Most discussions of language services and technology in the Middle East, ours included, focus on military and intelligence issues. But GITEX underscores growing commercial activity in the region.

• Microsoft introduced Arabized versions of several applications, including UAE Windows Theme Pack, Microsoft-MSN Arabia Souk Windows for promoting local partners and ISVs, Keyboard Convert Service, and a Match-Up Game (shades of Windows 3.0?). All obviously focus on applications that are visible to the end user.
• Morocco-based Mughamrat highlighted a repeat participation in GITEX with its WinCE Arabic Layer, which supports Arabic Controls for Windows development (e.g., edit box, buttons, data grids, radio buttons, message box, and label. The company focuses on Arabized mobile and web applications.
• According to a study published during GITEX, growing use of cellphones in the region will drive more mobile applications such as those enabled by Mughamrat. Mobile phones now outnumber landlines in the Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
• Arabeyes is an open-source initiative that will add full support for Arabic language in Unix/Linux. The group is working on projects that address font/keyboard-mapping issues, allow users to write plain-text Arabic easily, add Arabic spell-check, send and receive mail through an Arabic interface, localize the GUI, and create enriched documents (e.g., TeX and Word) from Arabic text files.
• Al Computer (ACCE) Magazine’s cover story
  highlighted the Arabic work of Netherlands-based Decotype, with Arabist Tom Milo showcasing a scholarly foundation for elegant typesetting technology.
• SDL, another European entrant into the Middle East, told us that its absorption of Dubai-based Lingua Franca went well. The company switched linguistic leadership for all Arabic accounts to “SDL Dubai” by June, and that unit now manages relationships with SDL’s Arabic subcontractors. SDL says that its Dubai technologists have begun contributing to its tool development.

Most American and European attention remains focused on well-known markets. Meanwhile, as North Africa and the Middle East develop their information technology and communications infrastructure, smart high-companies in the North Atlantic region will dedicate a little bandwidth to learning about opportunities in these growing markets.