Want to change your view of the world? Hop over to Gitex

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Want to change your view of the world? Hop over to Gitex
Technology is no longer limited to the IT department; every industry needs to understand how digital transformation can drive competitiveness.

Dubai - UAE among leaders in $3.8t global digital economy

By Staff Report

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Published: Fri 10 Jun 2016, 6:15 PM

Last updated: Fri 10 Jun 2016, 10:49 PM

The Middle East has emerged as a leader in the $3.8 trillion global digital economy and the UAE is driving this world of technology with game-changing initiatives such as the first fully 3D-printed office building and the Dubai Future Endowment Fund, which dedicates Dh1 billion to support innovative projects in the emirate.
With cutting-edge technology at the heart of this global city, Dubai has inarguably become the world's gateway for tech transformation.
As we enter a future that sees six billion devices connected by 2018, the globe will look to the exhibitors, entrepreneurs and experts attending Gitex Technology Week to lead the way to a more networked world. The region's ICT spend is growing and 40 per cent of that growth comes from enterprise corporations.
With nearly 22,000 CXOs from top corporations attending the show, Gitex is a leader in strengthening the global digital economy.
Spending in Middle East IT itself is set to reach $212.9 billion in 2016, a 37 per cent increase from the previous year, which puts Gitex at the centre of a thriving global ICT economy.
"Gitex is at the global nexus of trade and technology innovation, with the UAE government a leader in using technology to transform daily lives and businesses. Gitex is the single most powerful and influential sourcing platform for tech solutions and innovations in the region," said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice-president for exhibitions and events management at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Under the theme "Reimagining Realities", Gitex 2016, October 16-20, will redefine how technology can transform businesses through cutting-edge showcases, international keynotes and dignitaries from around the globe in attendance.
"Gitex provides a gateway to the fast-growth Middle East, Africa and South Asia markets, and a global platform for sharing knowledge and innovations from students to startups," said Mohammed Areff, vice-president of Meta at Avaya. The company exhibited at last year's event, which saw over 146,000 visitors from 144 countries, and 4,200 sponsors and exhibitors from 130 countries.
 
New this year
Gitex will change the way visitors view the world with its interactive Immersive Tech section. The virtual reality gaming industry alone is expected to rise to $4.4 billion by 2022; this technology is set to be the GCC's next billion-dollar industry. From VR headsets to AR tools used in live surgery, Gitex is set to demonstrate how a new view of reality can change lives and businesses.
Dubai is at the top of its class when it comes to ICT business model creation, standing in the 30th percentile globally. The new Gitex Startup Movement is set to be the most global event of its kind, connecting over 400 startups from 35 countries, and 1,000 entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, angel investors, government buyers and mentors.
Startup or enterprise, each business has industry-specific needs. Gitex Vertical Days will act as a platform for IT leaders to address industry issues and learn from international thought-leaders.
Industries across the board have a growing appetite for 3D printing technology. 3D print spending in the MEA region alone is set to reach $1.3 billion by 2019, presenting clear market opportunities.
- business@khaleejtimes.com


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