5G has taken center stage at Gitex Global 2024, the world’s largest tech and startup event, where attendees experienced the vast possibilities of this revolutionary wireless technology. The “Intelligent Connectivity” event featured a mix of thought-provoking discussions and exhibitors showcasing powerful products and services poised to change the world in the coming years.
As the GSMA predicts a seismic shift in connectivity, with 1.4 billion devices expected to be connected to 5G by 2025, the 5G landscape is projected to fuel a $1.1 trillion IoT market within a $3.9 trillion mobile economy.
The expertly curated program gathered influential figures from global enterprises and organizations, including Khalid Murshed, Chief Technology & Information Officer at e&, Wang Hui, President of NCE Data Communication Domain at Huawei China, and Thomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary General at ITU Switzerland. They were joined by Roque Lozano, SVP of Network Infrastructure MEA at Nokia, Kazuhiro Gomi, President and CEO of NTT Research, and SG Chung, Chief AI Global Officer at SK Telecom.
Beyond the discussions, the showcase featured an array of impressive technologies from leading exhibitors such as Huawei, e&, Nokia, China Telecom, Ericsson, Cisco, and Beyon. These industry giants presented cutting-edge solutions, underscoring Gitex Global’s role as a key platform for exploring the future of connectivity and digital transformation.
A Glimpse into a 5G-Advanced AI Future
With 5G and AI on the verge of catalyzing a significant shift in the telecommunications landscape, Khalid Murshed, Chief Technology & Information Officer of e&, one of the largest telecommunications operators in the Middle East and North Africa, discussed the transformative potential of these network capabilities.
“5G and 5G advanced serve as a platform for innovation, driving demand for further network enhancements,” he said. “We must build a capable network and integrate AI applications, which we are doing in tandem. This is not merely about technology leadership; it’s a collaborative effort to enable new use cases while maintaining live networks and private 5G.”
Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, identified several key technologies as the backbone of its solutions for facilitating an intelligent future. The company highlighted that 5G-Advanced (5G-A) is crucial for supporting rapid, low-latency communication essential for developing advanced applications, alongside big data, AI, and cloud computing.
AI and 5G Fueling the Future of Autonomous Vehicles
The future of mobility and the impact of 5G on autonomous vehicles was another highlight of the event. Siyuan Liu, Head of IoT Partnership & Strategy at China Unicom Global, explained that the company is accelerating efforts in the AI and vehicle connectivity industries, with 5G playing a pivotal role.
She noted that 5G is vital for the growth of autonomous vehicles, reshaping society and enabling more accurate decision-making to improve transportation efficiency and safety. Wang Hui, President of Huawei’s NCE Data Communication Domain, also emphasized the extensive use of AI applications in China’s autonomous vehicles and healthcare services.
Unleashing Powerful Innovations
Thousands of visitors were introduced to disruptive products and services powered by 5G at the highly anticipated exhibition, which attracted leading tech enterprises and solution providers in telecoms, networks, and infrastructure. Attendees were presented with a plethora of innovative options, featuring groundbreaking partnerships and product launches.
e& announced a collaboration with Vodafone Business IoT to utilize the company’s Global SIM+ eSIM solution for in-vehicle connectivity and enhanced digital services for Mercedes-Benz AG drivers in the UAE, set to launch commercially in the first half of 2025.
The company also showcased the Nissan Hyper-Force, an all-electric high-performance supercar connected through e& UAE 5G SIM cards, offering an unparalleled driving experience. Additionally, they unveiled new human-digital advisors that combine hologram technology and AI to cater to the diverse cultural nuances of Telecom customers in the UAE.
At Avaya’s stand, attendees experienced the creation of “superpower agents,” powered by AI, showcasing new capabilities that assist individuals in making scalable decisions to help businesses grow.
Gitex Global is seamlessly connecting the world’s largest network of tech events, including Gitex EUROPE in Berlin, Gitex ASIA in Singapore, Gitex AFRICA in Morocco, and Gitex Nigeria, all part of its portfolio. These events are fostering collaboration and driving innovation to shape the tech landscape of tomorrow.
