The United Arab Emirates has been praised for its progressive approach to ‘smart technologies’ – and according to ICT analysts is leading the way for the MENA region in terms of adopting transformative tech.
The comments were made during the 8th Chief Audit Executive Conference which was held in Dubai last week. The UAE drew acclaim for the role it is playing in integrating disruptive smart technologies like AI into its governmental ecosystem.
Professor Dr. Pierre Brunswick, CEO, Neuromem Technologies said the decision by the UAE government to appoint a dedicated Minister for AI was an inspired one. The UAE appointed H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama in October 2017, and that has helped the country become a real leader in AI across the MENA region.
Alaa Elshimy, Managing Director and Vice President of Huawei’s Enterprise Group highlighted the phenomenal vision and foresight shown by the UAE, and pointed out that global spending on smart technologies is projected to hit $23 trillion by 2023. The MENA region is forecast to account for about 5% of that spending, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia being the biggest investors in new technologies as both aim to achieve ambitions transformation programs such as Saudi Vision 2030.
Elshimy also lauded the Smart Dubai initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and added that it will further transform the country’s economic sector. He said that 5G and AI are complementing each other and helping companies.
“More than ushering in an era of increased convenience and connectivity, 5G opens up new cases that will shape the future of our world, such as cloud virtual and augmented reality, connected cars, smart cities and so on,” he said.
He also stressed the need for companies to develop long-term strategies in relation to how they adopt smart technology, adding that by 2030, companies which have not transformed and embraced change would become obsolete.
Noting that there are a lot of challenges in adopting smart technologies, Elshimy said that reskilling the workforce is an urgent need, with talent acquisition a growing concern for many enterprises.