Secure systems required for smart city vision

The growing wave of digitalisation across the UAE and the Middle East region has led to an increase in the demand for security solutions, especially as organisations look to adopt technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), experts at Intersec 2019 said.
The event was inaugurated by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and brings together 1,212 exhibitors from 54 countries. The 21st edition of the exhibition highlights the latest in security, safety, and fire protection. In addition, experts from various sectors also stressed the importance of up to date security measures due to the increasing number of smart and connected devices being adopted across the UAE's residential and corporate sectors.
Mansoor Bu Osaiba, CEO at Nedaa, spoke about the growing investments in the security sector as the UAE sets out on its smart cities vision. "As the UAE continues its journey towards reinvention to a future defined by knowledge, technology and innovation, Nedaa, through its Private Mission-Critical Network, is continuously aiming to invest in resources that utilise technology and network availability for strengthening the IoT ecosystem. We aim to revitalise the regional economy leveraging IoT technologies and strive to create a blueprint for driving digital transformation that will help create new business and serve as a model for future smart cities."
Andreas Rex, show director at Intersec, noted that security had become the backbone for Dubai's Smart City Vision. "The UAE is leading the region when it comes to the adoption of smart city technologies and security is playing an increasingly important role across both households that are adopting smart living technologies as well as businesses that are looking to save on costs and efficiency."
He added: "Governments are taking a lead role in ensuring infrastructure, buildings, borders and societies are safe and secure, and the region continues to be an early adopter of smarter, integrated, and innovative solutions spanning both the public and private sectors - from banking, aviation, education and retail, to hospitality, healthcare, construction and energy. The Middle East market for physical and perimeter security, commercial and information security, fire protection, and drones, is currently estimated to be worth $14.5 billion; analysts say this will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.5 per cent over the next six years, valuing $31 billion in 2024."
"We see security needs increasing and new applications are enabled by new and complementing technologies," said Martin Gren, co-founder of Axis Communications, adding that while AI has shown tremendous improvements over the last few years, it's still at an early stage. "The Middle East was an early adopter of technology, and I think the UAE has shown a scale and willingness to invest that is much stronger than most other countries. This has given a modern, and upgraded, network of smart and intelligent systems that is quite unique."
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com