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Dubai / Emirates Business
Global digital transformation enabler, SAP, announced on Saturday at GITEX Technology Week 2017 that the Internet of Things (IoT) will catalyze the Middle East’s
$70 billion digital contribution to GDP. According to McKinsey, the UAE contribution to that figure is $15 billion.
Governments across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southwest Asia are increasingly driving innovative government digital transformation visions to transform lives, from the UAE and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to Kuwait and Egypt, and Pakistan. This is powering the Middle East and Africa’s Internet of Things spend, which is set to grow 20 percent to $8 billion in 2017, says IDC.
Across the Middle East, the IoT is already delivering innovative benefits to people’s day-to-day lives. At GITEX, SAP will showcase the ‘Smart Hajj’ concept, which can significantly enhance the journey
experience for millions of pilgrims. Organizers can use real-time
analytics based on monitoring bracelets, bus GPS locations, and video and environmental data to ensure pilgrims have a seamless end-to-end experience, from the airport to the Holy Sites. The technology can enable organizers to optimize transport, immigration and digital payment processes, while simultaneously promoting crowd safety.
As this year’s GITEX Business Transformation Partner, SAP will be endorsing the Middle East adoption of IoT solutions. In addition to the Smart Hajj demo, the SAP stand at the event will showcase Internet of Things in Live Airports, the SAP Leonardo Experience for the digital innovation system and SAP Blockchain for Real Estate. SAP Leonardo also interconnects with artificial intelligence, blockchain and machine learning.
“According to the new SAP and Oxford Economics Digital Transformation Executive Study, 76 percent of digital transformation leaders invest in the Internet of Things, 70 percent derive significant value – four times higher than non-leaders — and 71 percent better develop talent,†commented Steve Tzikakis, Regional President South Europe, Middle East, and Africa at SAP, the event’s Business Transformation Partner.
GITEX Technology Week continues SAP’s momentum from recent announcements of a 5-year $200 million UAE investment plan and a 4-year SAR 285 million investment plan for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with plans to launch local cloud data centers in both markets.