Under the theme "Leading new ICT — Shape the future," industry leaders discussed the role of ICT innovation in driving the digital transformation agenda at GITEX Technology Week in Dubai.
Held on the sidelines of the first day of the 36th GITEX Technology Week, Huawei First Middle East Innovation Day agenda included a panel discussion highlighted the role of ICT innovations in the fulfillment of national agendas in the region. 
Under the theme "Leading new ICT — Shape the future," industry leaders discussed the role of ICT innovation in driving the digital transformation agenda, supporting the development of key sectors and contributing to the achievement of national initiatives and visions across the region. 
Arwa Y. Al-Aama, vice mayor for IT affairs at Jeddah Municipality, shed light on her experience in the subject area and stressed ICT innovation’s role in driving the digital transformation in Saudi Arabia, helping the Kingdom achieve its Vision 2030 targets. 
David Harmon, VP of global public affairs, Huawei, in his welcome address praised GCC governments for setting a clear priority to encourage an entrepreneurial society that helps drive GDP growth. 
The event included a panel discussion titled "Leading new ICT — Shape the future," led by Roland Sladek, VP, international media affairs at Huawei, and included a number of leaders from across the spectrum of the ICT industry, from government entities, operators, channels, partners and academia. 
Huawei ME Innovation Day also saw the launch of Huawei’s Smart City Index.
“Innovation has played a key role in Huawei’s success and expansion over the last 30 years. The company has invested around $30 billion just in the last ten years on research and development, and has launched 16 R&D centers worldwide along with 36 joint innovation centers,” said Charles Yang, president, Huawei Middle East.
Spacelee, VP, PR, Huawei Middle East, spoke on the increasing focus by regional governments in developing smart city initiatives and demonstrated how intelligent innovation is changing industries, skillsets and traditional ways of doing things.

Source: Arab News