IoT to catalyse ME’s $70 billion digital economy

Global digital transformation enabler, SAP, announced at GITEX Technology Week 2017 that the Internet of Things (IoT) will catalyse the Middle East’s $70 billion digital contribution to GDP.

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 per cent to $8 billion in 2017.

Across the Middle East, the Internet of Things is already delivering innovative benefits to people’s dayto-day lives. At GITEX, SAP will showcase the ‘Smart Hajj’ concept, which can significantly enhance the journey experience for millions of pilgrims. Organisers can use realtime analytics based on monitoring bracelets, bus GPS locations, and video and environmental data to ensure pilgrims have a seamless endto-end experience, from the airport to the holy sites.

The technology can enable organisers to optimise transport, immigration and digital payment processes, while simultaneously promoting crowd safety.

“According to the new SAP and Oxford Economics Digital Transformation Executive Study, 76 per cent of digital transformation leaders invest in the Internet of Things, 70 per cent derive significant value — four times higher than non-leaders — and 71 per cent better develop talent,” commented Steve Tzikakis (pictured), Regional President South Europe, Middle East, and Africa at SAP, the event’s Business Transformation Partner.

“World-class digital business competitiveness demands collaboration and co-innovation across all industries. GITEX Technology Week is both an exciting and strategic platform for SAP to showcase transformational cloud business models and exchange innovative Internet of Things best practices with the goal of positively altering citizen experiences and enabling smart cities across the entire region,” Steve Tzikakis concluded.