Looking into the future: high technologies at GITEX in Dubai

Flying cars and robot dogs, meetings in the meta-universe and autopiloted cabs were just some of the technologies that were on display earlier this month at the GITEX (Gulf Information Technology Exhibition) in Dubai. In its 42 years of existence, GITEX has grown from a niche showroom to a representative global event attracting 5,000 companies from 90 countries.

“GITEX is by far the largest technology show in the world and is a testament to the success that Dubai and the Arab Emirates as a whole can achieve when they focus on developing a sector. We really focus on technology, global players come to GITEX hoping not only to find buyers from different countries, but also to enter the UAE market,” said Omar Al Olama, Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work System.

The exhibition, which is located in the Dubai World Trade Center, covers about 200,000 m² of exhibition space, which is almost 33 soccer fields.

One of the highlights for visitors was a two-seat flying car. The futuristic Chinese prototype Xpeng X2 is made of carbon fiber and can carry two passengers without emitting carbon dioxide. It is designed to move around the city, at low altitude, with a maximum flight speed of 80 mph.

Eng Liu Xining, Senior Researcher for Aerospace Engineering at XPENG AEROHT: “We started by developing small copters, so we gained experience. Gradually, the aeromobile increased in size and became more safety-conscious. It took us eight years to reach this stage. I think we need another two or three years to launch sales and start working on the next generation.

But if you prefer to get around on the ground, you might be interested in the autopilot cab that the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority is presenting. Work on the car will soon be completed, with thousands of these cars expected to be a familiar sight on the streets of Dubai by the end of next year.

“We are going to test them in different areas of the city. We are launching high-definition maps for some areas of Dubai. The Jumeirah promenade will be such a testing ground, where these cars, equipped with the latest technology, will be tested. These include laser radar, as well as a 360° camera that provides full visibility around the car as it moves through the streets,” says Khaled Alawadi, director of transportation systems.

At the technology show in Dubai, everything is looking to the future. Engineered Arts presented humanoid robots.

This year, the emphasis is also on the development of the meta-universe.

Uli Stanke, MCH Global: “First of all we are an experimental marketing agency, our brands and clients are moving further and further towards digital technologies, in particular virtual space, and we decided to help them in this process. So we developed the immersive Arcadia space, which is a trial concept for a meta-universe that helps brands and marketers understand the possibilities of this new medium.”

The TRMW Foundation, based in Luxembourg, presented its new video service called Room at GITEX. The product creates Zoom-style video calls with 3D technology. Users don’t need to download an app. Room works through a browser and allows one-click meetings in the metaverse.

Stephanie Palomino, CEO and chief product officer, said: “Room allows you to connect with people online as if it were happening in person. Essentially, we’re combating the phenomenon of video conferencing fatigue. Our users love working together in the digital space.”

This year’s GITEX attracted a record number of guests. They are united by a passion for high technology designed to make our future more comfortable.

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