ICT
From The Report: Dubai 2019
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Dubai offers a healthy environment for ICT operators, with its strong, high-tech and high-coverage network combining well with a tech-savvy and internationally connected population. At the same time, the gov¬ernment in Dubai – and in the UAE – has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to become a world leader in terms of IT. Initiatives such as Smart Dubai and the Dubai Future Foundation, along with a minister of state for artificial intelligence (AI) and a minister for cabinet affairs and the future, are all positive indi¬cators of this emirate’s forward-looking commitment. This innovative approach is more necessary than ever in a market where basic ICT services long ago reached saturation point.

This chapter contains an interview with Aisha bin Bishr, Director-General, Smart Dubai Office.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Momentum shift: Technological advancements have led the way for a sector aiming to change the way users interact with their devices
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Dubai offers a healthy environment for ICT operators, with its strong, high-tech and high-coverage network combining well with a tech-savvy and internationally connected population. At the same time, the government of Dubai – and that of the UAE – has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to become a world leader in terms of IT. Initiatives such as Smart Dubai and the Dubai Future Foundation, along with a minister of state for artificial intelligence (AI) and a minister for cabinet affairs…

Interview

A helping hand: Aisha bin Bishr, Director-General, Smart Dubai Office, on policies and programmes supporting tech start-ups
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Interview:Aisha bin Bishr In light of reports of brain drain from global ICT hubs like Silicon Valley, how can Dubai ensure it attracts enough human capital to further boost the sector? AISHA BIN BISHR: Latest reports show that Dubai continues to attract human capital at a global and regional level. Arab youth see Dubai as a place to pursue their professional and personal goals because of the many opportunities that exist here. To absorb this talent, however, we need to ensure we have the…

Analysis

Smart and simple: Smart Dubai has allowed the government to streamline processes using apps and services en route to a paperless system
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With Dubai long known as a centre for commerce, finance and entrepreneurial can-do, it is not surprising that the emirate is also now working to make itself one of the world’s leading Smart Cities. Indeed, testing new technologies and putting new concepts into practice are very much part of Dubai’s DNA. For some time, the emirate has been moving towards creating an integrated, high-tech infrastructure for daily life, and much has already been achieved in this regard. At the same time,…

Analysis

Interconnected world: The ease of restrictions on voice over internet protocol services will allow for further liberalisation of the sector’s framework
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Currently, during a protracted period of interconnectedness and globalisation, many businesses and frequent travellers are accustomed to using voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services, such as Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Snapchat and Viber, when making international calls. In the UAE, such services are not currently available. This restriction has been put in place by the UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), which governs and oversees the sector. The TRA forbids and…

Overview

Building blocks: Blockchain technology has applications that could revolutionise trade and provide opportunities for the developing world
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Blockchain – the distributed-ledger technology that underpins cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin – appears set to transform a wide variety of industries and perhaps fundamentally change the way business is conducted around the globe. While the technology is still taking off and its potential is not fully known, many emerging markets are hoping that it will allow them to leapfrog older infrastructure and tackle a range of challenges, including centralised database development, corruption and fraud, and persistently high transaction costs for electronic payments. Blockchain Explained A blockchain is a cryptographically protected, distributed…

Overview

Building blocks: Blockchain technology has applications that could revolutionise trade and provide opportunities for the developing world
OBG
plus

Blockchain – the distributed-ledger technology that underpins cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin – appears set to transform a wide variety of industries and perhaps fundamentally change the way business is conducted around the globe. While the technology is still taking off and its potential is not fully known, many emerging markets are hoping that it will allow them to leapfrog older infrastructure and tackle a range of challenges, including centralised database development, corruption and fraud, and persistently high transaction costs for electronic payments. Blockchain Explained A blockchain is a cryptographically protected, distributed…