GITEX, the largest IT and tech event in the region, has opened its doors to trade exhibitors. GITEX Technology Week is part of a two part event, the first part being GITEX shopper (think TV’s and tablets as opposed to smart cities and FinTech) that took place earlier this month. GITEX Technology week focuses on AR/VR, Global Smart Cities Technology, IOT and Smart Manufacturing. There are 42 UK companies exhibiting as part of the Trade Fair delegation..
One of the most anticipated technologies has been the Dubai flying taxi. Yes, the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) has announced that in approximately five years from now Dubai will be witness to the AAT: the automated aerial taxi.
Whilst we’d like to say the AAT is a UK innovation, this particular model has been created by German firm Volocopter. Dubai has already been treated to the prototype and we look forward to experiencing an automated ride over the streets of the emirate!
The ‘flying taxi’ project is just one part of the overall Dubai Smart City programme. Dubai’s desire to lead the world when it comes to technology and innovation is not new and has already started to manifest with a driverless metro system, free wifi in malls and other public spaces, and the recent announcement that The Dubai Land Department has moved records onto Blockchain. Add to this ‘Hyperloop’ that will transport people between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the UAE makes for an exciting place to be.
On a related note, regional tech start-ups have been making headlines in 2017 as investors look to take advantage of the growth we’re witnessing. souqalmal.com, a financial products site, has received $10m. Careem, a service similar to Uber, received $571m, Fetchr (logistics) raised $41m, and Anghami, a music streaming site with more than 6 million users, received an undisclosed amount from Samena Capital earlier in the year.
I will be at GITEX this week looking up UK and UAE companies and seeing how we can collaborate further. If you need more information or assistance on setting up or exporting into the UAE, do contact me here.