The fifth session hosted the finals of the Africa IoT & AI Challenge, Women in Tech Summit and 5G Summit

In line with its strategic efforts to raise societal awareness on the importance of modern technologies and their role in achieving development goals around the world, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) hosted the activities of Global Conference on Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things (IEEE GCAIoT 2021) in its fifth edition, which was held under the slogan “Societal Impacts of Digital Disruption” in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 13-16 December at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel. The event was held with a number of organizing partners, most notably the University of Dubai (UD), IEEE TEMS, IEEE Region and The Global innovation & Entrepreneurship (GIE) The leader in innovation and entrepreneurship programs and initiatives in the Middle East and North Africa region.

IEEE GCAIoT, which was held with the participation of more than 38 countries, studied the role of the global pandemic caused by the spread of the Covid-19 virus in accelerating digital transformation and strengthening reliance on modern digitization solutions and tools in the Middle East and Africa region as well as the role of digital innovation in constructive contribution. 

Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, stressed that the conference aims to fill the gap between research and practical application in these areas, stressing their quest to develop the fields of “Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things” for a better future. “GCIoT enables all of us to meet distinguished scientists, researchers, speakers and panelists, deans of colleges and specialized engineers from different countries around the world who come together to share their experience and research findings,” he added. 

For his part, Engineer/Mohamed Aboud, Chair of IEEE TEMS Regional Activities, MENA Region, stated: “Today we have a real opportunity to shape the future and determine the right path for sustainable development endeavors based on digital tools and solutions to improve the efficiency of the work of key sectors in Countries. To meet the changing requirements of the business sector and the vision of Governments, and to provide a much easier and faster life in the context of social distancing measures and the changes that have taken place in societies as a result of the spread of Covid-19.”  He explained that the UAE’s hosting of this event is a new step in the path toward digital excellence and forefront in transferring modern trends in AI and IoT Industry.

The conference hosted a number of discussion sessions and presentations of working papers and scientific research that reviewed the global developments in the field of AI and IoT and their impact on industry and government trends, in addition to a number of technical workshops and accompanying events, the most important of which are the Industry Summit, the finals of Africa IoT & AI Challenge, Women in Tech Summit, IEEE Summit for 5G Technologies, and an exhibition of graduation projects and innovative ideas for startups.

It is worth mentioning that the conference was strategically sponsored by Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), Borg Al Arab Innovation Cluster in Alexandria, National Telecom Regulatory Authority of Egypt, and International Telecommunication Union, while the activities of Africa IoT & AI Challenge Finals are officially sponsored by Benya, IEEE Africa Council, and IEEE TEMS.