Microsoft showcases smart city solutions at GITEX

Microsoft has come to this edition of GITEX with next-generation smart city solutions, which could help the UAE meet its sustainable development goals and tackle climate change, said a top company official.

“At Microsoft, we constantly strive to find solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time, and few things are more pressing today than solving the issue of climate change. This year,  Microsoft is challenging everyone to imagine a more sustainable future by experiencing how smart cities can become part of the climate solution,” said Sayed Hashish, General Manager, Microsoft UAE.

“GITEX is the home of innovation in the region. This is where everyone comes together to be inspired and hear about the next big technological breakthroughs,” he added.

Reaffirming its commitment to the UAE, its government, and people, Microsoft met its customers and partners in the country on the first day of the five-day exhibition, where the company is showcasing its latest products under the them “Creating a Bolder Digital Future Together”.

In partnership with Schneider Electric and AVEVA, Microsoft has brought a smart city solution to bring Dubai’s sustainability vision to life. The platform unites IoT, advanced analytics, and AI to create a smart city console that can provide real-time insights into the vital aspects of city resources and services such as water and electricity consumption, traffic management, and public safety. Based on these insights, the solution will enable decision-makers to forecast energy needs and make strategic decisions that will play a major part in Dubai’s meeting of its targets set out in its Clean Energy Strategy 2050.

In addition to sustainable cities, Microsoft will continue looking towards what the future of work, introducing GITEX delegates to a range of products and solutions that allow employees to work, learn, and play under new flexible relationships with employers, all fuelled by the intelligent cloud and its attendant technologies, according to a company release.

From the new Windows 11 to Surface 4 laptops, the company will show how a balance can be struck between in-person and digital collaboration. Also on display will be the latest Microsoft Teams features and Viva Connections, which is Microsoft’s suite of solutions designed to promote employee wellbeing, it said.