The East is About Satellites: a Review of the Communications Industry at GITEX GLOBAL 2022
The world's largest technology exhibition GITEX GLOBAL 2022 was officially opened at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE.
The UAE continues to be one of the most attractive ICT markets in the Middle East, with both the private and public sectors playing a role. The Middle East Institute recently reported that the UAE’s spending on ICT will reach $23 billion by 2024.
The UAE became the first country in the Arab region and the fourth in the world to launch 5G. Both of its leading operators – Etisalat and du – have made a great contribution to improving the quality and availability of telecommunications services in the country. The UAE ranks first in mobile speeds at 193.51 Mbps and is among the top 20 countries globally in the fixed broadband index.
Telecom service providers are also constantly working to maximize fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) penetration by upgrading their networks and increasing local and international network and data capacity. As a result, the UAE ranks third in the world in the Most Connected Countries Index that measures the level of communication in mobility infrastructure, information technology, as well as global and social communication.
During the pandemic, the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) began to partner with satellite operators to provide high-speed satellite broadband services to students and teachers in various locations, expanding the reach of the MoE's distance learning initiative and encouraging students to access e-learning platforms.
Satellite channels are also indispensable for the development of the Internet of Things (IoT). The overall IoT market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 22% over the next five years up to $525 bn, and the satellite IoT business is estimated to generate $6 bn in cumulative revenues over the same period.
At GITEX, Thuraya, the mobile satellite division of Yahsat, signed an additional commercial agreement to develop a next generation IoT platform with eSAT Global, an Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity solution provider that will bring to market a new revolutionary, low-cost, direct, low-latency IoT service. Investment in eSAT is an opportunity to participate in a rapidly growing sector that is still vastly underestimated and is closely associated with Yahsat's strategy to prioritize growth sectors.
GITEX GLOBAL 2022 features some of the world's most innovative technology giants including Microsoft, IBM, Dell Technologies, Ericsson, Avaya, Honeywell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, e&, Lenovo, Cisco and Huawei. UAE companies looking to accelerate their digital initiatives include Emirates NBD and the telecommunications giant Etisalat.
The Russian pavilion at the exhibition is represented by Made in Russia and Made in Moscow brands. The combined Made in Russia exposition occupies more than 560 square meters with 31 participants’ stands installed. At GITEX, Russian companies present solutions in the field of information security and elimination of cyber threats, digitalization of healthcare, software for various industries and services, as well as equipment for telemetry and dispatching and building telecommunication networks. RSCC takes part in the exhibition and negotiates with existing and potential clients. Customers from Middle East, who are already cooperating with RSCC, have confirmed their interest in the services provided by the Russian operator. Telecom companies from MENA countries expressed their interest in partnership with Russian Satellite Communications Company.