Dubai:– Organised by Dubai Future Foundation, MIT Technology Review and Haykal Media, the second edition of EmTech MENA launched today during the Dubai Future Week with a full schedule of insightful sessions, panel discussions from leading government officials and private sector leaders, as well as a showcase by winners of the ‘Innovators Under 35’ award.  

EmTech MENA offers a platform to showcase how emerging technologies impacts lives, inspires a brighter future and drives the new global economy.

In the opening session, Technology & Creativity Shaping the Future, keynote speaker H.E. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development presented on the intertwined relationship of art and technology as a driver of creativity and culture.

Her Excellency highlighted how Technology plays an integral role in the changing face of cultural practices today, as well as, its offering of myriad of opportunities for culture, expanding our challenges, triggering reflection, awakening empathy and connecting us to one another

Her Excellency added, “In the UAE, the construction of the world's first 3D printed office space, the launch of the National Innovation Strategy, UAE Vision 2021, the Dubai 10X initiative, Dubai Future Accelerators, smart and sustainable cities initiative are all part of our leadership’s efforts to evolve as a knowledge – based economy. The future of culture depends heavily on new technologies. Through digital landscaping, we are creating an archive of culture for the coming generations, safeguarding our history and heritage for years to come.”

On the role of nascent technologies in transforming energy and water sectors, H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director & CEO of DEWA, said: “Modern technologies are driving change in the energy and water sectors, and redefining the concept of utilities. These technologies are helping achieve the vision and directives of the UAE’s wise leadership to keep pace with Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

“In an ambitious move to employ AI to promote the foundations of sustainability and energy efficiency, DEWA launched Digital DEWA in September to disrupt the entire business of public utilities and to become the first digital utility in the world to use autonomous systems for renewable energy and storage,” added His Excellency Al Tayer. 

Abdulaziz Al Jaziri, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operations Officer at the Dubai Future Foundation, said: “Just as how our forefathers transformed the desert into a city of global standards through designing the future; His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid is transforming Dubai into a global innovation hub and a leading city of the future.”

“Through combined efforts such as hosting global events such as EmTech, attracting the right talents and startups to the region, and creating the right ecosystem for innovation to thrive and take shape, Dubai Future Foundation aims to position the city as an open lab that co-creates the future.”

On Tuesday, the second day of EmTech MENA, there will be the Rewriting Life, Future Cities, The Future of Energy & Sustainability panel discussions exploring smart cities, sustainability and healthcare advancements. There will also be speaker sessions by Mariam Ali Alghawi, Director of Gifted Welfare Department and recipient of the Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance and by Madhu Sasidhar, Chief Medical Officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

EmTech MENA for Emerging Technologies is held under the sponsorship of Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) as the Event Partner; Microsoft as a Platinum Sponsor; Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi as Gold Sponsors; Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation For Distinguished Academic Performance as the Exclusive Partner of the ‘Innovators Under 35’ awards; PwC as the Knowledge Partner; and Parsons as a Silver Sponsor.

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© Press Release 2019

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