Dubai a global pathway for technology and innovation

Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business Editor

The exhibition will run till October 18, featuring more than 6,000 exhibitors and 1,800 speakers from 180 countries, positioning Dubai as a global pathway for technology and innovation.

Local, regional and global technology giants are showcasing the latest advancement, projects and solutions in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, mobility, and sustainable technology.

RTA’s 18 smart projects: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) features a distinctive stand at the Gitex Global 2024 and showcasing 18 smart projects and initiatives that leverage generative AI and virtual metaverse technologies. Key highlights include the the first and last-mile initiative for sustainable public transport, and AI applications designed to enhance traffic flow and optimize bus network management. RTA is also presenting a range of smart services, such as biometric scanning for public transport fare payments across Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, buses, taxis, and marine transport, along with the multi-use nol card (Terhaal). Additionally, AI and big data are being utilized to predict vehicle plate prices and to monitor electricity and water consumption at metro stations. RTA also demonstrates how modern technologies like virtual reality are used for early detection of cracks and fractures to support maintenance activities.

RTA also introduces a range of services at its stand, including the Smart Station, which is a multi-functional pole designed to enhance pedestrian journeys and serve cyclists. Predictive technologies for better and more balanced distribution of passengers across metro carriages are also showcased, contributing to crowd management, and reducing congestion. Other features include the Green Road system for driver alerts, a smart robot, the multimodal transport platform, virtual reality-based bus inspections for maintenance, and microwave technology for crack detection. These and other initiatives are accessible via the RTA’s Dubai smart app, the S’hail app, the RTA’s website, and smart kiosks.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, reiterated RTA’s commitment to translating the visionary outlook of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, in fostering well-being in the emirate and enhancing its global competitiveness by providing diverse options for residents, making Dubai the best city in the world to live in. RTA is also guided by the directives of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world.”

Al Tayer added: “Gitex Global has become the premier event and the largest gathering of technology creators and developers worldwide, positioning Dubai as a global hub for technology and innovation. The event has evolved at a rapid and calculated pace, achieving remarkable success and presence with every edition. It is now the most influential event in the field of technology, particularly following the launch of Gitex Africa, hosted in Marrakech, Morocco, last year, thanks to the efforts of the Dubai World Trade Centre team. The upcoming Gitex Europe 2025, set to take place in Berlin in May 2025, further expands its global influence.”

Khalifa Fund’s new AI platform: Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has announced its participation in Gitex Global 2024, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 14th to 18th October. As part of the Abu Dhabi Government Pavilion, Khalifa Fund will join over 30 government entities and strategic partners, showcasing more than 100 innovative projects aimed at enhancing community welfare and quality of life in Abu Dhabi under the theme, “Towards an AI-Powered Government”.

At Gitex this year, Khalifa Fund is showcasing its newly developed AI platform, integrated into the Khalifa Fund’s website and designed to enhance operational efficiency in alignment with the Abu Dhabi government’s objectives for AI-driven innovation. This platform aims to transform public services by advancing government solutions that improve service delivery and effectively address evolving needs.

Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, Acting CEO of Khalifa Fund, said, “We are honoured to launch the new AI platform during the prestigious technology exhibition, GITEX. Khalifa Fund has made significant strides in its digital transformation journey, with this platform representing a major milestone and transformative shift. It reflects our pioneering efforts to promote a culture of innovation and empower the SME ecosystem to adopt sustainable practices by embracing effective AI technologies and advanced smart solutions to meet the evolving needs of the community. This aligns with the objectives of Abu Dhabi’s e-Government Strategy.”

ADCMC’s digital initiatives: The Emergency, Crises and Disaster Management Centre - Abu Dhabi (ADCMC) is participating in the 44th edition of the prominent Gitex Global 2024. ACDMC’s participation as part of the Abu Dhabi Government Pavilion under the theme ‘Towards a Leading AI-Driven Government’ aligns with the Centre’s efforts to promote innovation and technology in the field of emergency and crisis management.

The centre is showcasing a wide array of digital initiatives, including the ‘Crisis Management Platform’, which has been designed to improve operational efficiency by leveraging data analysis and enables effective decision-making. It is further highlighting its state-of-the-art crises management strategies and plans that aimed at empowering Abu Dhabi to mitigate future challenges effectively. Furthermore, the ‘Crisis Management Platform’ serves as an innovative tool to enhance and coordinate response during times if emergencies. It helps in prevention, preparation, response and recoveries by utilising real-time data analysis technology. It further enhances cooperation between stakeholders and enables expedited decision-making in times of crisis.

Trade Estonia at Gitex: Trade Estonia, part of Enterprise Estonia, participating in the Gitex Global 2024 from 14 – 18 October. Their primary focus will be highlighting the Artificial Intelligence, Data transformation, IoT and Cybersecurity advancements from Estonia-based organisations. The pavilion will be comprised of 7 different companies all belonging to the tech industry.

The companies are CybExer Technologies, Nortal, OMNICOMM OÜ, Lean OÜ, Bamboo Group OÜ, 5.0Robotics OÜ, and Unlimited media.

Through its participation at GITEX, Trade Estonia aims to shed light on the top tier developments and technological prowess in the areas of digital transformation. The pavilion will also showcase innovative and sustainable solutions in the artificial intelligence sector that were developed in Estonia. In addition to this, there will be a strong focus on cybersecurity, featuring new trends and progress as the tech industry moves forward.

The Pavilion will highlight Estonia’s contributions to digital transformation, focusing on innovative technology sectors, and will include brief descriptions of the technologies provided by each company. They will also reveal new products.

Trade Estonia will also be hosting an event attended by the Estonian Minister of Economy and Industry, who will also be present at Gitex for major announcements and media interviews. For example, he will reveal 5.0 Robotics, an Estonian Robot manufacturing company, new product developed together with Kuka Robotics, one of the world’s leading suppliers of intelligent robotics, plant and systems engineering – a major landmark event. He will also be speaker at the “Fostering international collaboration in the digital economy” panel discussion.

Yango Tech for retailers: Yango Tech is showcasing latest solution during Gitex Global 2024.  Yango Tech is demonstrating comprehensive end-to-end solution, designed to help retailers transition from traditional brick-and-mortar operations to e-commerce or improve their existing online business.

Max Avtukhov, Chief Executive of Yango Tech, Yango Group said, “We are also showcasing our AInventory smart cameras, a real-time shelf monitoring system powered by AI. This innovative technology provides critical insights into in-store shelves, alerting staff when inventory does not comply with the planogram for products or prices, thereby enhancing inventory management. Visitors can discover more about our extensive offerings, and how we are at the forefront of AI integration across our platforms. As early adopters in the e-grocery sector, we apply machine learning and AI-driven tools to enhance our applications, drive revenue growth for retailers, and lower costs for their operations. Additionally, the AI capabilities in our white-label app are designed to enhance the customer experience through features like search algorithms, personalized suggestions, pricing strategies, promotional methods and more.”

About the impact of technology on retail sector, he added, “ AI and digital transformation are significantly reshaping the retail industry in the Middle East. In the UAE, customer engagement and operational efficiency are particularly paramount. AI technologies empower retailers to enhance customer experiences at scale, leveraging data-driven insights to personalize recommendations and promotions effectively. Additionally, machine learning algorithms optimize inventory management and streamline supply chains, enabling retailers to respond swiftly to changing consumer preferences. Embracing these technologies not only improves operational efficiency but also strengthens competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving marketplace. According to recent reports, e-commerce sales in the UAE are expected to reach $17 billion by 2025, representing a substantial growth opportunity for retailers. This trend underscores the essential need for consumer brands to develop robust online and mobile capabilities to capture this market potential.”

Addressing  the key challenges facing the retail industry, Avtukhov added, “One of the primary challenges retailers face today is the accelerated pace of digital transformation. It is no longer enough to simply digitalize physical stores; retailers must also cultivate a strong online presence to respond to the rapidly increasing demand for online sales.”

“E-commerce has brought the shopping experience to the consumer’s fingertips, in the MENA region alone, the e-commerce market is projected to reach $49 billion by 2028. Despite this potential, local retailers often find themselves at a disadvantage, contending with increased competition from both domestic and international players, struggling to transition due to outdated systems and limited digital expertise. Additionally, retailers face challenges related to supply chain disruptions and inventory management, which have been intensified by recent global events.”

Avtukhov concluded, “Strategic partnerships with proprietary technology providers, such as Yango Tech, can help address these challenges by equipping local retailers with the expertise and resources needed to adapt effectively. Our solutions enable businesses to streamline processes, boost operational efficiency, and elevate customer engagement, ultimately positioning local retailers to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.”

Gen Z reshaping customer engagement: Genesys, a global leader in AI-powered experience orchestration, has unveiled insights from a comprehensive global survey on generational customer service preferences, highlighting how Gen Z in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are reshaping customer engagement and workplace dynamics with strong demand for personalized across channels and supportive workplace environments.

Ahead of Gitex, the technology event which seeks to redefine the digital economy landscape, which runs in Dubai from October 14-18, the survey provides businesses with valuable insights into the preferences and priorities of young consumers. The findings indicate Gen Z in the Middle East region place greater emphasis on brand reputation, digital customer service, and flexible work arrangements, compared with the global average.