Features

Enabling Smart city services

Published

8 years ago

November 3, 2016

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Leading ICT vendors and their innovative partners will have a significant role in Smart City projects of the present and future

Smart City initiatives in the region have picked up significant momentum, driven by proactive government vision and strategies to enhance the life of citizens. The large sized projects provide opportunities for ICT vendors and partners to participate and offer their value services.

While more vendors are signifying a move towards creating smart services that can fulfill some partial requirements, a select few vendors have been pioneers and have created not just a vision but a suite of solutions that answers some of the emerging opportunities.

Shadi Salama, Channel Leader – Middle East Theatre, Cisco says, “While the definition of Smart Cities has evolved over the years, the one constant is being ‘smart’ by utilizing ICT and the Internet to address urban challenges. The challenges include job creation, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social resilience. Given these trends, understanding where we are in the evolution of the Internet is critical to future city-planning processes. At Cisco we are seeing more governments and leaders focusing on digitization for economic growth and citizen services. “

Cisco is one of these vendors who have been among the early movers with its Smart+Connected Digital Platform, a key Cisco network-ready technology which cities can use to, create innovative partnership models that can reduce outlay and risk when initiating and expanding smart city projects.

Shadi adds, “It helps to enable cross-domain, context-rich city asset management scenarios for lighting, parking, citizen engagement, safety, security, etc. It also helps inspire new revenue sources through application and device development, data analytics and modeling, and asset use optimization. What it does is delivers a set of tools and guidelines for creating a smart city framework and an effective solutions portfolio for the city’s priorities, requirements, and budget.”

According to Maan Al-Shakarchi, Head of Networking in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific, Avaya says, “Smart cities are about enabling new services to better service your population. This is about making your city safer, offering new services while enabling consumers to use to drive net new revenues or in some cases focused only on providing a better experience to visitors and tourists. If residents feel safe, get best in class services and feel their city is at the forefront of offering new services, they will be happier and they will share their feelings with others and especially on social media. Smart cities are all about delivering on that objective. It is about providing best in class services, making governments and cities stand out from other destinations around the world.”

Avaya offers the Avaya Smart Digital World, a framework for smart solutions and has made inroads to become a strategic player in the space.

Maan elaborates, “With our Smart City platform, the goal is to provide a consistently good experience for users with a holistic approach to turnkey virtual networks and applications. At Avaya, we have the ability to deliver across various verticals. That makes this the right time for the Avaya Smart Digital World, a framework for smart solutions. It’s all based on a secure and automated foundation with the SDN Fx architecture together with the agility of our Avaya Breeze platform—a perfect environment for productive tinkering.”

He adds, “This combination gives any use-case the power to quickly and easily deliver better experiences and better outcomes for end users—for more efficient and effective patient care, for faster emergency response that saves more lives, for a more engaging and safer learning experience. Ultimately, it will provide a completely different digital experience than what consumers are getting today. Whether it’s for play, work, living, or an emergency situation, the Smart City of the future will attend to citizens’ needs while ensuring their information is secure and providing uptime that means they can use the applications regardless of what is happening around them.”

Collaboration in key projects

Public Private Partnerships (PPP) is a key aspect in enabling smart city services. Governments globally are faced with providing services to their citizens and more often are challenged with finding the appropriate resources to progress these initiatives particularly when it comes to implementing technology advancements and innovations. They are therefore seeking collaboration from the private sector.

Shadi says, “Governments are working with private companies – Public Private Partnerships (PPP) – that enable them to create a strong, sustainable and scalable infrastructure to move towards an effective and robust system. The cooperation enables the provision of services which can be delivered more efficiently and cost effectively. From a long term perspective, PPPs are actively working towards facilitating public services that can be measured, analysed and are more strategy and policy driven. It results in a marked interdependence of both sectors with valuable benefits for each of them.”

The partnerships span across the spectrum of services including, healthcare, education, transportation, etc. A key example of an effective PPP healthcare programme in the Middle East is the Jordan Healthcare Initiative (JHI) a strategic collaboration between Cisco and the Government of Jordan to improve the efficiency of and access to quality healthcare services for the people of Jordan, particularly those living in rural and underserved areas. The initiative has already resulted in a series of projects where collaboration and communication technologies were strategically used to transform, enhance and deliver specific healthcare across the nation.

The building blocks of a smart city are based around technology infrastructure in various domains that can deliver those different services at the convenience of the citizen user.

“The city of the future is a Smart City, emboldened by technology that folds in government, industry, and consumers. For this to happen, it needs a strong foundation—an infrastructure that can withstand heavy traffic, particularly during times of crisis. Our building blocks for the Smart City are similar: we want to pull together public safety, smart healthcare, smart education, smart retail, and smart banking and make it accessible to citizens. The key to our partnership is that we are so closely aligned to build this next-generation infrastructure foundation to evolve and deliver best-in-class services,” says Mann.

Mann adds that the success of such large scale projects will hinge on greater collaboration between different solution providers as end to end delivery from a single vendor would be certainly impossible.

He says, “Not one vendor can do this on its own which re-enforces the need for an open architecture away from proprietary schemes. The good news is that there are solutions out there; the bad news is that if private and public enterprises are looking at the same vendors that built their networks 20 years ago proclaiming they can do it all, this approach will fail. My recommendation is for them to open their minds to an open architecture, and yet controlled with accountability from specific technology experts, which will provide pieces to the puzzle; this is clearly very complex and challenging.”

Impact of emerging technologies

As Smart Cities are being fueled by the Internet of Things (IoT), where technology enables governments to help lower costs, improve productivity, increase revenue, and improve citizen benefits for the public and private sector through initiatives such as smart buildings, smart gas and water monitoring, smart parking, and smart waste management. Today, and in the future, Smart Cities will provide Wi-Fi and fiber optic networks that will fuel millions of sensors embedded in virtually everything. Open architecture apps and technology solutions such as mobility, security, cloud computing, virtualization, collaboration, and video transform interaction with the urban landscape will become mainstream and everyday phenomena. Smart Cities are leading the IoT revolution, enabling governments to help lower costs, improve productivity, increase revenue, and improve citizen experiences through urban services such as smart parking, energy, traffic and waste management.

“Cisco is currently involved in over 90 Smart+Connected City (S+CC) projects worldwide, all of which feature an open-architecture platform that enables Cisco, our partners and customers to create and deploy new smart services and applications. “

Building smart city infrastructure that is ready to scale up with need needs to include IoT solutions. Avaya claims that it introduced SDN Fx to scale, enhance security, deliver best-in-class reliability and provide the best foundation to Smart Cities and IOT/IOE.

Maan says, “Using this technology, we’ve demonstrated nearly 15,000 cameras running over a single converged infrastructure with one protocol, experiencing 500ms or better recovery times. This is the kind of infrastructure shift Smart Cities require to save lives, enhance resident experience, and enable new services the community will benefit from.”

In addition, based on its Fabric technology, Avaya now offers the ability to automate the provisioning, make it very easy for customers to deploy access points, thousands of them across a network. Avaya is also making huge investments in mobile solutions to support its engagement services – be it conferencing solutions, video conferencing solutions, or the two running simultaneously in the same client; and the investment in secure mobile solutions or secure BYOD.

Partner engagement and reskilling

Cisco is helping channel partners take advantage of the growing Smart Cities market by enabling them with new skills through sales and technical training, where partners are able to develop a better understanding of Smart Cities solutions and gain expertise needed to deploy the best IT installations for customers.

Shadi says, “Cisco channel partners most ready to build IoT practices are already building practices around big data and analytics, which are driving business outcomes. We believe that for the Channel to succeed in the business around IoT, it is important that partners and their solutions get more visibility. This can be achieved by enabling to develop a vast array of market leading solutions spanning hardware, software and services, vendors can enable their solution partners to get access to channels where the solutions can be integrated and taken to market to enable differentiation.”

Avaya has a strong channel focus in the region and continues to invest in its partners as part of their go to market strategies.

Maan says, “Our channel is populated with the best-of-breed innovative partners in the region, and we ensure that our global knowledge is combined with their regional expertise when it comes to project delivery. Whether it is with our Government or private sector clients, our partners are very much a part of our solution, and will remain so.”

He elaborates on the opportunity that the SI channel has in terms of working alongside the vendor on such projects.

“The clear opportunity is for innovators. The market is in a situation wherein there is a lot of theories and concepts being spoken about, but there is very little implementation. We have been able to deliver on some key projects that would fall under the Smart Cities umbrella, with system integrators and partners who have been able to upskill and position themselves as partners of choice for the Smart Cities evolution.”

In summary, as more smart city projects get unveiled in the region, innovative solutions that enhance quality of life will be called for and the opportunity will lie with vendors and partners who wrest it. Overall, collaboration more than competition will be the rules of the game when it comes to delivery.

Features

Building businesses that last: Lessons from Dubai’s Startup Ecosystem

Published

2 weeks ago

January 9, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Dubai-based entrepreneurs and podcast hosts Konstantin Koloskov and Anastasia Davydova share lessons from 2024’s dynamic business landscape, exploring the power of collaboration, sustainable growth, and staying true to your vision amidst rapid change. Dubai in 2024 was a hub of energy and innovation, with startup founders raising capital, scaling rapidly, and embracing the city’s ever-changing landscape

As co-hosts of Culture Mapping, a podcast exploring the intersections of culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the UAE, we’ve had the privilege of looking at Dubai through a unique lens. Our conversations with inspiring guests—from startup founders to artists—have offered us fresh perspectives on the opportunities and challenges 2024 has brought.

At the same time, our collaboration on the podcast has been a powerful reminder of the strength found in partnerships. Beyond being co-hosts, we’re both entrepreneurs leading our own companies — Konstantin, the co-founder of Storm, a content studio, and Anastasia, the co-founder of Movingo, a relocation platform for businesses and talents moving to the UAE.

2024 was a challenging year for both of us, but it reinforced a key insight: the power of collaboration within teams and across industries and ventures. Supporting each other in our businesses while building the podcast together has opened new opportunities, sparked creative ideas, and brought energy to everything we do. We also saw This spirit of collaboration reflected in our podcast guests. Dubai in 2024 has been a hub of energy and innovation, with startup founders like those we interviewed raising capital, scaling rapidly, and embracing the city’s ever-changing landscape. Their stories reminded us how crucial it is to stay connected to a network of thinkers and doers who inspire and challenge you.

Key Lessons from 2024

Stay Open to New Opportunities, But Don’t Lose Sight of Your Core Vision: One of our most memorable guests this year was Phillipo Minelli, a visionary artist who embodies this principle. While he sees the growing potential of the UAE and its flourishing art scene, he stays grounded in the values of his work. Phillipo reminded us that growth and opportunity mean little if they compromise your core mission or beliefs.
Prioritize Sustainable Growth Over Short-Term Gains: Felix Erdman, a businessman featured on our podcast, is a shining example of this lesson. His approach to building wealth with a long-term perspective—eschewing fleeting trends and buzz-worthy ventures—was inspiring. His story reinforced what we’ve learned firsthand in our businesses: thoughtful, strategic growth is the foundation for lasting success.
Collaboration Drives Innovation: Dubai’s vibrant, multicultural energy fosters collaboration in a way few places can. Whether it’s the three startup founders we interviewed—who shared how working with the right partners helped them scale—or the creative synergies we’ve experienced in our work, it’s clear that great things happen when ideas are shared and connections are made.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we prepare for the New Year, we’re embracing the lessons of 2024 with a renewed focus on intentional growth. The global economic shifts have made us even more mindful of how we approach risk and investment. Innovation matters, but so does sustainability. To our fellow entrepreneurs, here’s the advice we’ll be taking with us into 2025:

Keep an eye on new horizons, but stay true to your vision.
Prioritize sustainable growth over chasing quick wins.
Value collaboration—it’s a game-changer.

Dubai continues to be a city where ambition meets possibility, and we’re excited to see how it will evolve in the year ahead. For us, the focus is clear: building businesses that last, telling stories that matter, and embracing the power of collaboration to make it all possible.

Features

The GCC Fintech Revolution: A Deep Dive into AI and Financial Literacy

Published

2 weeks ago

January 9, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

By Mo Ibrahim, Founder & CEO, Maly

The sheer volume of growth that the fintech industry in the region is experiencing is astounding. Driven by a solid regulatory framework that enables both small and big players to contribute to the region’s digital transformation, the UAE and KSA in particular are both making a strong mark as powerhouses of innovation in the larger fintech ecosystem. As a homegrown brand that is striving to make a mark in the tech sector, this is a very exciting time for us at Maly.

There are many key areas that have dominated the fintech scene this year and will continue to play a definitive role next year as well. AI and machine learning will continue to shape the future of finance, along with digital banking, payment landscapes, and public and private partnerships.

AI and machine learning have opened new opportunities for the sector, pushing boundaries of how it can augment customer service and collect data to help redefine financial services for consumers. At Maly, our aim is to seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence into our product offerings, enhancing both customer experience and operational efficiency. Born out of the vision to reduce the financial literacy gap in the region and empower people to improve their knowledge about concepts such as credit scores, interest rates and budget management, Maly is committed to helping customers set short- and long-term financial goals and achieving them by committing to better financial management.

There has been a lot of debate this year on how AI will replace humans eventually, but with fintech, AI has only enhanced and streamlined processes by helping reduce fraud and improving accuracy. At Maly, we are a step ahead of our competitors with our revolutionary tech stack, which is built and managed inhouse. By combining cutting-edge AI algorithms with a scalable, cloud-native architecture, Maly has created a platform that is not only robust but also highly adaptable to the diverse needs of the evolving fintech landscape.

As a tech-focused business, we are deeply investing in understanding the customer behavior and preferences of our target audience in order to customize their experience. With Maly, you can grow, spend, send, and track your money in the same app and make use of group payments features to split costs, simplify payments between friends and set up a Grow Plan for effortless saving.

According to the 2024 Financial Literacy Survey by Visa, 37 per cent of respondents spend as much as their income and 65 per cent want to improve their knowledge of savings and investments. With a year-on-year increase in the cost of living in the country, influenced by rents, petrol prices and other factors, it is becoming critical for residents to take measures to put a long-term savings plan in place and maintain a good quality of life.

Some of the biggest spenders in both the UAE and KSA are the millennials, and being a tech savvy generation, these customers put substantial focus on personalisation and customer experience. Keeping this in mind, we launched our AI-powered financial guide, Luna. With this service, customers can receive tailored plans and advice based on their financial requirements.

The fintech sector in the UAE and KSA is poised for continued growth, driven by supportive policies, technological innovation, and an appetite for digital transformation. Stakeholders, policymakers, and consumers alike must continue to support and engage with fintech innovators to ensure a dynamic and inclusive financial landscape in the Middle East. By fostering collaboration and embracing technological advancements, we can ensure that the benefits of this digital revolution are realized across all sectors of society.

Features

The Technology and Processes Shaping the Hospitality Industry

Published

2 weeks ago

January 8, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

By – Dr. Sean Lochrie, Associate Professor at Heriot-Watt University Dubai

The hospitality industry has undergone a transformative journey shaped by integrating technology and innovative processes. Particularly in the UAE, a region known for its forward-thinking approach and desire to lead in luxury and service, the impact of these advancements is evident. In a highly competitive market catering to an international clientele with high expectations, embracing technology is beneficial and essential for sustained growth and success.

One of the most significant shifts in hospitality has been the digitisation of the guest experience. Today, digital tools enable a seamless experience from booking to check-out, often with a high degree of personalisation. Many hotels in the UAE use artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots. For instance, Address Hotels and Resorts in Dubai leverages artificial intelligence (AI) for virtual concierge, which can provide an in-depth tour of the Address Downtown Hotel, spotlighting everything from luxurious rooms to gourmet dining and serene spa sanctuaries. Another example is the Ritz-Carlton, a hotel renowned for its exceptional service, which has embraced AI to elevate the guest experience. They introduced an AI-powered chatbot to streamline guest interactions and deliver personalised recommendations.

Many hotels also offer personalised mobile apps that allow guests to check in remotely, access room controls, and request services without interacting with staff directly. These apps are a single interface for managing everything from lighting and temperature to ordering room service. Such conveniences, luxuries just a few years ago, have become essential as guests seek contactless and streamlined interactions. This level of convenience is particularly valuable in the UAE, where the diversity of visitors necessitates quick and personalised communication.

AI and data analytics have transformed how hotels understand their guests and predict their preferences. For instance, by analysing data from previous stays, hotels can tailor their offerings to individual guests, ensuring that each visit is unique and memorable. This predictive capability enables hotels to surprise and delight their guests while optimising resource allocation. AI also plays a significant role in revenue management, allowing hotels to adjust room rates dynamically based on demand and occupancy levels. For instance, many hotels use AI-driven pricing strategies that analyse market trends and competitor pricing, adjusting room rates to maximise occupancy and revenue. Such proactive approaches help hotels stay competitive in a fluctuating market like Dubai, where tourism demand varies throughout the year.

Furthermore, blockchain technology, the foundation of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, offers transformative potential for hotel loyalty programs, enhancing security, interoperability, and user experience. With its decentralised ledger, blockchain secures guest information and transaction histories, significantly improving data integrity and privacy. Blockchain enables secure and transparent transactions, reducing the risk of fraud and enhancing data security, an essential consideration in the UAE, where high-end transactions are common. This protection bolsters guest trust in the program. Blockchain also supports interoperability, allowing loyalty points to be earned and redeemed across different hotels or chains, increasing rewards’ flexibility and value. This technology enables real-time, transparent transactions, letting guests track and use points without complex conversion processes. Many blockchain loyalty programs also use tokenised points, which can be traded or transferred, expanding their usability beyond hotel services.

The UAE’s hospitality industry is a beacon of innovation, continually embracing the latest technologies to enhance guest experience, improve efficiency, and drive sustainability. By integrating digital tools, AI, robotics, VR, and blockchain, UAE hotels and resorts are meeting the evolving expectations of modern travellers. These technologies streamline operations and create a memorable and differentiated experience that sets UAE hospitality apart globally. As technology continues to grow and evolve, so will the processes that define hospitality in the UAE, ensuring that this sector remains at the forefront of service, luxury, and innovation. For professionals and stakeholders in the hospitality industry, staying abreast of these advancements is crucial, as they not only influence day-to-day operations but also shape the future of hospitality in a rapidly changing world.