World’s major technology giants upbeat on Gitex Technology Week

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Deputy Business Editor

The Gitex Technology Week 2020 concluded in Dubai on a high note on Thursday. The exhibitors were upbeat about this year show despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The Abu Dhabi Government concluded its strong and successful participation in Gitex Technology Week 2020 with positive results and remarkable achievements, with the pavilion featuring the participation of 24 government entities and academic institutions, in addition to a group of the world’s major technology giants.

Over the course of the event, the Abu Dhabi Government pavilion witnessed the signing of 12 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding, as the participating entities showcased 88 initiatives and innovative digital projects that aim to create a unique experience for visitors by introducing a unified platform that features all government entities.

The Abu Dhabi Government’s participation comes under the supervision of the Higher Committee of Digital Government as part of its efforts to implement a cohesive framework across the Abu Dhabi Government and make a fundamental change in the concept of government services, moving towards a digital future.

 Ali Rashid Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Department of Government Support – Abu Dhabi, expressed his delight at the successful participation of the Abu Dhabi Government at GITEX Technology Week 2020, noting that the number of visitors to the government pavilion reached over 10,000.  Al Ketbi also praised the positive results achieved in this global technology show, declaring that the results support the digital transformation process in Abu Dhabi and cement the Emirate’s position as a hub for digital innovation, both regionally and globally.

Etisalat successfully wrapped up its participation at Gitex Technology Week 2020 – the region’s only face-to-face technology event of the year - which saw the convergence of 5G, AI, big data and IoT - under the theme ‘Empowering the Digital Future and Beyond’.

Visitors experienced the future of mobility, retail, healthcare and use of technologies such as robotics, AI, virtual reality, analytics across these verticals with a profound and positive impact on the different segments of the society.

Making their debut on Etisalat’s stand this year were demonstrations on transport, retail, healthcare, education, fashion and entertainment.  In ‘Future Transport’, Etisalat took visitors on a journey and the possibilities of the future mobility with 5G connectivity in commercial and regional as well as inter-regional aerial transport. The all-electric, highly automated and fully connected BMW Vision iNEXT, and BMW Vision DC Roadster, a futuristic electric motorcycle a major step into the full-size electric two-wheel segment, were an instant hit.

Toshiba Gulf FZE   highlighted the Canvio portable storage Series at GITEX 2020, designed to meet the evolving needs for storage solutions suited for a broad range of users, including multi-platform users, gamers, business professionals, outdoor photographers and students.

“The Canvio series delivers data storage excellent for a broad range of use cases and applications. The two new models, Canvio FlexTM and Canvio GamingTM, allow gamers and multi-platform users respectively to expand storage seamlessly and across various devices. They can take their favorite content on the go in a sleek, portable design,” says Santosh Varghese, Vice President, Digital Products and Services Division, Toshiba Gulf FZE.

Autonomous wheelchair offering unrestrained movement for people of determination, and a wearable robot that helps lift heavy objects will be the highlight at Gitex Technology Week 2020 as Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa (PMMAF) showcases its smart mobility solutions at Dubai World Trade Centre from December 6th – 10th.

“Our self-driving vehicles, accessibility solutions, and robotic innovations that communicate with each other and with surrounding infrastructure are making cities safer for everyone including people of determination. And we are pleased to partner with Etisalat’s efforts to bringing in innovations that empower people with determination during GITEX Technology Week, which is in line with our motto of making life better for everyone,” said Hidetoshi Kaneko, Director and Division Head – System Solutions and Communications Division, Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa.

Kramer, a leading player in the Pro AV global market  launched its innovative solutions for the first time in the GCC countries. Headquartered in Israel, the technology giant specializes in Pro AV solutions with offices in more than 30 countries that are currently serving more than 100 countries.

Kramer has entered into a landmark distribution agreement with Abcom Distribution LLC, a premier provider of customized business technology distribution specialized in the field of Audio-Visuals who will represent Kramer exclusively in the UAE.

Sam Bonomo, Executive VP at Kramer said, “The last eight months have seen the world transform its video and audio use, with the rise of hybrid working and blended learning methods. These technologies now power the way we work, learn, and socialise. Our signal distribution solutions bridge the worlds of traditional Pro AV and IT to facilitate high quality, flexible and secure video and audio communications and will bring game-changing opportunities to the region.”