Digital revolution in focus at Internet of Things Expo

The Huawei pavilion gets some finishing touches at the Internet of Things Expo, which will begin in Dubai today. Supplied photo

Dubai: Global technology leaders will display products and services that are poised to drive the digital transformation of cities, societies, peoples, processes, data and things when the two-day Internet of Things Expo (IoTX) debuts at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) today.

Co-located with the inaugural Big Data Show, IoTX has been conceived to increase UAE and regional governments and firms’ capacity to transform their business models and leverage monetisation opportunities from smart devices, machines and products in globally-connected, tech-led societies.

In addition to hosting 42 pioneering technology firms across more than 6,500 square metres of exhibition space, IoTX will feature sessions on innovation, enterprise and investment.

The conference’s welcome address will be delivered by Ahmed Bin Humaidan, director-general, Dubai Smart Government. Ahmad Bin Byat, chairman, Smart Dubai Executive Committee, delivers the keynote address. “The Internet of Things is the building block for the next wave of the Internet — the Internet of Everything,” said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice-president, exhibitions and events management, DWTC. “The Internet of Everything will offer intelligent networked connections resulting in new customer and citizen experiences, improved operational efficiencies, breakthrough innovations and new economic models for services and growth. By collecting the industry’s most disruptive global brands and influential thought-leaders, the Internet of Things Expo and conference is a strategic platform for regional firms to identify and adopt futuristic technologies that will make our cities smarter through creativity, collaboration and innovation.”

According to an ‘Internet of Everything Report’ published by Cisco — a lead sponsor of IoTX — 2.5 billion new people will be online by 2020, while 37 billion new ‘things’ will be connected by the end of the decade.

In contrast, multinational software giant SAP predicts there will be 75 billion connected devices and 2.5 billion connections by 2020 — unlocking financial opportunities worth $65 trillion. SAP figures also reveal the Middle East’s IoT revenue will reach nearly $2 billion in 2015.

The exhibition will welcome private sector technology providers who champion solutions for effective digital transformation.

business@khaleejtimes.com