Cloud technology is not new. But even though companies have been gradually embracing cloud computing over the past decade, last year proved just how vital the technology was to event planners.
People couldn’t leave their homes for the most part of 2020. As Covid-19 affected economies, organisers quickly realised that they needed the cloud’s web-based computing services to provide new digital services to home-bound customers. With the roll out of hybrid models, consumers witnessed a new generation of events that they could watch without the risk of contracting the coronavirus.
At the height of the pandemic, the events industry globally suffered massive losses. According to Plan B, a UAE-based events agency that surveyed more than 300 companies, the events industry in the Middle East lost between Dh2.8billion ($762.3 million) to Dh5.5bn ($1.5bn).
As the vaccination drive continues to gather pace across the world, physical events are beginning to reappear. But will hybrid or virtual events rein superior over physical experiences in the future?
In the US, a report this year by American computer software company Flexera showed that 92 per cent of enterprises have a multi-cloud strategy, while 82 per cent have a hybrid cloud strategy. Despite the acceleration of cloud adoption across the business landscape, most companies are barely scratching the surface of the cloud’s vast potential.
A PwC survey of C-level leaders in the US, released in 2021, showed that 53 per cent of companies have yet to reap substantial value from their cloud investments.
The Tokyo Olympics set a huge benchmark for the future of digitalised events and it marked a transformative time for athletes and sports fans, thanks to cloud-based technology. By offering new models of content delivery through the cloud, the Games reached a wider audience. An innovative broadcasting solution was designed to help transform the media industry for the digital era.
Going ahead, all eyes will be on the Middle East for the next two years as organisers gear up for Expo 2020 Dubai and the final preparations for the Fifa World Cup in Qatar.
Before the pandemic, it was predicted that up to 25 million visitors would attend the six-month-long event with more than 70 per cent of visitors coming from outside the UAE. While some travel restrictions remain, to expand Expo 2020 Dubai’s audience reach, the need for cloud-based technology seems more important than ever.
Enhancing broadcasting solutions through the cloud will maximise the thrill of sporting events
There are plans to livestream events such as panel discussions. The cloud's broadcasting solutions will enable citizens from across the world to immerse themselves in the event even from the comfort of their homes, throughout the six months.
While we are still some time away until the Fifa World Cup 2022, the potential for cloud technology to transform sports entertainment is immense. A series of artificial intelligence-powered solutions are set to transform and digitalise the way sports entertainment has so far been organised, broadcast and consumed.
One solution, for example, called Fan Video Hub, collects and filters real-time videos uploaded by fans from all over the world to a variety of social network platforms. Such innovations are bound to reshape the way sports entertainment is consumed. And enhancing broadcasting solutions through the cloud will only maximise the thrill of such sporting events.
Humans crave social interactions, therefore the global event landscape will not completely shift over to in-person events, but the reality is that nobody really knows when the pandemic will be over. With several restrictions lifted across the world, audiences will determine their own comfort levels with risk when it comes to attending these events.
But from the organiser's perspective, planning for an event to be hybrid or virtual allows companies to lay the groundwork for back-up plans while still anticipating actual physical attendance for these big events. When the virtual components for a hybrid event are already arranged, it is easier for attendees and planners to pivot between attending in person or online without completely rethinking the format.
For events to compel and connect, organisers need to keep up with the pace of change and contribute to its conversation. Technology has the power to accelerate and facilitate but not alter the fundamental experience.
Cry Macho
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Dwight Yoakam
Rating:**
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
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match details
Wales v Hungary
Cardiff City Stadium, kick-off 11.45pm
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Results
5pm: Reem Island – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Farasah, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Musabah Al Muhairi
5.30pm: Sir Baniyas Island – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: SSR Ghazwan, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Astral Del Sol, Sean Kirrane, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6.30pm: Al Maryah Island – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Toumadher, Dane O’Neill, Jaber Bittar
7pm: Yas Island – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Mukhrej, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7.30pm: Saadiyat Island – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,400m; Winner: Celestial Spheres, Gary Sanchez, Ismail Mohammed
The biog
Name: Capt Shadia Khasif
Position: Head of the Criminal Registration Department at Hatta police
Family: Five sons and three daughters
The first female investigator in Hatta.
Role Model: Father
She believes that there is a solution to every problem
Indika
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GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Overall head-to-head
Federer 6-1 Cilic
Head-to-head at Wimbledon
Federer 1-0 Cilic
Grand Slams titles
Federer 18-1 Cilic
Best Wimbledon performance
Federer: Winner (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012)
Cilic: Final (2017*)
Sri Lanka v England
First Test, at Galle
England won by 211
Second Test, at Kandy
England won by 57 runs
Third Test, at Colombo
From Nov 23-27
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Gifts exchanged
- King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
- Queen Camilla - Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
- Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
- Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
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Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
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White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
