Global digital transformation enabler, SAP, announced today at GITEX Technology Week 2017 that the Internet of Things will catalyse the Middle East’s USD 70 billion digital contribution to GDP.
According to McKinsey, the UAE contribution to that figure is USD 15 billion.
Governments across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southwest Asia are increasingly driving innovative government digital transformation visions to transform lives, from the UAE and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to Kuwait and Egypt, and Pakistan. This is powering the Middle East and Africa’s Internet of Things spend, which is set to grow 20% to USD 8 billion in 2017, says IDC.
Across the Middle East, the Internet of Things is already delivering innovative benefits to people’s day-to-day lives.
At GITEX, SAP is showcasing the ‘Smart Hajj’ concept, which can significantly enhance the journey experience for millions of pilgrims.
Organisers can use real-time analytics based on monitoring bracelets, bus GPS locations, and video and environmental data to ensure pilgrims have a seamless end-to-end experience, from the airport to the Holy Sites. The technology can enable organisers to optimise transport, immigration and digital payment processes, while simultaneously promoting crowd safety.
As this year’s GITEX Business Transformation Partner, SAP is endorsing the Middle East adoption of Internet of Things solutions.
In addition to the Smart Hajj demo, the SAP stand at the event will showcase Internet of Things in Live Airports, the SAP Leonardo Experience for the digital innovation system and SAP Blockchain for Real Estate. SAP Leonardo also interconnects with artificial intelligence, blockchain and machine learning.
“According to the new SAP and Oxford Economics Digital Transformation Executive Study, 76% of digital transformation leaders invest in the Internet of Things, 70% derive significant value – four times higher than non-leaders — and 71% better develop talent,” commented Steve Tzikakis, Regional President South Europe, Middle East, and Africa at SAP, the event’s Business Transformation Partner.
“World class digital business competitiveness demands collaboration and co-innovation across all industries. GITEX Technology Week is both an exciting and strategic platform for SAP to showcase transformational cloud business models and exchange innovative Internet of Things best practices with the goal of positively altering citizen experiences and enabling Smart Cities across the entire region,” Steve Tzikakis concluded.
GITEX Technology Week continues SAP’s momentum from the recent announcements of a 5-year USD 200 million UAE investment plan and a 4-year SAR 285 million investment plan for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with plans to launch local cloud data centres in both markets.
SAP Supports Middle East’s Innovation Mindset
SAP has also signed a co-innovation Internet of Things partnership with a specialist technology partner, Spectrum, to develop a comprehensive and seamless Digital Hospitality Platform. The unique platform will enable hospitality stakeholders to deliver an omnichannel end-to-end customer experience, with an inherent ability for targeted marketing, business analytics, customer loyalty, operational cost optimisation, digital travel booking, and e-commerce, amongst others.
“With mega-events fever in full swing and all of UAE gearing up towards the realisation of the same, our partnership with SAP is a well-timed and extremely exciting one. The core vision of our relationship is to develop a high-end futuristic and particularly interactive Customer Experience Platform, within the next year or two, wherein customers are subject to unique, fun-filled, and seamless experiences on their visit to the United Arab Emirates,” said Ajay Singh Chauhan, Owner, Spectrum Group.
Visitors can also learn about winnovate, powered by SAP. This newly-launched initiative supports individuals and organisations alike, and helps the region embrace innovation by offering collaborative learning opportunities and engaging programs based on various innovation methods.
SAP Recognises Most Innovative Middle East Organisations
At GITEX Technology Week, on Tuesday, October 10, SAP will recognise the UAE winners of the SAP MENA Quality Awards, presented to the region’s most innovative customer deployments. At the event, best practices will be shared with the global audience.
Aligned with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company with Clariba, was recognised for delivering real-time e-government services to more than 300,000 businesses and consumers.
Using SAP’s Big Data analytics, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company is making faster decisions, enabling customers to access their utilities billing and consumption online, and improving performance while cutting costs.
Also recognised were:
SOUQ.com, the region’s largest e-commerce platform, with partner NTT Data, has real-time visibility across finances, logistics, the customer experience, and human resources. SOUQ.com can analyse data from tens of thousands of vendors and millions of customers, allowing the company to scale up.
Easa Saleh Al Gurg, the retail, building, and construction conglomerate, with partners Delaware Consulting and EY, deployed the SAP HANA in-memory platform. Easa Saleh Al Gurg now has real-time dashboards to enhance the customer leasing experience and property performance.
Global automotive exporter, Ghassan Abboud Cars with partner Clariba, delivered a business intelligence project for real-time business reporting to enhance the customer experience.
Advertising and marketing holding company, Omnicom, with partner Gavdi Group, deployed the SAP SuccessFactors talent management platform, to deliver talent management efficiency.
SAP is at Hall 6, exhibiting under the theme of ‘Empathy to Action’. In addition to being the GITEX Business Transformation Partner, SAP is a Gold Sponsor of the Dubai Smart Government stand, and is showcasing future government innovations.
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