Technology and startups shone bright at Gitex Global

Cisco reveals emerging tech trends in 2022

Cisco identified a few key technology trends that will emerge in 2022 at GITEX.

First, the expansion of 5G and Wi-Fi 6 networks will improve bandwidth, speed, and latency, and reach areas where fibre is prohibitively expensive. As a result, frontline mobile workers, telehealth, manufacturing, and education will all benefit. This in turn will level the digital divide as these new technologies spur growth and innovation for millions. As workforces become more mobile, especially with remote working arrangements gaining widespread popularity, businesses would require even more agility moving forward.

Another major trend the Cisco executive sees emerging is the potential of mobile applications to transform customer experiences to brand excitement. Companies that can turn huge amounts of real-time information to actionable initiatives in an immersive and personalized way can transform baseline customer satisfaction into deep customer engagement, excitement, and loyalty.

Finally, consumption models for technology will continue to shift, especially as more features and capabilities become available via software, whether on site or in the cloud.

Saudi Ministry of Interior launches KSA Tech initiatives at Gitex

Participating for the seventh successive year, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior powers the nation’s tech transformation at GITEX GLOBAL. A key event partner every year, the Ministry is showcasing a range of innovation-driven initiatives and technology solutions, under the theme of ‘Technology Solutions For A Safe Home’.

The stand will highlight the role of technologies in the future of services, work, enhanced security, government services, dealing with emergencies and effectively managing the Hajj and Umrah system.

Italy makes its presence felt at Gitex Future Stars

This year’s GITEX Future Stars brings together 47 Italian start-ups and innovative SMEs, more than double the number of exhibitors at the 2021 official Italian Pavilion. The team organised a pitching arena for a two days Pitch Sessions reserved for an audience of angel investors, venture capitalists and private equity investors.

Among the Italian innovations showcased are: innovative solutions for blockchain, healthcare, smart cities and mobility, augmented reality, AI applied to manufacturing applications and sustainable mobility. A large number of the participants are grouped in the regional area organised by Apulia Region, Sardinia Region and Marche Region.

French startups hosted in special event by MOIAT

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT) hosted a group of French startups to promote partnerships between the UAE and foreign businesses operating in the advanced technology sector.

The networking event included 11 French startups and was held in cooperation with Business France, the national agency supporting the development of the French economy internationally, and in the presence of Her Excellency Nathalie Kennedy, Consul General of the Republic of France in Dubai. It served to showcase the strategic advantages and benefits of the UAE’s business environment to these emerging French companies, which is in line with the Ministry’s strategic objectives of creating a business environment that attracts investors, stimulates innovation and facilitates the adoption of advanced technology.

The ministry’s partners participating in the event included ADNOC, the Ministry of Economy, the Emirates Development Bank, Middle East Venture Partners (MEVP), DP World, Dubai Silicon Oasis, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and EDGE Group. Also present were Dubai Technology Entrepreneurship Campus and TECOM’s In5, which are among the country’s largest startup incubators.

The 11 French startups participating in the event operate in a number of fields, including technology, infrastructure and services. They are all members of La French Fab Booster Middle East program, which is organized by Business France to support French companies in global markets.

Etisalat showcases transformative power of 5G in transport

Etisalat is offering a glimpse into the future of mobility with the transformative power of 5G and futuristic technologies.

The future of transport – as witnessed at Etisalat’s stand – will rely on the 5G network for its high latency and the communication between sensors of the vehicles and other objects. Airspeeder, the world's first electric flying racing car, is making a presence for the first time in the UAE with its prototype hosted by Etisalat at its stand. This single-seat electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle can hit a top-speed of 160kph. Enabling an even faster connection between autonomous systems Etisalat's 5G networks, machine learning and autonomous and remote driving systems will offer new application options, advancing the development of autonomous solutions such as Airspeeder.

Making a grand entrance this year is the Mercedes-Benz EQS, the first all-electric saloon from Mercedes-EQ, which is the first model to be based on the modular architecture for luxury and executive-class electric vehicles. The AI with adaptive software gives the owner the freedom to choose from an array of infotainment and functions.

Doosan DMI's autonomous drone has a six-hour operation time to operate extensive trips, solve problems and secure areas. This showcase is being powered by 5G, machine learning, and autonomous surveillance. To be effective, this solution requires ultra-high bandwidth data with near-zero latency, which is provided by Etisalat, making sending and receiving data easier.

German startup, Wingcopter launched the world's first triple-drop autonomous delivery to power logistical highways in the sky. It comes with a variety of new features such as an AI-based visual detect and avoid solution and a smart precision landing capability. Such as solution is using Etisalat's 5G networks, which are designed to significantly reduce latency, to improve sending and receiving data. This is also in line with Etisalat's focus in autonomous delivery systems that will be linked to the Smiles app.