Middle East: Microsoft showcased its touch-enabled Windows 8 operating system at the Burj Khalifa
"Windows 8 offers a no-compromise platform, giving you the same experience on a touch device as through mouse and keyboard," said Leblond.
"Windows 8 builds on what is great about Windows 7 - it works well side-by-side with existing Windows 7 infrastructure to deliver the experiences people love and the enterprise-grade solutions organisations need. Windows 8 also helps companies improve the way they do business through immersive apps developed to better reach employees and improve customers' experiences."
"The innovation Windows 8 is sparking in the region is impressive," said Faramawy.
"Just a few weeks after its global launch, Windows 8 is already transforming the lives of consumers, businesses and economies through a set of amazing new devices and rich apps. UAE Smart Learning is a great example of how technology is helping to make the region more competitive internationally by equipping students with access to latest technology."
Microsoft highlighted early deployment customers, including British Telecom, Emirates Airlines and UAE Smart Learning.
"[Those customers are] already taking advantage of enterprise benefits - from enhanced fundamentals with security, performance and manageability to new features like Windows To Go that offer new possibilities in mobile productivity," the company said.
Microsoft also announced new apps from DEWA, Time Out Dubai and Fedex ‘Shop & Ship'. These and other apps are available on the recently opened Windows Store.
