Michael Dell, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Dell Inc. called on the Dell Regional Office in Dubai Internet City on Sunday, April 6th, 2008 during his first ever visit to the Middle East region.

In the course of his visit, Dell met with Abdullatif AlMulla, CEO of TECOM Investments and Malek Al Malek, Executive Director of Dubai Internet City for an hour-long discussion on the modalities of a strategic partnership, which was announced later at a joint press conference.

Addressing the press conference Abdullatif AlMulla said: “I would like to extend a warm welcome to Michael Dell on his first visit to the Middle East. This visit clearly reflects Dell’s focus on the needs of the Middle Eastern market and its commitment to supporting this key region during the next phase of its growth.”

He continued, “With the overall IT spend in the Middle East and Africa expected to exceed billion in 2008 and with the Gulf Cooperation Council accounting for nearly 23 percent of the total (according to IDC figures), the region’s IT sector has significantly evolved into one of the key players in the global IT industry. We will be working closely with Dell to find ways to bring the benefits of its best practice approaches to this region.”

Commenting on the visit, Malek Al Malek said: “As a key business partner, Dell, the world’s second largest PC company, brings considerable value to the ICT community in Dubai Internet City. Dell has big plans for the region and Dubai Internet City will provide the right framework of support and services necessary for the company to achieve the targeted growth rates.”

Dell, a Fortune 500 company set up a presence in the UAE 11 years ago. It has been operating from Dubai Internet City for the past seven years. Last year, Dell's global revenues surged to billion, while profits rose to $ 3.4 billion.