Investments in key information and communications technology verticals are expected to play a crucial role in driving the UAE’s sustainability goals as it gears up for the economy of the future, the chief executive of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company has said.
Four growing technologies – the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data analytics – are pegged to enhance operational efficiency and productivity across various sectors, Fahad Al Hassawi told The National on the sidelines of the Envision conference in Dubai.
Envision, hosted by EITC, known as du, was held in coordination with the International Data Corporation and the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.
Implementing these technologies in key sectors – which include manufacturing, agriculture, and smart cities, among others – will help them boost efficiency, he said.
"ICT plays a crucial role in driving sustainability by enabling innovations in various sectors ... it is a cornerstone in the UAE's drive towards sustainability, with innovations spanning various sectors," Mr Al Hassawi said.
"Real-time data collection and analysis will revolutionise decision-making processes and drive innovation to new heights."
In addition, investments focused on digitalisation to implement automation, robotics, machine learning and digital twins in industries will help lead efforts to drive sustainability through less carbon emissions, he said.
"Data-driven approaches for waste management and water conservation will reduce costs annually while positively impacting the nation's gross domestic product."
The UAE is investing heavily in its technological capabilities and rolling out several initiatives as it prepares for the economy of the future.
ICT spending in the UAE is expected to hit $23 billion in 2024, marking a compound annual growth rate of 8 per cent from 2019, latest data from the Ministry of Economy shows.
AI alone is expected to contribute around $96 billion by 2030, equivalent to about 14 per cent of GDP, it said.
Globally, ICT spending is projected to hit $5.8 trillion in 2023, a 6.4 per cent annual growth over 2022, data from Statista shows.
Economic growth
Advanced technologies are also a key pillar to support the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, which calls for Dh600 billion ($163 billion) to be invested in clean and renewable energy sources in the next three decades.
"ICT solutions are not only driving economic growth but also contributing to sustainability goals," Mr Al Hassawi said.
Smart cities, which several countries are pushing to develop and implement, encapsulate the importance of advanced technologies.
In the UAE, these are "being crafted" with a focus on optimising energy consumption, transportation systems and public services, Mr Al Hassawi said.
The value of the global smart city market is projected to surge more than two and a half times to $1.52 trillion by 2030, from an estimated $594.4 billion this year, data from Research and Markets shows.
"Harnessing the benefits of technology in urban environments has led the UAE to be at the forefront of pioneering the convergence of technology and sustainability in urban development," he said.
The UAE continues to expand its manufacturing and industry sectors, with a focus on technology and sustainability.
Its Industry 4.0 initiative, announced in October 2021, was designed to help the UAE realise its economic potential by increasing the use of deep learning, machine learning, AI, additive manufacturing and the Internet of Things, into the value and supply chains that support the industrial sector.
The UAE which is hosting the Cop28 climate conference in November, is also adopting other sustainability initiatives, like the waste-to-energy projects in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
These projects are estimated to power hundreds of thousands of homes when fully complete.
"These advancements, combined with a commitment to reducing carbon emissions, underscore the UAE's vision of a sustainable future for its residents," Mr Al Hassawi said.
In agricultural technology, innovations such as precision farming, hydroponics, IoT and data analytics are enhancing crop productivity and water conservation.
A standout application is vertical farming, with approximately 36 per cent of the UAE's AgriTech market dedicated to this indoor farming subsector, latest data from the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park showed.
"This approach is reducing the UAE's reliance on food imports, bolstering the employment market and ensuring food security," Mr Al Hassawi said.
New schools in Dubai
RESULT
Arsenal 0 Chelsea 3
Chelsea: Willian (40'), Batshuayi (42', 49')
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).
What is a calorie?
A food calorie, or kilocalorie, is a measure of nutritional energy generated from what is consumed.
One calorie, is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1°C.
A kilocalorie represents a 1,000 true calories of energy.
Energy density figures are often quoted as calories per serving, with one gram of fat in food containing nine calories, and a gram of protein or carbohydrate providing about four.
Alcohol contains about seven calories a gram.
RESULT
Bayern Munich 0 AC Milan 4
Milan: Kessie (14'), Cutrone (25', 43'), Calhanoglu (85')
The specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: nine-speed
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh848,000
On sale: now
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
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Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
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Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID
Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight
In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
Scorebox
Sharjah Wanderers 20-25 Dubai Tigers (After extra-time)
Wanderers
Tries Gormley, Penalty
Cons Flaherty
Pens Flaherty 2
Tigers
Tries O’Donnell, Gibbons, Kelly
Cons Caldwell 2
Pens Caldwell, Cross
DUBAI SEVENS 2018 DRAW
Gulf Men’s League
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Sports City Eagles
Pool B – Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf Men’s Open
Pool A – Bahrain Firbolgs, Arabian Knights, Yalla Rugby, Muscat
Pool B – Amman Citadel, APB Dubai Sharks, Jebel Ali Dragons 2, Saudi Rugby
Pool C – Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2, Roberts Construction, Dubai Exiles 2
Pool D – Dubai Tigers, UAE Shaheen, Sharjah Wanderers, Amman Citadel 2
Gulf U19 Boys
Pool A – Deira International School, Dubai Hurricanes, British School Al Khubairat, Jumeirah English Speaking School B
Pool B – Dubai English Speaking College 2, Jumeirah College, Dubai College A, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2
Pool C – Bahrain Colts, Al Yasmina School, DESC, DC B
Pool D – Al Ain Amblers, Repton Royals, Dubai Exiles, Gems World Academy Dubai
Pool E – JESS A, Abu Dhabi Sharks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 1, EC
Gulf Women
Pool A – Kuwait Scorpions, Black Ruggers, Dubai Sports City Eagles, Dubai Hurricanes 2
Pool B – Emirates Firebirds, Sharjah Wanderers, RAK Rides, Beirut Aconites
Pool C – Dubai Hurricanes, Emirates Firebirds 2, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Transforma Panthers
Pool D – AUC Wolves, Dubai Hawks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf U19 Girls
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, BSAK, DESC, Al Maha
Pool B – Arabian Knights, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Abu Dhabi Harlequins
