IoT trends 2018. Middle East region
- Smart and Connected Economy
This trend has been successfully promoted by the global governance and taken with much enthusiasm in the UAE and KSA. According to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: “By 2030, 25% of all transportation trips in Dubai will be smart and driverless. The strategy is projected to generate economic revenues and savings of up to AED 22 billion a year (6 billion dollars).” In order to implement this plan into life, Dubai will be investing in the smart economy. Needless to say, the areas like Dubai Internet City, will be the brain centres to Smart Dubai initiative. The idea of smart, in its turn, greatly depends on things “talking to each other”, connected. Today, we witness numerous trade shows and conferences themed “Connected” and “Smart”. For example, Telematics conference Middle East & Africa will take place in Dubai soon, where Alexander Smirnov, Gurtam Business Development Director, will speak about a trend, how telematics makes business smart and connected today because it is the bridge between the current state of affairs and the future. And in 2018, this trend will be dominating and rewarding the companies developing their solutions in this direction.
2. The concept of “sharing”
This is a general social trend that is promoted and advanced among the younger generation. Whether it is Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, the office, or a vehicle, new people tend to enjoy the experiences rather than appreciate ownership. Regardless of the fact that you may consider this as positive or negative, the trend will start being implemented in different domains of life. But interestingly enough, in the automotive industry too. The industry will need to be prepared and integrated into this trend, both in terms of the embedded technologies and sales & marketing strategies. The integration will presuppose movement towards opening protocols and communicating to different other things.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This factor is technology-driven. Despite some fears of machines being able to decide for themselves what should or should not happen, what improves efficiency or serves as an obstacle, the technological advancements in this line will gradually find their way into the world of practical use. Systems that will help drivers to stay awake or make sure they do not get distracted by the phone (ADAS), will be in place for logistics companies and school bus fleets. The concept of a “driverless vehicle” will be causing further development of the systems that help cars keep in the lane and park themselves.
4. Cost saving due to VAT and more taxes
This trend will be called for by the practical needs of businesses, small ones that want to save as much as possible, and big ones that do not want to overspend. This trend will be specific to the KSA and the UAE but will spread to other countries of the region in the near future as they adjust their tax legislation. Companies will start counting their budgets more closely. Facing the easier but undesirable alternatives (hiring less or firing their employees) which might affect their growth, a lot will listen to reason and will find ways to cut on the existing costs by improving processes and practices. Better driving behavior that can reduce fuel consumption and decrease asset depreciation might be looked at now as a must, not as a fancy idea of a good driver. Planned and controlled maintenance, fuel measurement that can save hundreds of thousands of dollars will be on-demand as a serious matter.
5. Electric vehicles
Another technology-driven trend that has been successfully promoted by some brave private companies. Although Elon Musk sales plans might be too optimistic, the success of his undertaking leaves no doubts. Alternative energy vehicles are here to stay. And to replace a lot of the existing fossil fuel fleets. Not tomorrow but quite soon. The new mode of fueling will require new modes of energy monitoring, advanced infrastructure for the “community” of electric vehicles that will require bigger integrations. As the trend will be spreading, it will turn into a mode of life rather than a novelty. The result of this trend is the Global EVRT, the first electric vehicle road trip. Ten electric vehicles will cross the UAE and Oman without a single drop of petrol. By the way, Inbound LLC company, a dedicated Gurtam company partner in the Middle East region, has become one of the sponsors of this special industry event by providing Intrack, their GPS tracking solution. To keep the audience informed of the course of the road trip, the company uses the Locator tool by Gurtam to share electric cars locations and help everyone to keep up with the progress made.
6. Safety
Although not a new one, this factor will be specifically important and promoted in some countries, in KSA, for example. The new legislation allowing women to drive will bring forward a whole new group of prospective customers for the car dealerships that have already been preparing for this event. Simultaneously, the roads will evidence a huge increase in the inexperienced drivers whose safety will be endangered. To protect life and health of this new group as well of the other participants of the traffic, new measures of monitoring (video) will be required, closer control of certain roads and areas.
7. Pre-Dubai Expo 2020
By the end of 2020 in the Arab Emirates, they plan to finish a large-scale Dubai Smart City project that will turn the city into one of the most digital and eco-friendly places in the world. That’s why so many meetings in the region are focused on the discussion of smart-technologies. One of the areas of “smart cities” development is Smart Transportation that implies the wide use of telematics solutions. Telematics devices and software will allow to improve public transportation, reduce waiting time and costs. All these aspects are a part of eco-driving that is of great importance in Smart City project. This is a market-driven and local trend that will be relevant globally. Dubai will be attracting investment for its projects to shine in 2020 and demonstrate its beauty and efficiency to the whole world. We hope we will be able to contribute to this sound idea by providing thorough solutions to the participants of this great event and the amazing city.
