In the dynamic realm of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) technologies, the year 2024 is shaping up as a pivotal moment in the history of human and machine connectivity.
First, the next evolution in telecom technology, 5.5G, is expected to gain mainstream adoption this year. Going beyond connectivity speed, this groundbreaking development signifies the continuous expansion of our technological frontiers. 5.5G allows us to prepare for what comes next – the proliferation of connected devices is poised to reach unprecedented levels over the next decade. Some estimates project that connected devices worldwide will reach 30.9 billion units by 2025. Â
This technological advancement promises faster connectivity and real-time, interactive, and more immersive digital experiences. 5.5G is set to upgrade network capabilities tenfold, supporting a 10 Gbps experience with 100 billion connections and native intelligence for numerous services. In essence, 5.5G is not merely an upgrade; it is a necessity to build an intelligent world that can accommodate the explosion of connected devices and cater to the demands of our digitally driven society. At this year edition of Mobile World Congress (MWC 2024), Huawei announced that it will launch a complete set of commercial 5.5G network equipment in 2024.
Middle East operators, pioneers in 5G adoption, stand to benefit significantly from the emergent 5.5G era. Sensing technology, a cornerstone of 5.5G, opens new market avenues for service providers. For example, 5.5G’s sensing capabilities will create a new market for telecom operators, powering use cases such as smart transportation and low error security.
5.5G will be the new foundation for enabling the digital transformation in Middle East and Central Ascia region. With its high-speed connectivity, low latency, and increased capacity, 5.5G can provide a more reliable and secure network infrastructure to support the growing demand for digital services. It will help governments and industries to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience. For instance, 5.5G can facilitate the implementation of smart city initiatives, such as traffic management, public safety, and energy efficiency, leading to cost savings and better quality of life for citizens.
With its advanced capabilities, 5.5G can provide a competitive advantage to businesses operating in the region, making it an attractive destination for foreign investors. Additionally, 5.5G can enable seamless collaboration between local and international enterprises, facilitating knowledge transfer, innovation, and economic growth. Moreover, regional governments have identified manufacturing as a key pillar of economic transformation plans. As the foundation for Industry 4.0, 5.5G enables regional manufacturers to leapfrog legacy production systems and embrace a future-oriented industrial strategy that is more cost-effective, safer and sustainable.
5.5G technology also can provide more opportunities for young people and SMEs in the region, allowing them to pursue their creative pursuits while creating high-quality jobs. With its high-speed connectivity and low latency, 5.5G can enable the development of new digital services and applications, such as VR/AR and gaming, which can appeal to younger generations. Additionally, 5.5G can provide a platform for SMEs to showcase their products and services to a broader audience, expanding their reach and increasing their revenue.
Artificial intelligence will supercharge these efforts. AI-powered analytics can help public and private organisations make data-driven decisions, optimising resource allocation and improving public services. Further, industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics can leverage 5.5G and AI for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and supply chain optimisation. Taken together, the deployment of advanced 5.5G and AI technologies can position the region as a hub for innovation and technological leadership, attracting foreign investments and partnerships.
AI and Cloud drive the new intelligent era
According to a PwC report, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is predicted to contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, more than the current output of China and India combined. The report estimates that the Middle East is set to amass 2 per cent of the total global benefits of AI, equivalent to US$320 billion. This is largely attributed to the government-led push for the accelerated adoption of fourth-generation technologies, with an expedited uptake of AI, Cloud, and other advanced technologies.
The latest breakthroughs in foundation models have completely transformed the landscape of AI. We are now witnessing a shift from scenario-based customisation at a workshop level to large-scale development and application at an industrial level. With the growing adoption of foundation models, there is a pressing need for massive computing power. It is, therefore, absolutely crucial that we establish a leading computing backbone to support the exponential growth of all industries.
The convergence of Cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies specifically heralds a new era in industry transformation. The intersection of these technologies forms a powerful force that adapts dynamically to user needs, optimising network performance, enhancing user experiences, and revolutionising entire industries. Cloud platforms provide the necessary infrastructure for scaling AI applications, ensuring optimal performance and cost efficiency.
Over the last four years, Huawei Cloud has been dedicated to offering cutting-edge cloud services, localised services, and an open ecosystem. As one of the world’s fastest-growing cloud service providers, Huawei Cloud has collaborated with global and local partners to support countries and organisations in achieving digital and intelligent transformation. In ME&CA, the Huawei Cloud Riyadh Region delivers cutting-edge, innovative, highly reliable, low-latency, and secure cloud services. This ensures the excellent operation of customer services on Huawei Cloud.
At MWC Barcelona, Huawei Cloud presented ten AI-oriented innovations and extensive industry expertise in Pangu models. The objective is an AI-ready infrastructure tailored to each industry for a faster journey towards intelligence.
Today’s foundation models are transforming how we produce, interact with, and provide services for traditional applications. They are also redefining business models, making AI a powerful driver for the growth of cloud computing. Even though the potential for AI is enormous, implementing it in accordance with business objectives requires a systematic approach to innovation.
Forging a brighter future for ME&CA talent pipeline
In a fast-evolving technology landscape, the demand for talent in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics is on the rise. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, employers estimate that by 2028, 44 per cent of workers’ skills will become outdated or disrupted. Furthermore, the report states that 60 per cent of workers will require training before 2027. Analytical and creative thinking and utilising AI and big data rank at the top of the list of priorities for skills training.
Across the Middle East and Central Asia, we’re already witnessing collaborative projects and partnerships between government, industry and academia that can bridge the gap between education and a dynamic ICT sector. We are encouraged to see organisations across the board forming strategic partnerships to promote ICT education and youth empowerment. At Huawei, we are committed to regularly collaborating with governments and institutions through initiatives and programs like Seeds for the Future, ICT Competition, the Developer Program, OpenLabs, joint innovation centers and more, all under the umbrella of Huawei ICT Academy, which today operates 2700 Huawei ICT academies, out of which over 200 are in ME&CA region.
The talent ecosystem is a crucial pillar of our business strategy. The Huawei Talent Summit, organised during MWC 2024, brought representatives from governments, international organisations, universities, journalists, and students. It featured governmental views on talent ecosystem development, projects and best practices, talent ecosystem partners, creative innovations and leadership scenarios from the young generation, with a special focus on outstanding achievements by women in the technology field. At the Summit, we made announcements relevant to several talent development initiatives, including the launch of the applications for the global ITU-Huawei Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme; the announcement that the joint project between Huawei and UNESCO’s Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) will be implemented in Morocco; and Huawei Cloud’s startups program.
This collaborative approach is at the core of Huawei’s industry strategy. Whether contributing to smart city development or innovating healthcare solutions, Huawei’s collaborations spark transformative change across various business sectors. The company’s commitment to standards, open-source contributions, ecosystem development, talent cultivation, digital inclusion, and social value initiatives exemplifies a holistic approach to industry collaboration and leadership.
MWC was an opportunity for visitors to experience a different side of Huawei, one that is more innovative, mature in its B2B offerings for industry scenarios, and trustworthy in its range of services. This growing industry acceptance and increasing footfall on our stand is a testament to Huawei’s reputation as a leader in the technology industry. Under the theme of “Advance Intelligence,” Huawei showcased its comprehensive portfolio of 5.5G, F5.5G, network, AI, cloud, green energy and more at the event.
Huawei is dedicated to driving digital transformation in the region through an open collaboration approach targeted at shared success, empowering partners, cultivating ICT talents, and shaping the ICT ecosystem to counter national plans and visions.
