth is located in the Sheikh Rashid Hall. Many companies have partaken in this exhibition, but the sheer scale and vivacity of the plasma TV "VIERA" gives it a great presence. The world's largest full high definition plasma TV measuring 103 inches is especially drawing attention.

It is large enough to easily display a life-size person. A screen as large as this seems to have gone beyond the realm of TVs. It is as though you are no longer watching content; it feels so live, it is like you are taking part. In the Panasonic booth at GITEX you will find 10 103-inch plasma display panels outside of the "VIERA" corner playing key roles in various areas.

For example, in the "Plasma Touch Panel Solutions" corner, you will find a demonstration of the touch panel function allowing you to operate "Google Earth" casually as though you were spinning a globe. You can enjoy and take a closer look at the aerial photographs of the world on the touch panel function equipped 65-inch plasma display panel (which is thrilling enough), but what is more, the same content is also displayed on the 103-inch plasma display panel for other visitors' viewing pleasure. Unlike with small PC screens, with the 103-inch plasma display panel it feels as though you are flying.

On the stage you will find the presentation system "GEMINI" using 2 103-inch plasma display panels as well as 2 other 103-inch plasma display panels. The large flat screen 103-inch plasma display panels can spin and move, and make it possible to create a performance where actual performers and performers on screen can put on a synergetic show. Having a wide viewing angle is a great advantage as people watch the presentation from various angles in front of the stage

There is also a "Security Solutions" corner where the screen is divided into smaller sections and used as a monitor display for surveillance cameras. You may often see demonstrations of the security system that displays images from the different cameras on a single screen, but this was the first time I have seen it with the 103-inch plasma display. If you use a small screen, the individual images are, of course, too small and you would have to enlarge it to scrutinize the image. But with the 103-inch plasma display, each image is large enough to look at in detail without enlarging. This may be an odd way of putting it, but it seemed as though I was "appreciating" rather than "monitoring" what I was seeing.

Perhaps the 103-inch plasma display will soon realize a "multi-display environment" that you might see in science fiction movies where you can watch TV and movies and use the video phone and e-mail on the same screen at the same time.

• VIERA Global Site

Here is part 2!

	Panasonic's technologies will help make your business more efficient and more enjoyable with products in this corner introducing the digital color imaging system and the electronic blackboard.
	A corner displaying the IP-PBX, which will allow you to operate the business phone more conveniently and efficiently.
	Security is a task common to all. In the corner introducing security solutions you will discover about the security systems such as those using network cameras.
	Plasma display panels may be used in various business scenes. One such example is the touch screen, which you can experience in this corner.
	In the corner introducing relaxation solutions, you will find the massage chair and horse riding fitness equipment, Core Trainer "JOBA."

Let me introduce the Panasonic booth at GITEX 2007, held here in Dubai for 5 days.

	The line-up of plasma TV "VIERA" starting from the 103-inch.
	Introducing the excitement of the world of high definition that significantly expands with the "Blu-ray Disc."
	The broadcast cameras and editing equipment selected as the official broadcasting equipment of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games are on display here, and the video explains their various features.
	Here you will find the just-released digital SLR camera DMC-L10 and new models of the compact type. You can also experience the hot new products such as the high definition camcorders.

The main attraction of the Panasonic booth at GITEX 2007 is the main stage show. The MC of the show is, again, Pascal (who was also the MC for IFA 2007). He, too, moved from IFA to Berlin once IFA ended, to be the face of the main stage show as well as the substage show of GITEX 2007.

In the center of the main stage show you will find "GEMINI," a presentation system using 2 plasma display panels. I met "GEMINI" at the development center in Osaka, then at IFA again, and I am reunited once again. There is also 1 103-inch plasma display panel placed on each side of the "GEMINI."

Products such as the "VIERA," "LUMIX," and high definition camcorders are presented on stage, together with a performance depicting the Olympic Games; the dancers express the "beauty" and "power" of the Olympic Games. The delicate ballet performance intermixes with the powerful dance performance.

Towards the ending, when the footage depicts the Olympic Games, the dancers in sportswear jive energetically. The ballerina dances around them like an elegant fairy. The main stage show, where 2 types of dance performances - one tranquil and serene, the other powerful and energetic - are in concordance, is truly spectacular.

The broadcasting environment in the Middle East varies significantly from country to country so it is hard to describe it in one word. But in the UAE, over 80% of the people watch cable, satellite, and international satellite channels. So the viewing environment of TV broadcasting seems to be well in place (according to the "NHK Databook – Broadcasting Around the World 2007"; NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute).

Nevertheless high definition broadcasting is still outside of reach for most people. Having said that, UAE is undergoing rapid development. So with the right catalysts, (which may be the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games) high definition may rapidly become widely available. Many products such as the plasma TV "VIERA," Blu-ray Disc Player, and the high definition camcorder link together to create a new lifestyle. With such an age before them, it felt as though I could see the expectations and excitement in the faces of people who visited the booth. In any case, I feel jealous that the people here can immediately acquire the latest AV technologies that have evolved over a long period of time.

I would like to tell you about the "big object hidden under a red cloth."

What was hidden underneath was a simulator realistically modeled after the F1 machine from the Panasonic Toyota Racing Team. You will find a screen placed in front with which you can experience a simulated, yet realistic and thrilling drive. And you can also test out the digital camera "LUMIX" and high definition camcorders by taking photographs/video of it.

I have heard that F1 is also extremely popular in Dubai. Formula One's decision to organize a grand prix in Abu Dhabi from 2009 reflects the popularity of the sport in the region. I am sure many people will come to experience the simulator over the 5 days of the exhibition.

	What is on display is a F1 machine simulator. You can experience a simulated drive from the cockpit.
	In this corner you can take photographs of the F1 machine simulator using the new models of the digital camera "LUMIX" and the high definition camcorder.

The skies are clear and bright, and the GITEX 2007, which will take place for 5 days, has just begun. The opening day began at 13:00, as the government officials came and visited the various booths in the morning.

The venue is enveloped in an air of excitement as hot as the temperatures outside. Dubai City boasts one of the world's fastest and largest development sites. I wonder how the Panasonic booth and its products will look in the eyes of the people here. I will give you a thorough picture so please look forward to my entries!

Good morning! Dubai is, of course, sunny today as well; the temperature has been rising quickly from early morning. The GITEX 2007 will begin today. The preparations in the booth seem to be complete. All we have to do now is to wait for the opening at 13:00.

But preceding to the launch, the opening ceremony took place at the Panasonic booth. After the tape-cutting ceremony, the corporate stage show took place as many staff and relevant parties looked on. A big round of applause followed the dynamic performance.

In one corner of the Panasonic booth, where preparations for tomorrow's opening is underway at full speed, I found this.

It is quite a big object, which is hidden for now under a red cloth. I will reveal what is under this in a later entry so stay tuned!

It is my first morning in Dubai, and the rays of sun are quite strong. Tomorrow will be the opening day for GITEX. They are applying the finishing touches to the Panasonic booth. Each corner is being set up, and the staff on stage is checking the details one last time. People say that the exhibition is true to the international status of Dubai, but the environment in the booth as it is being set up is truly international. Although many of the set up crew seem to be from India or Pakistan, all the staff, including people from Asia, Europe, and Arabia, are working together as one.

I saw something interesting today. As the video and the music for the main stage show began to make sure all was in place, and the plasma display panel presentation system, "GEMINI," began to move synchronously, the local staff from the other booths stopped what they were doing and were staring at what was going on. It seemed that the "dancing display panels" have substantial impact here in Dubai, too. It heightened my excitement; I wonder how people will react to the visual expression when the MC and the performers come on board.

I left Berlin in the morning, stopped over in Frankfurt and arrived in Dubai where GITEX will be held. The city I saw as we were landing glittered gold despite the late night hours; it felt as though we were landing in a futuristic city. But as I took a step out of the airport, I was hit by this wall of heat. It was very hot to say the least! The fans hanging from the ceiling of the taxi stand emitted humid air, and you could see white steam coming from it.

What took me by surprise even more is that once I stepped out of the well air conditioned taxi, my glasses became immediately foggy. This reminded me of what happens when you enter a warm restaurant at the ski slopes. Such is the temperature and humidly difference.

GITEX will begin from day after tomorrow. It is in the headlines of the local newspapers. And I will begin my report about it from tomorrow, the day before its kicks off.

Please note that the times indicated from this entry onwards will be the local time in Dubai.

	Six hours from Frankfurt. I took a photograph of the monitor in the airplane right before we landed in Dubai.
	Advertisements of Panasonic products placed in various areas of the airport welcomed us.

Tomorrow I am off to Dubai (UAE) for GITEX 2007, which will begin in 2 days time, even before my excitement from IFA ending wears off.

I am very keen to attend the exhibition held in the Middle East as this will be my first trip to this region. I would like to report about not only the exhibition but also about the atmosphere in Dubai City, so please stay tuned.

Well, I am off to the hotel to pack!

Information about GITEX 2007 is now available on the Cyber Showcase, which is the parent site to this site, the Cyber Showcase Blog. You can discover basic information about the Panasonic booth and the exhibition theme as well as the products that will be on display in both English and Japanese. Moreover, once the exhibition begins, more detailed information will be available, such as booth maps and pictures of the venue, as well as a slide show of the stage presentations and video reports from onsite, so please don't forget to visit the site!

You can also jump to the Cyber Showcase, which has information about the exhibition, by clicking on the countdown banner on the left side of this page.

GITEX 2007 will be held in Dubai (UAE) for five days starting from September 8. And on its official site, you can find the "Post Show Report."

This report offers data such as the number of visitors, as well as many photographs taken at the venue last year. It is worth a look as you can see many interesting photographs of people dressed in ethnic costumes, and character suits I've never seen in Japan. If you look at these pictures, you can see that many international exhibitions, where people not only from the Middle East, but from all over the world take part, are held here.

According to the GITEX homepage, in the year 2008, the Middle East and the North African region is expected to face the world's third most rapid IT growth, the first and second places occupied by India and China respectively. Moreover, with respect to the electronics market, these regions are described as being "one of the most rapidly growing regions in the world." This exhibition will probably be a very vibrant one with the participation of various many businesses from all over the world. They will certainly be engaged in fierce competition to acquire initiative in these regions.

"Post Show Report," with a variety of photographs, is available for download from the GITEX Official Site.

GITEX Official Site (English)http://www.gitex.com/

Dubai located in the United Arab Emirates will be the stage for GITEX. Although you may already know, let me tell you a little about Dubai, where it is and how it was formed.

United Arab Emirates is located in the North Eastern region of the Arabian Peninsula facing the Persian Gulf. Dubai is one of the 7 countries that make up this Middle Eastern federation founded in 1971. It is where the UAE capital is located. It is also the second largest country in UAE, the first country being Abu Dhabi (possesses 80% of the total land mass). Dubai's national land measures 3,885 square kilometers, amounting to 4.6% of the UAE total land mass.

It is located midway between Europe and Asia, and with a natural seaport, Dubai has flourished from long ago as the center of intermediary trade. And in the recent years, as you well know, it has undergone significant developments as the hub of economic activity such as trade, commerce, and distribution. Currently, with domestic and foreign investment, the country is focusing on real estate development, commercial development, finance, media, IT, and telecommunications business. Moreover, it is also fixating its efforts on tourism; the country is now rich with the world's top class hotels and leisure facilities. Direct flights from Japan are now available, and its recognition in Japan as a tourist destination is becoming increasingly pronounced.

It is known as a rapidly developing international metropolis and a luxurious resort that attracts celebrities from all over the world. The more I learn about the city, the more it fascinates me. If you look at photographs of Dubai in books and websites, it really looks like a futuristic city with a luxurious hotel erected out in the sea and reclaimed land shaped into a palm tree. I hope to write about not only the exhibition but also the energy and the allure of the magnificent city.

GITEX 2007 will be held in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) from September 8 to 12. According to the Dubai World Trade Centre, the organizer of the exhibition, 3,269 exhibitors and 133,139 visitors from 79 countries attended the exhibition in 2006. As if indicating the heightened interest companies all over the world have for the Middle Eastern region, GITEX's exhibition space, number of exhibitors, and participants are increasing year on year.

This year's GITEX is comprised of 3 events, "GITEX Business Solutions" (IT), "GULFCOMMS" (telecommunications), and "Consumer Electronics" (an exhibition Panasonic will be taking part in). The "Consumer Electronics," which is a new category created this year, in particular will welcome the world's top global brands, who will surely mesmerize the visitors with powerful presentations as they attempt to gain initiative in the Middle East. International forums, panel discussions, and network meetings will also be held during the exhibition.

From Dubai, where the late summer heat of September will still be intense, I will describe in detail what products and technologies and what visions of the future Panasonic will introduce to the people of the Middle East, so please look forward to my entries.

Hi! It's me, mino.

As I described in my entry for IFA, the Cyber Showcase Blog will bring to you information from IFA 2007, which will be held in Berlin until September 5, and GITEX 2007 (Gulf Information & Technology Exhibition), which will be held for 5 days from September 8 (Sat) to 12 (Wed).

In the recent years, Dubai has been drawing much international interest. And GITEX 2007 held here is one of the largest IT/AV exhibitions in the Middle East. I can't wait to see what products will be on display at the Panasonic booth.

It will be a tough march from Berlin to Dubai, but I hope to bring to you the heated excitement from the exhibitions real-time. As you may know, the temperatures in Dubai during the summer may rise as high as 50 degrees Celsius. Despite this incredible heat, I hope to take good care of myself and bring to you information from Dubai without interruption, so please don't forget to check up on me!