DOHA, Qatar, 11 January 2012: Cisco today announced that it will be hosting its Cisco® Expo Qatar 2012 on Tuesday 24th January 2012, at the Qatar National Convention Center in Doha. Under the theme, 'Innovate Together', the Expo will bring together around 500 key technical and business decision makers to discuss and experience the latest and most innovative global megatrends, and their societal and economic impact. The expo will also look to highlight innovation and technological architectures as well as share best practices that will transform businesses and increase business productivity in Qatar.

The official Diamond sponsor for Qatar Expo 2012 is Al Mannai Trading Company, and the official Platinum sponsor is Gulf Business Machines (GBM).

Cisco Expos are the IT industry's premier business and technical events that unite talented IT and Communication professionals to create a sustainable ICT industry across Emerging countries.

Cisco Expo Qatar 2012 will also examine the critical role that information and communications technologies play in the development of innovative business solutions. This will include a series of in-depth sessions and demonstrations covering the power of collaboration and video, borderless networks, cloud and virtualization and emerging technologies. These solutions are transforming businesses to Networked Enterprises in the region hence driving business results, productivity, competitiveness and societal change.

Cisco Expo Qatar 2012 keynote speakers will include: Duncan Mitchell, senior vice president, Emerging Markets, Cisco; Tarek Ghoul, director and general manager Gulf, Levant & Pakistan at Cisco, and Den Sullivan, Senior Director, Architectural Plays, Cisco and Dr. Lucio Rispo, Strategic Research Director at Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP).

Keynote sessions will explore how megatrends will affect the way we live, learn, work and play, both globally and regionally, and how Cisco's architectures support this progression by creating a culture of long-term change. With particular relevance to Demographics, Globalization, Sustainability, Energy, Green and Industry Transformations, the sessions and interactions will offer a real platform for thought leadership and the role of innovation, to address our current and future government and business environment.

This is in addition to an interactive exhibition area showcasing the latest cutting-edge technology solutions from Cisco's trusted partners together with Cisco Technology Demonstrations.

Cisco Expo Qatar 2012 is a registration-only event. Those interested in attending Cisco Expo Qatar can register online by visiting http://www.cisco.com/web/ME/expo2012/qatar/index.html