MEA's education AV spend to top €535m by 2016 - InfoComm:

MEA's education AV spend to top €535m by 2016 - InfoComm

The MEA region’s educational investment in AV is set to top €535 million by 2016, according to InfoComm International.

The report states that the figure represents a 71 percent increase over the €373 million spent in 2012 and in the UAE. Education is expected to become the third-largest AV segment by 2016, when spending will cross €178 million, according to InfoComm.

The report states that the rise is due to governments, schools, and universities in the Middle East embracing digital technology such as whiteboards, interactive displays and projectors, video collaboration, and distance learning.

Swadesh Khetawat, MD of Dubai-based Taxan Gulf FZCO, which distributes AV products in 20 countries, said: “Middle East educational institutions are at the forefront of using interactive AV tools to provide students with the collaborative skills of the digital economy. Whether in large or small groups, collaborative solutions facilitate more engaged learning and easier teaching.”

One regional example of AV technology in the classroom the report marks as a standout is GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis in Dubai, which has installed a 15-ft wide by 5-ft high Prysm Cascade 190 videowall, with a 75 sq ft digital canvas.

“Using videowalls, Middle East educators and students can share and interact with different types of digital content to facilitate collaborative, online, and blended learning. Thanks to leadership from institutions such as GEMS, the Middle East is enhancing its global leadership in educational innovation,” said Dana Corey, vice president of Global Sales at Prysm.

Exhibitors at InfoComm MEA 2015 will feature AV products from more than 200 manufacturers and suppliers from 30 countries. The 5th InfoComm MEA will run under the theme of “Digital Interconnect for Peak Performance,” co-located with GITEX Technology Week 2015 from 19-21 October 2015 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. For more information and to register for free, visit the website.

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