GITEX Technology Week’s 39th edition will present the region’s biggest-ever 5G showcase, its most illustrious investor-startup gathering, and a springboard for knowledge-building around AI, robotics and next-generation immersive technology, all encompassed under the movement of ‘Synergising the Mind and Technology Economy’.
These topics, along with thousands of concepts and brands, will be showcased live in the company of 100,000+ tech experts and across 1.4 million square feet and 22 halls divided into sectors including 5G, Artificial Intelligence, Future Mobility, GITEX Lifestyle Tech and Smart Cities, which will be the definitive venue for insight into the smart government of the future. Saudi Arabia is the official country partner for GITEX 2019, and will be represented by its smart logistics platform Fasah.
Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Events Management, Dubai World Trade Centre, organisers of GITEX, said: “Technologies, no matter how revolutionary they may be, offer no value to us unless they can create experiences to augment the well-being of individuals and larger society. GITEX continues to be the definitive platform where enterprises, startups and government entities come together, striving to engage the global technology community to harness the limitless ingenuity of humans and the power of technology to ensure meaningful benefits and impacts on society through intelligent discourse.”
GITEX is set to feature a key presence from 5G heavyweights that are already in the process of transforming the world’s connectivity.
Etisalat is already leading the race to deploy 5G in the Middle East, and will use GITEX to exhibit some of the most compelling use cases for the technology. “5G is the major focus this year with a showcase of digital transformation and innovation expected across industry verticals like transportation, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, aviation and oil and gas. This is in line with the UAE’s Vision 2021 and Etisalat’s strategy ‘Driving the Digital Future to Empower Societies’. At GITEX this year, we will showcase 5G-powered solutions for the first time globally, as it’s the perfect platform to inspire the visitors and customers to experience the immense potential of future revolutions and technologies.” Dr Ahmed Bin Ali, Group Senior Vice President, Etisalat, said.
Huawei has set out its stall to be the cornerstone of the ICT industry, with its multi-pronged approach to deliver world-class devices, networks and cloud, and will be showcasing its technology portfolio at GITEX. “Within the Middle East and internationally, 5G is gaining strong momentum in its commercial adoption. We have seen this first-hand by working on more than fifty 5G commercial contracts and shipping over 200,000 5G base stations worldwide. Meanwhile, we have seen industries starting to embrace 5G, with it exploding into prominence by improving efficiency in many industries. By adding AI capabilities to the next generation of ICT products, AI also becomes more readily available for different fields of scientific research and business innovation. This combination will deliver more intelligence across every touchpoint of the digital economy.” Hani Sobih ELKukhun, Vice President, Strategy, Huawei Middle East, said.
Ericsson will have a key presence at GITEX, with the firm having already announced 24 global 5G contracts with major operators, including four in the Middle East, with over 40% of global mobile traffic currently passing through Ericsson’s networks. “The exciting turning point that we have been eagerly waiting for is finally being realised. Today, 5G technology is a commercial reality, with several markets already switching on 5G during the course of 2019. From discussion to action, efforts to roll out 5G in the fastest, smoothest, and most efficient way are gradually paying off. As an emerging technology, 5G is unleashing potential that is yet to be realised. I believe GITEX 2019 is a great forum to inspire consumers and enterprises with the unlimited opportunities that 5G will bring us.” Wojciech Bajda, Vice President, Middle East and Africa, and Head of Gulf Council Countries, Ericsson, said.