Gitex Technology Week takes off with 4,500 firms from over 100 countries

Sajjad Ahmad, WAM

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, on Sunday officially inaugurated the 39th Gitex Technology Week and the 4th edition of Gitex Future Stars at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Taking place from 6th-10th October, the event features 4,500 companies representing 100 countries.

Sheikh Hamdan expressed his appreciation for the steady growth of the event, which is the largest IT industry gathering in the region and one of the world’s leading technology-related events. “The exhibition sector in Dubai has developed considerably over the years from a platform for the launch of new products to a stage for innovation, opportunities and exchange of ideas and expertise. Today, Gitex has evolved into an event where technology leaders share their vision,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

Sheikh Hamdan welcomed exhibitors from various parts of the world. “The event’s ability to attract thousands of companies from the region and the world, ranging from global IT giants to upcoming companies, opens new opportunities for us to work with the rest of the world in finding solutions that can make people’s lives easier and happier. Our partnership with major global technology firms offers us fresh possibilities to enhance our strategic objectives and become one of the front-runners in the fourth industrial revolution,” he noted.

He also said that Gitex Future Stars, which is primarily targeted at startups, highlights the importance of the event as a platform for entrepreneurs and investors to interact with each other and explore growth opportunities and access to capital. Such interactions are critical for startups to grow and accomplish their objectives, which in turn will positively influence the growth of the sector, he said.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed was accompanied on his tour by Federal National Council Speaker Dr Amal Al Qubaisi. Following the inauguration, His Highness went on a tour of the stands at Gitex, which feature some of the most cutting-edge and innovative technologies that organisations from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia have developed.

The Crown Prince of Dubai visited the Etisalat stand, which showcased some of the company’s solutions and products including its 5G offering and related applications. He also visited stands of local and international firms where he was briefed about diverse technologies and services.

The event, which showcases the latest technology innovations from flying cars to talking robots, is widely regarded as the biggest tech show in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. One of the event’s key focuses is on how 5G is expected to transform the region and ‘change the world forever’. The future of transportation will be another key focus at the weeklong exhibition. Participants will explore the best ways to integrate electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles into the transport system. The latest innovations in artificial intelligence and the rise of robots in everyday life are other key themes at the 2019 edition of Gitex.

Etisalat has welcomed visitors at Gitex Technology Week with its advanced and innovative showcases focusing on its main theme ‘5G-A World without limits’ highlighting the significant role of technologies like AI, Robotics, VR and AR across verticals.

The theme is aligned with Etisalat’s vision ‘Driving the digital future to empower societies’ by presenting solutions for the first time globally on the stand.

Dr Ahmed Bin Ali, Group Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Etisalat said: “Etisalat’s presence at Gitex this year is special as the 5G revolution is here bringing in the next wave of digital transformation and innovation. Visitors will be able to experience 5G and future technologies that is going to intensify and disrupt the way we live and work falling in line with our strategy and Etisalat’s theme ‘5G A World without limits.” In 5G powered showcases, there is the 5G connected ambulance demonstrating how the technology can help emergency services, a unique consumer experience with 5G cloud gaming and an immersive futuristic remote driving experience as a F1 racer with VR over 5G showing the capabilities of the network’s low latency and high speed throughput.

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced that it is showcasing a wide range of smart services, apps and solutions for businesses at Gitex Technology Week 2019.

The easy-to-use solutions will be on display at Dubai Chamber’s stand at Gitex 2019 throughout the week-long event. Smart services currently offered by the Chamber include certificates of origin; attestation; membership; research, reports and studies; legal information; ATA Carnet; credit rating reports; mediation; Dubai Chamber CSR Label; business councils & groups; global and regional associations, in addition to other valuable resources which can be accessed through digital channels.

In addition, Dubai Chamber will be showcasing the features of the forthcoming Digital Silk Road platform - a Dubai 10X initiative that it is developing in cooperation with DP World UAE. Powered by blockchain technology, the Digital Silk Road uses a comprehensive automation process to enhance the transparency and efficiency of supply chains. The smart system is designed to simplify trade procedures, remove trade barriers and improve ease of doing business in Dubai.

Atiq Juma Nasib, Senior Vice President of Commercial Services, Dubai Chamber, explained that the smart services offered by Dubai Chamber are designed to improve ease of doing business in Dubai and save companies time, money and effort.

He described GITEX Technology Week as a very important platform for Dubai Chamber to showcase its solutions which aim to meet the changing needs of Dubai’s maturing business community. He added that the Chamber continues to expand and improve its smart services as it works to enhance Dubai’s economic competitiveness and reputation as a world-class business hub.