New technologies creating a seamless visitor experience at Expo

New technologies are creating a seamless and integrated visitor experience at Expo 2020 Dubai as shown in the latest instalment of the En Route to the Expo - Dubai Chamber of Commerce’s video series, which offers insights on various features and aspects of the mega event.

In the latest video, Sergio Maccotta, Senior Vice President, SAP Middle East South, discusses how Expo 2020 Dubai is setting the agenda for technology as the lynchpin for advancing innovation, sustainability, business and global trade.

“Expo 2020 Dubai is indeed a large scale event and is record breaking in terms of visitor numbers, with a total of almost 6.3 million visitors as of Dec.13. The theme of the event ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ is the testament to the vision of Dubai and also the wider United Arab Emirates towards sustainability, technology and ingenuity for better living,” said Maccotta.

“One thing that is really impressive is that the technology that is being used to run the expo is becoming a major attraction point that is creating a platform for new business deals, for innovation and for digital transformation. I really, truly feel that Expo 2020 Dubai can catalyse and enhance global trade ties. It’s setting new goals in sustainability and it’s also paving the way for a collaborative and innovative future,” he added.

With SAP the Innovative Enterprise Software Partner for Expo 2020 Dubai and its first international premier partner, Maccotta drew attention to his company’s software at the exhibition that he said is ensuring the very best experience for visitors.

“Expo 2020 Dubai is running in real time on an SAP solution, with our priority on visitor experience and the latest innovative technologies. SAP’s focus is to ensure a seamless, integrated experience for organisers, participants and visitors, and enhancing the overall customer journey - from the journey planning to the positive end follow-up. The insights from the SAP integrated real time technology tailor the visitor experience to their preferences, such as informing them of the quickest route to their preferred pavilion. It highlights stops on the way and can even be directed to show the latest technology and advances,” he said.

Maccotta concluded by pointing to SAP’s commitment to sustainability that he said is in alignment with both Expo 2020 Dubai’s and the UAE government’s initiatives in the same area, such as the country’s pledge for net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and its considerable investment in renewable energy.

“SAP recently launched the SAP Cares Environment, Social, Governance Network during the Expo 2020 Dubai Climate and Biodiversity Theme Week. This is bringing to the nation and the SAP Control Tower monitoring and improving carbon impact across the entire private and public sectors. I really feel that Expo 2020 Dubai is the greatest show ever, not only for the technology which surrounds it, but also for the different angles, ideas and showcases from the 192 countries that are proudly participating in it,” he said.

“In my opinion, everybody should visit the expo more - one visit wouldn’t be enough. Expo 2020 Dubai is a platform to experience today the technology and solutions of tomorrow. Every pavilion is a representation of what that country or that brand offers, enabling visitors to absorb more knowledge about the world around them, with every visit ever,” he concluded.

Meanwhile the Board of Directors of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy held its first meeting of 2022 recently, where members approved its strategy for the 2022-2024 period to enhance digital business infrastructure and support and attract global digital companies to Dubai.

The new strategy supports objectives outlined under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, to promote Dubai as a global capital of digital economy.

The Board also ratified the 2022 budget for Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and defined the responsibilities of four newly formed committees made up of Board members, namely, the Digital Economy Finance Action Committee; Digital Talent Action Committee; Network and Ecosystem Action Committee; and Government Coordination, Regulation, and Infrastructure Action Committee.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, led the meeting, which brought together board members Ahmad Abdullah bin Byat, Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri, Khaled Ahmed Al Tayer, Rashid Abdulla Al Ghurair, Fadi Ghandour, Mona Ataya, Hend Seddiqi, Rashid Mohammed Alabbar, Mansour Khalifa Sultan Bin Habtoor, Ronaldo Mashhour, and Mudassir Sheikha, in addition to Hamad Buamim, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dubai Chambers.

“Approving the Chamber’s strategy and budget is part of our efforts to speed up the full implementation of the ambitious vision His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, has set, which strives to build the future of the digital economy today and cement Dubai’s position as a preferred market for foreign digital investments and top tech talent,” said Omar Sultan Al Olama.

“The new Strategy lays the groundwork for a series of new initiatives and plans we have in the pipeline,” Sultan Al Olama explained, citing new plans to attract 300 digital startups to Dubai within two years; propose improvements and changes to laws and policies that would support the growth of the digital economy; organise an international conference on the new digital economy; promote digital transformation across national companies; and enhance the business environment to attract global digital firms. “The digital economy is the economy of the future,” asserted.

“Investing in it promotes economic growth and boosts Dubai’s competitiveness as one of the world’s leading economic centres. The forward-looking, future-driven vision of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to advance the digital economy and firmly embed it into the emirate’s existing economic infrastructure is the mantra to be followed throughout the next stages of our sustainable development.”

Sultan Al Olama concluded by underlining the importance of maintaining a solid partnership between the public and private sectors in order to achieve the Strategy’s objectives.