TECHNOLOGY: THE NEW FRONTIERS

THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA REGION IS ON ITS WAY TO BECOMING A SIGNIFICANT LEADER IN THE ADOPTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES. THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED GITEX GLOBAL EVENT SHOWCASED THE INNOVATIONS BY THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS THAT WILL DRIVE THE FUTURE OF THE REGIONAL ECONOMY

- DIVSHA BHAT

As the region undergoes rapid transition, the Middle East offers several opportunities for technological innovation.

The recently concluded 41st edition of Gitex Global provided a unique international opportunity for tech companies of all sizes to meet and connect in person. The event highlighted mega tech trends shaping the region and the world, including artificial intelligence, fintech and blockchain, among others. The themes , were explored across six events - Gitex Global, Gitex Future Stars, Ai Everything, Future Blockchain Summit, Fintech Surge and Marketing Mania. The show also witnessed over 3,500 participating exhibitors from 140 countries - including 600 startups, besides 120 government entities.

New conferences and projects such as Gitex Global Leaders Vision, Women in Tech, and Code Infinity made their debut at the event.

A wide range of announcements were made at the show introducing innovative solutions, forging new tech partnerships and unveiling expansion plans.

Region's quest for innovation

The inaugural edition of Gitex Global Leaders Vision included policymakers, innovation and investment agency leaders from the Middle East and Africa, laying forth their national goals and strategies for a tech-driven future.

With the aim of having the world's largest per capita percentage of coders within 10 years, the UAE announced October 29 as its annual ‘National Coders Day'. At the Gitex Global Leaders Vision, Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, highlighted the initiative and discussed plans for the UAE's Coders' Society, bringing together the 60,000 coders who are already residing in the UAE. He also believed that the country could excel in developing women coders, bringing new employment opportunities for the female population throughout the Emirates.