The crème de la crème of the cloud and data center industry flocked to Dubai for W.Media’s Cloud and Data Center Convention and Awards 2023 that was held at Hotel Conrad on October 12th.
Over 350 industry experts and thought leaders, including C-level executives, digital infrastructure professionals including architects, engineers and consultants (AECs), key buyers, decision makers, data center owners and operators were in attendance.
Ambassador Dunston P, Group CEO, Office of H.H Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al-Qassami for Strategic Alliances and Policies, delivered the keynote address. He said, “For the last few decades, the UAE has been attracting a large number of global technology companies because of the rise of technology-focused young consumers and an evolving digital landscape in the region.” He further said, “Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the primary data center hubs with over 90 percent existing third-party data centers.”
This was followed by a series of power-panel discussions where industry veterans, experts, and analysts got together to share their ideas on the evolving face of the cloud and data center industry in the middle east, and some of the biggest challenges it faces.
The first power panel discussion was moderated by data center industry veteran Sandeep Dandekar where speakers discussed technological and infrastructure investments needed to deliver the digital future of the Middle East.
“UAE has never been shy of adopting new and emerging technologies,” said Sujit Nair, Director, Data Center, Cloud & Digital Products Moro Hub. Indeed, Moro Hub has set high standards about the use of sustainable energy sources to make data centers more climate friendly. “The customers are driving the initiative for greener energy,” said Stephen Beard, Global Head of Data Centers, Knight Frank.
The sentiment was echoed by Tomi Anyanwu, Director, Design Delivery – EMEA, Equinix, during another panel dscussion later in the day, when he said, “Sustainability is important. Hyperscale customers want to see that you use green energy.”
Himmat Mohammed, Chief Information Officer (CIO) Gulf Data Hub, participated in a discussion on Hybrid configurations, and said, “This (cloud and data center) ecosystem is evolving daily. Hybrid and multi-cloud are the way forward.” Dr. Shivagami Gugan who was moderating the panel also weighed in on concerns about data safety, saying, “Security is imperative now for hyperscalers.”
In another panel discussion on cyber security, Shumon A Zaman, Chief Information and Digital Officer, Ai & Sons Holding LLC reminded everyone of the ever-growing threat from cyber criminals. He said, “We are in a region that is booming. We have become a hub of success, and this brings with it its own challenges. These include security risks and (cyber) attacks.”
“We are living in an era when everything is about data. Data is the new oil,” said Dr. Lt. Col. Hamad Al Khalifa Al Nuaimi, Head of Telecommunications Division, Information Technology Center, Abu Dabhi Police General Head Quarters. “When it comes to countering cyber threads, we cannot work solo, we have to cooperate and work together,” he added.
Speaking during yet another panel discussion, Vijay Jain, Head IT, Dulsco, explained what was necessary to bridge the skills shortage in the cloud and data center industry saying, “It requires action from all stakeholders to address skills shortage. Better government funding is required. Then we need amended curriculum in universities and training institutes. Also, the industry needs to come together and it needs to become a collaborative effort.”
The day-long event culminated in a glittering awards ceremony. Here’s the list of award winners:
- Platino Group for Digital Technology inside the Data Center
- Equinix for Network & Interconnect initiative
- Project Nautilus – du Data Center, Silicon Oasis for Innovation in Energy Efficiency
- Mr. Mohammed Noufel from Royal Continental Hotels and Suites was awarded Technology Leader
- Mr. Kamel Al-Tawil from Equinix was awarded Business Leader
The event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Marine Electricals, Emircon, Equinix, Naficon, PermAlert, Sunbird, Starline, Sudlows, and TTK.