His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Ahmed Bin Jassem Al-Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce , inaugurated the 8 th Qatar International Hi-Tec 2004 Exhibition and Conference at the Qatar International Exhibition Center. The exhibition was held for 4 days – from the 18 th to the 21 st of April 2004 . The exhibition was organized by WTC, Doha, Qatar H.E. Sheikhs, H.E. Ambassadors and a number of other distinguished guests attended the event to witness the grand inauguration ceremony.

Microsoft Corporation was the main sponsor of the exhibition and provided free training courses during all four days of the event. A well - planned WTC pavilion had also been arranged for visitors in order to demonstrate the activities and purpose of the World Trade Association and the World Trade Center.

Another major source of attraction for all visitors, sponsors and participants was a graphic display of the 42 storey WTC – Doha building (presently under planning).

The main participants at the exhibition were Microsoft, e-Government, Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA), Ministry of Education, Q-Post, GBM, ORACLE, HP, Sun MicroSystems and several others. The Oil and Gas Sector of Qatar could not participate this year too, but we still anticipate their contribution in our next Hi-Tec Qatar 2005 Exhibition & Conference .

Through World Trade Center “ Palestine – Ramallah ”, 7 companies from Palestine participated in this grand event.

More than 75 companies participated in this grand technological event internationally, regionally and locally , thus enabling a total of 17,800 visitors in specialized IT – related fields to be present for demonstration purposes. Master Ajay Puri , the “ world's youngest web designer ” demonstrated his remarkable talents inside the Qatar General Insurance and Re-Insurance Company ( QGIRC ) booth and amazed his audience as usual.

The Hi-Tec 2004 Exhibition and Conference has been an enlightening experience for all individuals who are either interested or curious about the IT field. It is a giant leap towards technological progress and scientific awakening in the State of Qatar.

The most interesting factor, that attracted so many crowds to the Exhibition, was that internationally renowned speakers were brought to Qatar especially to speak and throw light upon subjects never discussed before in the field of Hi - Technology .

Overall, the Hi-Tec 2004 Exhibition and Conference was a grand success.