17 October 2024: The spotlight at GITEX GLOBAL 2024, the world’s largest technology and startup event, was firmly on 5G and AI as the central pillars for driving the future of connectivity and innovation. Taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre, the event gave attendees an immersive look into how these transformative technologies are shaping industries globally.
The ‘Intelligent Connectivity’ conference emerged as one of the key highlights of the event, offering a comprehensive exploration of the role that 5G and autonomous vehicles will play in the next generation of connectivity. The conference featured a series of insightful discussions and presentations from leading voices in the field, shedding light on how these innovations will redefine the way we interact with the digital world.
According to projections from the GSMA, 1.4 billion devices are expected to be connected by 5G by 2025, driving a staggering $1.1 trillion IoT market within a $3.9 trillion mobile economy. This rapid expansion of connectivity is set to fuel innovation across a range of industries, from telecommunications to transportation and healthcare.
Key figures in the global tech scene shared their insights at the conference, including Khalid Murshed, Chief Technology & Information Officer at e&, Wang Hui, President of NCE Data Communication Domain at Huawei China, and Thomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary General at ITU Switzerland. They were joined by other influential leaders from Nokia, NTT Research, and SK Telecom.
Khalid Murshed, speaking at the event, explained how 5G technology is a driving force for innovation in the region: “5G and 5G advanced serve as a platform for everyone to come in to innovate with applications that can drive demand for the network to be enhanced further and further,” he stated. “We have to build a network with the capabilities and then fit in the AI applications, and this is what we’re doing hand-in-hand. We’re not just building a network for the sake of technology leadership. It’s a bilateral game by all means, and we are building them to enable new cases while today we have live networks and private 5G.”
Beyond the conference stage, the event also offered attendees a firsthand look at groundbreaking technologies showcased by industry leaders such as Huawei, Nokia, China Telecom, Ericsson, and Cisco. These exhibitors demonstrated how 5G applications are not just future concepts but are already transforming industries today.
AI and 5G in Autonomous Vehicles
One of the standout themes at GITEX was how 5G and AI are revolutionising autonomous vehicles. Siyuan Liu, Head of IoT Partnership & Strategy at China Unicom Global, highlighted the role of 5G in accelerating the growth of self-driving cars. “5G is vital for the growth of autonomous vehicles, reshaping society and helping make accurate decisions—enhancing both efficiency and safety,” she explained.
In addition, Wang Hui from Huawei noted that AI applications are being leveraged extensively not just for autonomous vehicles, but also for AI health services in China, further expanding the scope of these technologies.
Innovations and Collaborations
The exhibition also featured several exciting technological advancements. e& announced its collaboration with Vodafone Business IoT to roll out Global SIM+ eSIM solutions for Mercedes-Benz AG drivers in the UAE, slated for launch in the first half of 2025. Additionally, e& unveiled the Nissan Hyper-Force, an all-electric supercar that will be connected via 5G, offering an unparalleled driving experience.
Another exciting showcase was Avaya, presenting their AI-powered “superpower agents,” which promise to help businesses scale operations through enhanced decision-making capabilities.
GITEX GLOBAL is not just an event but a hub for technological innovation, connecting tech enterprises and solution providers from across the globe. The event is part of a larger portfolio, including GITEX EUROPE in Berlin, GITEX ASIA in Singapore, GITEX AFRICA in Morocco, and GITEX Nigeria. These regional events are fostering collaboration, building global partnerships, and pushing the boundaries of technology.
For more details and to stay updated on GITEX GLOBAL, visit www.gitex.com