Big data analytics, AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things are all expected to increase productivity and operational effectiveness.
According to the chief executive of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, investments in critical information and communications technology verticals are anticipated to be vital in advancing the UAE’s sustainability goals as it prepares for the economy of the future.
According to Fahad Al Hassawi, who spoke to The National on the sidelines of the Envision conference in Dubai, four emerging technologies—the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics—are expected to boost operational effectiveness and productivity across a range of industries.
In cooperation with the International Data Corporation and the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technologies, Envision, hosted by EITC, also known as du, took place.
They can increase efficiency by implementing these technologies in important industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and smart cities, among others.
“With innovations spanning many sectors, ICT is a cornerstone in the UAE’s drive toward sustainability and plays an essential part in encouraging sustainability through facilitating innovations in many sectors,”
Real-time data analysis and collection will revolutionize decision-making procedures and spur innovation to new heights. In addition, he added, digitalization investments aimed at implementing automation, robotics, machine learning, and digital twins in various sectors of the economy will help lead initiatives to promote sustainability through lower carbon emissions.
Data-driven approaches to waste management and water conservation will save expenditures on an annual basis and boost the nation’s gross domestic product.
The UAE is making significant investments in its technical capabilities and launching a number of initiatives as it gets ready for the future economy.
According to the most recent data from the Ministry of Economy, ICT spending in the UAE is anticipated to reach $23 billion in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate of 8% from 2019.
According to the report, the contribution of AI alone is anticipated to reach $96 billion by 2030, or 14% of GDP.
According to Statista estimates, global ICT spending is anticipated to reach $5.8 trillion in 2023, an increase of 6.4% year from 2022.
economic expansion
The UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, which aims for Dh600 billion ($163 billion) in investments in clean and renewable energy sources over the next three decades, is supported in large part by advanced technologies.
In addition to promoting economic growth, ICT solutions also help achieve environmental objectives, according to Mr. Al Hassawi.
The development and implementation of “smart cities,” which are being promoted by various nations, encapsulates the significance of cutting-edge technologies.
According to Mr. Al Hassawi, they are “being crafted” in the UAE with an emphasis on streamlining public services, transportation infrastructure, and energy use.
According to statistics from Research and Markets, the market for smart cities will grow more than 2.5 times to $1.52 trillion by 2030 from an estimated $594.4 billion this year.
“The UAE is at the forefront of pioneering the merging of technology and sustainability in urban development as a result of leveraging the benefits of technology in urban environments,”
With an emphasis on technology and sustainability, the UAE continues to grow its manufacturing and industrial sectors.
By boosting the use of machine learning, deep learning, AI, additive manufacturing, and the Internet of Things in the value and supply chains that underpin the UAE, its Industry 4.0 initiative, which was unveiled in October 2021, aims to help the country realize its economic potential.
In addition to implementing waste-to-energy projects in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, the UAE is additionally implementing other sustainability initiatives and will be hosting the Cop28 climate summit in November.
When finished, it is predicted that these projects will supply energy to hundreds of thousands of residences.
The UAE’s dedication to ensuring its citizens have a sustainable future is highlighted by these developments, according to Mr. Al Hassawi.
Precision farming, hydroponics, IoT, and data analytics are examples of developments in agricultural technology that are improving crop productivity and water conservation.
According to the latest data from the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, vertical farming is a notable application, accounting for over 36% of the UAE’s AgriTech market.
According to Mr. Al Hassawi, “this strategy helps decrease the UAE’s reliance on food imports, supporting the employment market, and ensuring food security.”