Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, set out the UAE's plans to be at the heart of digital transformation as he attended the opening day of the emirate's flagship Gitex Global conference on Monday.
The major technology and artificial intelligence event will this week bring together more than 6,800 exhibitors from 170 countries to show how cutting-edge innovation and enterprise can be a driving force for progress.
This year's event will put the rapid rise of AI – and its key role in shaping the global landscape – into sharp focus.
Global technology giants such as Alibaba Cloud, G42, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle and Siemens will take centre stage during the week-long gathering at Dubai World Trade Centre.
"We want the UAE to be a global model in building an integrated digital economy driven by innovation, knowledge and artificial intelligence, and to serve as an international platform accelerating technological and economic transformation," said Sheikh Mohammed, who is also Prime Minister, in comments shared by Dubai Media Office.
"In Dubai, we have an ambitious vision to raise the annual contribution of digital transformation to the emirate’s economy to Dh100 billion [$27.23 billion] by 2033, and we are moving confidently towards achieving this goal.”
Sheikh Mohammed toured Gitex alongside Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
Sheikh Mohammed reflected on the impressive growth of the event, which was first held in 1981.
"Gitex has evolved beyond being a gathering of technology leaders from East and West – it has become a global movement that reflects the UAE’s determination to lead change, turn challenges into opportunities and create strategic partnerships that strengthen our position as a central hub of the global digital economy,” Sheikh Mohammed added.
During his tour, the Dubai Ruler and his accompanying delegation visited several pavilions showcasing the latest global innovations in AI, cloud computing, quantum computing and other emerging technology presented by leading international companies.
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
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Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 110hp) @ 7,750rpm
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Where to donate in the UAE
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
