ICT Sector’s Global Capabilities Displayed At Telecom World Event

The recently-held Telecom World 2018 has provided Qatar with an excellent platform to drive its digital transformation, and for strategic networking opportunities with innovation leaders, according to the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA).

The event, which focused on technologies, innovations, ideas, policies, and regulations to bridge the digital divide, was organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Durban, South Africa.

The CRA said the event attracted 3,100 participants from 94 countries, 300 exhibitors, 157 speakers, 43 panel sessions, workshops and sponsored sessions, 65 shortlisted SMEs for the ITU Telecom World Awards 2018, and over 200 leaders and decision makers from 74 countries.

A high-level Qatari delegation led by CRA president Mohamed Ali al-Mannai was supported by Qatar’s ambassador to South Africa Abdullah Hussein al-Jaber and Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) assistant undersecretary of Digital Society Development Sector Reem al-Mansoori.

Al-Mansoori spoke at the forum, ‘Smart Cities: Innovations in Sustainable Urban Living’, which was attended by influential global audience spanning governments, key ICT industry players, international organisations, high-growth SMEs, consultants, academia, and media, among others.

Besides smart cities, other key topics included technological developments and impacts in 5G, IoT, artificial intelligence (AI), digital literacy, supporting tech SME growth, and the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

ITU Telecom World featured inspiring showcases of cutting-edge technology and innovations that truly reflect the social impact and the progress made in the ICT sector on a daily basis.

“Together with the MoTC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offices abroad, it is CRA’s intention to bring the Qatari technology innovations to such international platforms to showcase the potential our young entrepreneurs have. This will truly help CRA achieve its objective of enabling the development of a sustainable digital society for the people of Qatar,” said al-Mannai.

Al-Mansoori said: “The advancements in digital technologies have opened up new avenues to transform the spaces we live in. Qatar is adapting and integrating cutting-edge technologies to help achieve outstanding results and innovation for our people.

“Smart technology drives sustainable growth across different sectors of the economy. However, it is vital to ensure that the Qatari society in general and businesses are empowered with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to use ICT effectively to transform Qatar into a truly information-based economy. Initiatives such as the Tasmu Smart Qatar programme are driving Qatar’s digital transformation towards a smart future.”

Al-Jaber said: “Qatar and South Africa have witnessed a steady increase in the development of bilateral relations and in multiple areas, including political, economic, and investment , ITU Telecom World has provided an excellent platform enabling the ICT sector to leverage local and global digital capabilities, and promoting key investment opportunities with innovation partners across the world to bring the best practices and ideas to Qatar.” – Gulf Times