Cisco facility to help businesses adapt digitally
dubai — US technology giant Cisco on Tuesday launched an innovation and experience centre (IXC) in Dubai which will expedite digital transformation in the UAE and the region in terms of artificial intelligence, automation and virtual reality.
Inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports, chairman and chief executive of Emirates airline and Group, the firm will target 24 industry verticals, including retail, education, healthcare, transportation, oil and gas, smart city among others.
Serving the entire Middle East, the facility will extend over 9,000 square feet and offer live in-person and remote demos on Cisco’s solutions.
“According to one of our studies, 75 per cent of projects today that are related to digital transformation either face major challenges or fail because this process requires a comprehensive approach and taking risk. All our solutions are disruptive with proven technology,” said Osama Al Zoubi, chief technology officer, Cisco Middle East.
Chuck Robbins, CEO of Cisco, also attended the opening ceremony of the IXC at Dubai Knowledge Village on Tuesday.
“In today’s highly dynamic, fast-moving world, we must accelerate our pace of innovation like never before,” Robbins said, adding that IXC takes a unique approach that will help governments and businesses across the region develop solutions.
Al Zoubi said: “We believe all verticals must start their digital transformation journey in order
In today’s highly dynamic, fast-moving world, we must accelerate our pace of innovation like never before Chuck Robbins, CEO of Cisco
to deliver the business outcome that is expected of them.”
Citing an example, Al Zoubi said: “For a waste management fleet company, the vehicles have a schedule to collect waste from each garbage bin, irrespective of whether it is 10 per cent or 100 per cent full. But if we connect those vehicles and bins, then we have realtime visibility on the bin being full or not. So, we can send the vehicle to the exact location when needed. This will reduce waste and traffic in the city and also enhance utilisation of the fleet.”
Al Zoubi revealed that its 330,000 programmers from around the world will be connected to its DevNet — including its Dubai office — with capabilities to develop solutions for automation, real-time monitoring as well as other solutions required by the government and private sector entities in the UAE and the region.
— waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com