Embracing the digital transformation ecosystem

From drones to robotics, Gitex Technology Week 2015 will mark its 35th anniversary by showcasing live demonstrations of next generation technology solutions that will drive Middle East business transformation in the internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem.

IoT is defined as the network of devices that contain embedded technology to sense or interact with their internal state or external environment.

"The IoT era is a fourth industrial revolution that is redefining how new technologies such as drones and robotics are transforming global and regional organisations and their consumer experiences,” said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice-president at Dubai World Trade Centre, the organisers of the event, which will be presented under theme "The Internet Future of Everything”.

However, she said that Middle East organisations face increasing urgency to innovate or be left behind.

"We're dedicated to advancing the regional innovation agenda by showcasing next generation technology solutions, vertical-specific research, and networking opportunities. With Dubai Smart City a global future city beacon, the event is the ideal platform to demonstrate the latest smart and connected solutions,” she added.

In support of Smart City innovation, the event will be themed around the key pillars of innovation, connected cloud, big data, mobility, and security, along with the return of the Google CSI Lab.

More than 3,600 companies from over 62 countries are taking part in the five-day event from October 18-22 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The event is also expected to welcome more than 140,000 visitors from over 140 countries including more than 20,000 C-level executives.

Out of the 3,600 companies, 30 per cent of that is from the UAE and around eight per cent from the Gulf countries.

Dubai Smart Government Department (DSG) is fielding 36 government entities at its 3,800 square metre stand and would showcase their latest government smart apps, services and solutions made throughout their journey towards smart government under one roof.

"We are providing a fully-equipped platform for the public and visiting delegations to be familiar with the practical steps taken by the DSG and the Dubai government entities for transformation into a smart government,” said Ahmad Bin Humaidan, Director General of DSG.

He said the stands will provide a "real opportunity” for visitors from all sections of society to be familiar with the latest smart government service apps and solutions provided by Dubai Government and the apps and solutions will be tested live on the stand to enable visitors to see how efficient and smooth they are.

Services and apps from Dubai Municipality, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai Police, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Financial Market, etc., will be showcased live.

A number of bilateral agreements will be signed by the government entities and the beneficiaries with the aim of enhancing partnership and cooperation among them, seeking their full integration and providing more convenience and happiness to Dubai Government's customers.

Telecom operator du has created applications and solutions in working closely with a multitude of stakeholders that are empowering the smart way of life.

"The future is now, and it's extremely exciting. This year we are focusing on integrating innovative solutions into daily life so that our stakeholders can actually use it. For the past couple of years we have been talking about our vision, now it's time for us to put our words into actions,” said Osman Sultan, Chief Executive Officer, du.

Smart is all around us, he said, and added that it is happening now.

"We are at an inflection point in the UAE where smart is becoming a reality. We challenged ourselves with bringing together the visions from our industry, entrepreneurs and from our enlightened leadership to build the smart city of today and for tomorrow,” he said.

By 2025, the global Smart Cities market will reach 3.3 trillion, with nearly half of the world's 26 Smart Cities arising in emerging markets such as the Middle East.

Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the UAE will unveil the list of leading pilot projects that various governmental entities are working on. In the forefront of these projects is the "Coverage” project, which will have a great impact on improving and developing the telecommunications quality, in addition to the "Various Approval Attestation” project, which was initiated by the Technology Development Department.

Moreover, the projects' list extends to include the "Virtual Reality” and "FedNet” projects, which will provide a detailed explanation and an update about the governmental entities linking to the network.

"UAE contributes effectively in leading the regional and international efforts exerted to utilise ICT in building a knowledge based economy and reducing the digital gap between various countries in the world,” said Mohammad Ahmad Al Qamzi, UAE TRA Chairman.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, UAE TRA Director General, said that despite always collaborating and cooperating as governmental entities in realising the aimed smart transformation, being together during Gitex has a special flavour.

"It marks a platform where we all harvest the fruits of our achievements in utilising telecommunication technologies and serving the governmental and non-governmental entities,” he said.

Speaking on their participation, Yasser Zeineldin, CEO of eHosting DataFort said, that Gitex is a great "networking platform” to meet existing customers and build new relations. It draws many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large enterprises from around the region seeking IT solutions and our participation in the event allows us to share our latest service innovations with the market. "The event also allows us to gain deeper insights into regional requirements, and we are definitely looking forward to yet another successful week,” he said.

Many of the top companies are gearing up to showcase their latest technologies and products at the show, apart from the key speakers who will be redefining the trends that are going to shape the industry.

Key speakers include Ken Singer, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology, UC-Berkeley; Benoit Montreuil, the ‘Father of the Physical internet' and Coca-Cola Chair in Material Handling and Distribution at Georgia Institute of Technology; Jonathan Reichental, CIO, Palo Alto; and Miguel Gamino, CIO, San Francisco.

Shinichi Wakita, Managing Director of Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa FZE, said that the event is one of the most anticipated technology events globally and Panasonic will display its innovative solutions for businesses, governments and homes.

"As the Middle East gears up for international events such as Dubai Expo 2020 and Qatar Fifa World Cup 2022, governments and businesses will need effective solutions to meet the resulting influx of visitors and growth in demand for products and services,” he said.

About 48 Indian ICT companies are exhibiting at the India pavilion organised by Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC), an autonomous body under the Indian Ministry of Communications and IT.

"The event is continuing to emerge as the largest and the most impressive ICT event of its kind in the Middle East. Naturally, India has a great stake in the booming Middle East, Africa, Asia (West Asia and North Africa Region) and European markets for which Dubai is the Gateway. Thus the event provides the participating Indian ICT companies opportunities for scouting the expanding Middle East market,” said Kamal Vachani, Regional Director for Middle East at ESC.

Meanwhile, Taiwan is aiming to further intensify its partnership with Middle East's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector through this platform.

"UAE is an integral part of our ICT growth strategy as we constantly introduce our cutting-edge products to the UAE market. UAE is always one of the top markets in our list when it comes to the best places to introduce the latest technology as the country is fast-paced and is one of the best IT investment destinations,” said Shyh Perng Chang, Director of Taiwan Trade Centre Dubai.

As per Taiwan's Computer Association, the exports of electronics and ICT products grew 14.56 per cent annually to Dh415 billion in 2014.
Source: Gulf News