By Mohit Hira, Jargon Group Dubai
The 43rd edition ofGITEX GLOBAL Largest Tech & Startup Show in the World, pushed the boundaries of innovation. Now that the dust has settled here are three takeaways from the show…
1. Artificial Intelligence: The Buzz continues
Gitex 2023 lived up to its overarching theme - This is The Year To Imagine AI in Everything at GITEX - with both private and government sectors focused on AI tools. From operational transformation operations to security evolution, Gitex witnessed a number of AI-powered innovations.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) pavilion demonstrated AI-powered smart gates that enable payment of public transport fares through facial recognition. Meanwhile, Dubai Police introduced an autonomous patrol car equipped with a drone launcher, radar detector, and surveillance camera: an innovative method for city patrolling.
Microsoft unveiled the UAE-developed ChatGPT-like AI assistant, Mai. Mai is aimed at sectors such as government, healthcare and education handling services, such as renewing ID or applying for a driver's licence.
Takeaway: The MENA region will witness exponential growth of generative AI.
2. Sustainability: Focus on the Future
In 2022, the UAE announced the "UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative" focused on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The progress being made was clearly evident with an array of innovations to drive sustainability on show.
The telecommunications company Du demonstrated its commitment by constructing its stand with recyclable materials. The company’s Future of Telco showcase emphasised sustainable connectivity, featuring a mobile tower with a solar panel installation. Meanwhile, Epson unveiled its new series of Epson A4, eco-friendly scanners that consume less energy. These scanners are built with up to 30% recycled plastic and are specifically designed for smaller office spaces.
Takeaway: Sustainability is a priority for both private and public sectors.
3. GITEX Cyber Valley: Fighting Cybercrime
This year saw the debut of GITEX Cyber Valley hosted by the UAE Cybersecurity Council. The Cyber Valley hosted collaborative hackathons with over 500+ participants to solve global tech issues with some of the biggest tech companies. With reports indicating that annual global cybercrime could cost a staggering $10.5 trillion by 2025, cybersecurity is increasingly becoming a critical priority for businesses of all sizes.
Phishing, crypto crime and risks associated with Generative AI were some of the hot topics at this year’s Gitex. At the show, Acronis released its Cyberthreat Report 2023 revealing how the UAE and GCC region has shown strong resilience against ransomware attacks with the number of monthly ransomware detections expected to remain steady until the end of 2023.
Takeaway: With the UAE driving digital transformation, the need for robust cybersecurity has become more prominent.