Acer's Latest Innovations Make A Splash In The Middle East

“The Middle East is a very exciting region. There is no moment in which you don't find new demand and new opportunities."

So said Michele Montecchio, general manager of Acer Middle East, when Inc. Arabia spoke to him at this year's edition of the world's largest tech and startup event, GITEX GLOBAL, in Dubai. During the conversation, Montecchio highlighted Acer’s growing presence in the Middle East, emphasizing the company’s commitment to addressing diverse sectors, including education, gaming, and business.  

"Whenever something slows down, you have another country increasing its gross domestic product (GDP),” Montecchio noted. "This gives us the possibility to fulfill different kinds of markets, [be they] entry markets, mid-range markets, or very high-end markets.” 

Joumana Karam, who heads marketing for Acer Middle East, also noted the region's growth potential, noting that over 60 percent of the population in the Middle East and Africa is under the age of 35. “The region presents significant opportunities for expansion,” she said, while also pointing out Acer’s long history in the Middle East, highlighting the fact that the company first established its presence in the UAE Free Zone in 1992. “The UAE and the Middle East have always been important markets for innovation and growth,” Karam added.

Acer’s booth at GITEX featured a broad selection of new products, including e-mobility devices, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered laptops, gaming gadgets, and business solutions. As Yowan Khandelwal, Acer Middle East's head of product, pointed out, among the notable products it showcased was the Predator Extreme PES017, an off-road e-scooter designed for outdoor use, as well as its new AI-powered laptop lineup. Also on display was the company’s Swift AI Copilot+ series, offering laptops powered by Snapdragon®, AMD Ryzen™, and Intel® Core Ultra processors, which incorporate AI features to support tasks such as content creation, work, and streaming. 

Inc. Arabia also spoke with Peter Lacey, commercial head and education lead for Acer Middle East, who discussed the company’s focus on sustainability, noting that Acer has integrated recycled materials, including ocean-bound plastics, into its devices. “Currently, about 20-30 percent of our devices are made from recycled plastics, and we aim to continue improving the sustainability of our products,” Lacey said.