5G took center stage at Gitex Global 2024, the premier global tech and startup event, where attendees delved into the future of wireless technology through AI and its capacity to enable a hyperconnected world filled with innovative breakthroughs and insightful conversations.
Intelligent connectivity
The event, themed ‘Intelligent Connectivity,’ featured engaging discussions and showcased exhibitors presenting transformative products and services poised to reshape the landscape. This aligns with the GSMA‘s forecast of a major connectivity evolution, predicting that 1.4 billion devices will be connected to 5G by 2025, fueling a $1.1 trillion IoT market within a $3.9 trillion mobile economy.
Influential voices in technology
Additionally, the event gathered influential figures from leading global companies and organizations, including Khalid Murshed, chief technology and information officer, e&; Wang Hui, president of NCE Data Communication Domain, Huawei China; and Thomas Lamanauskas, deputy secretary-general, ITU Switzerland. Other notable participants were Roque Lozano, SVP of Network Infrastructure MEA, Nokia; Kazuhiro Gomi, president and CEO, NTT Research; and SG Chung, chief AI global officer, SK Telecom.
Showcase of next-generation solutions
In addition to the discussions, exhibitors like Huawei, e&, Nokia, China Telecom, Ericsson, Cisco, and Beyon showcased cutting-edge 5G solutions, reaffirming Gitex Global’s importance as a vital platform for exploring the future of connectivity and digital transformation.
Transformative network capabilities
Khalid Murshed from e&, one of the leading telecom operators in the Middle East and North Africa, highlighted the transformative capabilities of network advancements through 5G and AI. He conveyed that 5G and 5G-Advanced create an innovative platform, enhancing networks to meet changing demands. He emphasized the goal to build networks not only for technological leadership but also to support new use cases, with live networks and private 5G already in operation.
Key technologies for future communication
Huawei, a global ICT leader, pinpointed essential technologies such as 5G-Advanced (5G-A), unified data, AI, and cloud computing as vital for enabling rapid, low-latency communication and advanced applications.
Impact on mobility and autonomous vehicles
The event also underscored 5G’s significance in the future of mobility. Siyuan Liu, head of IoT Partnership and Strategy for Greater China at China Unicom Global, discussed the company’s advancements in AI and vehicle connectivity. He further asserted that 5G is crucial for the development of autonomous vehicles. It further enhances decision-making, transportation efficiency, and safety.
Revolutionizing industries with AI
Wang Hui of Huawei emphasized that AI applications are revolutionizing sectors, including autonomous vehicles and AI healthcare services in China.
Innovative 5g solutions launched
Moreover, thousands of attendees experienced groundbreaking 5G-driven innovations from top tech firms. e& announced a partnership with Vodafone Business IoT to introduce in-vehicle connectivity and improved digital services for Mercedes-Benz drivers in the UAE, with commercial launch anticipated by mid-2025.
Advancements in electric vehicles and digital services
Additionally, e& revealed the Nissan Hyper-Force, an all-electric supercar equipped with e& UAE 5G SIM cards, and introduced human-digital advisors utilizing hologram and AI technology to cater to the diverse cultural needs of telecom customers in the UAE.
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