Dubai - MENA Herald: The UAE cemented its position as a major global player in driving robotic innovation at the 4th Gulf Information Security Conference and Expo (GISEC) as the country’s bots drew more than 10,000 tech professionals and deal makers at the Middle East’s largest cybersecurity event.
British cybersecurity firms testing the region’s technology waters also left impressed after a successful debut outing at GISEC, which was held concurrently with the 3rd Internet of Things Expo (ioTx) at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) this week.
While Dubai Police’s first active autonomous Robocop enjoyed star billing throughout the three-day show, generating positive headlines in North America, Europe and Asia, another UAE pioneer in robotics made its mark with a bumper deal closer to home..
DigiRobotics, the Dubai-based autonomous robotics and drone solutions provider, signed a deal worth USD26 million with Saudi Arabian defence technology giant, Taqnia. The partnership will form a joint working group focused on manufacturing seven robotic products and implementing smart automation technologies across thousands of factories in the Kingdom.
“This joint venture reflects the importance of cooperation and coordination of the Research and Development Divisions of the two parties on a truly international level,” said Bilal Al Hattab Managing Partner of DigiRobotics Technologies. “With the advances in industry 4.0 factory automation coupled with technical advancements of a new defence and security product line, our partnership with Taqnia opens up possibilities to facilitate industrial manufacturing on totally new levels.”
Engineer Ahmed A. Alzoman, Vice President Projects at Taqnia Robotics, added: “Under this joint venture, the implementation of the agreed initiatives will enable the implementation of 4.0 smart factory automation in the domestic business sector, covering more than 15,000 factories in KSA. Through this deal, Taqnia Robotics is realising the KSA government’s strategic focus to localise all defence and security manufacturing inside the country.”
Meanwhile, aiming to develop partnerships and build lasting relationships to support UAE industry and government departments in securing the nation’s cyber safety, British businesses wrapped up a successful first outing at GISEC with hundreds of potential business avenues. The line-up of companies showcasing UK innovation and cybersecurity expertise on the country’s pavilion included key players such as BT Global Services, CyNation, L3-TRL, Vauban Group, Protection Group International and CRESR, which were led by the UK Department for International Trade.
Graham Chick, Chief Executive of GemaTech UK, a specialist in voice and data technologies and cybersecurity applications, said: "This was our first visit to GISEC and we are very pleased with our networking efforts and interacts with potential end user customers, resellers, systems integrators and other joint venture partners who have all been receptive to our innovative new approach to cyber security and capacity to develop their visions.”
Shadi Alabdul Razak, CTO of CyNation, which provides innovative and automated solutions and cybersecurity expertise, said: “Having chosen GISEC as our entry-point into the UAE and GCC markets, we are impressed with the exhibition attendance and the level of engagement with potential clients and partners, as well as government agencies. We are looking forward to future collaborations with the potential partners we’ve met at GISEC, who recognised our solutions’ ability enhance the security and compliance posture of the UAE critical infrastructure, smart cities and self-driving cars.”
Key GISEC sponsors include DARKMATTER as the Cyber Security Innovation Partner, DigiRobotics as the Smart Manufacturing Partner, Gulf Business Machines as the Official Security Solution Sponsor, Cisco and Spire Solutions as the Platinum Sponsors and InfoWatch as the Panel Sponsor.
Powered by GITEX TECHNOLOGY WEEK, the region’s leading Information and Communications Technology (ICT) event, GISEC 2017 and IoTx 2017 are strictly open to the security and intelligence community only, including government departments, business and enterprise. Visitor attendance to the exhibition halls is free of charge, although attendees must purchase tickets to attend the events’ conferences.
