This year w.media welcomed over 750 digital infrastructure and technology professionals including C-suite executives, business leaders, key buyers, architects, engineers and consultants at the fourth edition of the Dubai Cloud & Datacenter Convention (CDC) that was held alongside our very first Interconnect World Dubai. The day-long event held at Hotel JW Marriott Marquis, ended with the presentation of w.media’s Middle East Awards.
While CDC focused on the cloud and data center industry, Interconnect World attracted bigwigs from companies comprising the Middle East’s vibrant connectivity ecosystem. Power-packed panel discussions were held in two plenary halls simultaneously, giving attending delegates a wide variety of knowledge sharing opportunities.
We brought together a stellar line-up of speakers representing the crème de la crème of the Middle East’s digital infrastructure industry. Discussion topics ranged from UAE’s progress as a digital hub, to sustainability concerns, to impact of AI, to role of hyperscalers, to “future-ready” data centers, and much more.
We also hosted a modest technology expo in the Expo Hall. This is also where we hosted CenterStage, a series of technology presentations, fireside chats, and more intimate conversations with technology experts in a semi-formal environment. Here too conversations touched upon important subjects like GPUaaS vs. traditional cloud, decarbonization, UAE’s peering potential, liquid cooling, skills building, procurement and supply chain challenges, among other topics.
The evening ended with w.media’s Middle East Awards that were given across three pillars: Planet, Projects, and People.
Here’s the complete list of award winners from w.media’s Middle East Awards:
Planet:
Innovation in Data Center Cooling – Huawei Digital Power Technologies Ltd.
Innovation in Energy Efficiency – Equinix
Projects:
Data Center Design and Build – Khazna Data Centers
Digital Technology inside the Data Center – IMG Worlds of Adventure
Innovation in Data Center Engineering for GPUaaS – du
People:
Data Center Operations Team – Equinix
Talent Acquisition and Management Team – AVAR
Hyperscale Infrastructure Leader – Hasan Al Naqbi, CEO, Khazna Data Centers
Hyperscale Infrastructure Leader – Tarek Alashram, CEO, Gulf Data Hub
We also recognised the talent of technology leaders and experts from across MENA by including them in w.media’s Critical Digital Infrastructure (CDI) Index. The event also presented attendees with an opportunity to meet and network with fellow professionals, industry leaders, technology experts and vendors. Here are a few images from Dubai CDC, Interconnect World, CenterStage and networking sessions:
