december 2023 / vol. 1 issue 8 / an ITP Media Group publication How tech innovation is igniting a new era of shopping and customer experiences Retail renaissance THURSDAY 7 TH MARCH 2024 DUBAI, UAE Where Infrastructure Meets Innovation Step into Middle East Data Centre 360 – an exclusive platform tailored for B2B professionals in the technology and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) sectors, offering an unparalleled exploration of the future of data centres. Be prepared for insightful discussions led by our esteemed speakers, contributing to the crucial dialogue on constructing resilient, efficient, and sustainable data infrastructure. REGISTER TO ATTEND GET IN TOUCH Priyanka Pillai Group Commercial Manager, edge T: +971 4 444 3399 E: priyanka.pillai@itp.com Oliver Osea Senior Commercial Manager, MEP Middle East T: +971 4 444 3129 E: oliver.osea@itp.com ITP.EVENTS/ MIDDLEEASTDATACENTRE360 SCAN TO REGISTERedge_december 2023 3 contents december 2023 14 10 20 cover story Retail renaissance How embracing technology, automation, and ‘phygital’ experiences are propelling the Middle East retail industry 204 edge_december 2023 “As our screens glow with holiday cheer, cybercriminals are working overtime to exploit the surge in online shopping” From Page 50 26 other stories Building resilience Salman Faqeeh, Managing Director, Cisco Saudi Arabia, shares insights into the Kingdom’s cyber landscape 32 Gadget Watch 6 amazing gadgets to keep an eye out for 44 Review Huawei GT 4 48 contents 28 Daniel Pal, Founder and CEO, Chappyzedge_december 2023 5 editor’s letter PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (0)4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offi ces in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Mumbai, Riyadh & Geneva ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Alex Reeve Editorial Group Editor Kate-Lynne Wolmarans +971 4 444 3541 / kate.wolmarans@itp.com Editor Adelle Geronimo +971 4 444 3497 / adelle.geronimo@itp.com Commercial Editor Arya Devi +971 4 444 3175 / arya.devi@itp.com Art Art Director Amjad Ayche Art Editor Tofi q Memon Contributing Designer Muhammed Nahas Advertising Group Commercial Director Anup Nagpurkar +971 4 444 3573 / anup.nagpurkar@itp.com Group Commercial Manager Priyanka Pillai +971 4 444 3399 / priyanka.pillai@itp.com Client Services Manager Cherylann DAbreo +971 4 444 3404 / cherlyann.dabreo@itp.com Photography Chief Photographer Rajesh Raghav Videographer Muhammad Kaleem Senior Video Editor Liju Cheruvathur Social Media & Production Manager Andy Ruedas Multimedia Content Creator & Presenter Mina Vucic Production Production Manager Denny Kollannoor Production Coordinator Manoj Mahadevan Senior Image Editor Emmalyn Robles Distribution Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira Marketing Director of Events & Marketing Daniel Fewtrell ITP Group CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies With the festive season on the horizon, family and friends are preparing their wish lists, and retailers are working overtime to entice customers both online and in-store. This month’s issue is focused on “Retail Renaissance” and explores how technological innovations are transforming the shopping experience for businesses and consumers alike. From personalised recommendations powered by artificial intelligence to fast checkout using mobile payments, the retail industry is undergoing rapid changes to keep up with ever-changing customer demands and expectations. We feature top insights from Cisco AppDynamics’ CTO for EMEA James Harvey on digital customer experiences this season. As he points out, no matter the great discounts, a poor online shopping experience is simply unacceptable in today’s world. Consumers have more choice than ever and will quickly abandon a retailer that frustrates them with long load times or glitchy websites. We also take an in-depth look at how AI is revolutionising experiential retail with commentary from digital consultancy Like Digital & Partners. Of course, with the “golden quarter” comes increased risks of cybercrime. Our tips from cybersecurity leaders Sophos provide practical steps that both retailers and customers can implement to protect themselves from online threats during this busy period. We also feature an exclusive interview with the brilliant minds behind Krasota, one of Dubai’s hottest new culinary destinations. Specialising in immersive dining experiences that seamlessly marry exquisite gastronomy with sophisticated technology, Krasota is redefining the future of fine dining. Finally, with 2023 coming to a close, we take a look at the growth and key milestones from some of the tech players in the region including Oracle, Amazon Web Services, and Kaspersky among others over the past year. Read it on page 14. Enjoy diving into our December issue, and wish you all a festive and joyous end to the year! ‘Til next time! Tech the halls Adelle Geronimo editor Published by and © 2023 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review.6 edge_december 2023 news Google’s new cloud region to add $109 billion to Saudi Arabia’s economy Google Cloud has officially announced the opening of its new cloud region in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. This strategic expansion aims to deliver high-performance, low-latency Google Cloud Platform services, catering to a diverse range of clients from public sector organisations and large businesses to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said, “Our new cloud region in Saudi Arabia will help both public and private sector organisations make the most of their data, leverage generative AI solutions, and create a culture of innovation underpinned by a modern, sustainable infrastructure with built-in security.” This move aligns with Google Cloud’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, reflecting a substantial investment in the region’s technology landscape. According to research commissioned by Google Cloud and conducted by Access Partnership, the new cloud region is anticipated to contribute a cumulative $109 billion to the Saudi economy between 2024 and 2030, with potential economic effects supporting the creation of 148,600 jobs by 2030. The new Dammam cloud region is also expected to play a vital role in supporting the growth ambitions of 1.2 million SMEs in Saudi Arabia. The new cloud region is now part of Google Cloud’s global network of 39 cloud regions and 118 zones, bringing cloud services to over 200 countries and territories worldwide. Organisations in the region will benefit from key controls ensuring high security, data residency, and compliance with local regulatory standards, including specific data storage requirements. news bytes Stay in the loop with the latest news and trends from the tech scene CLOUD 148,600 The number of jobs that will be created by Google’s new cloud region “Our new cloud region in Saudi Arabia will help both public and private sector organisations make the most of their data”edge_december 2023 7 news Kaspersky’s solutions detected a substantial 4,076,530 attempts to download 30,684 unique files masked as popular games, mods, cheats, and other game-related software Cybercriminals targeting gamers worldwide, nearly 2 million affected CYBERSECURITY Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has recently reported a surge in cyber threats targeting the global gaming community, comprising nearly half the world’s population. According to the report, from July 2022 to July 2023, 4,076,530 attempts were made to download disguised files, impacting 192,456 users globally. Minecraft took the brunt with 70.3 percent of attacks, affecting 130,619 players. Roblox followed at 20.4 percent, impacting 30,367 users. Mobile gamers, constituting 40 percent of the world, faced 436,786 infection attempts, with Minecraft enthusiasts as the primary target (90.4 percent). PUBG: Battlegrounds Battle Royale and Roblox also faced significant threats. Shockingly, the emergence of SpyNote, a spy Trojan, disguised as a mod on the Android platform, was noted, exhibiting intrusive capabilities. Phishing and counterfeit distribution pages remain significant threats, emphasising the need for heightened cybersecurity awareness within the gaming community. Passengers can pre-book badrgo by the hour or month, securing special deals for regular school or work trips Qatari company badr Technology has introduced its ride-hailing application, badrgo. Focused on safety, convenience, and affordability, the app, available on Google Play and Apple Store since. Underlining their commitment to customer trust, badrgo is licensed and registered with the Ministry of Transport. Pioneering a fixed starting rate at $1.92 (QAR 7), the app ensures pricing consistency regardless of traffic or demand fluctuations. To mark its debut, badrgo has unveiled the “Ride and Win” campaign, enticing passengers with prizes ranging from shopping vouchers to the grand prize of a brand-new 2024 model Kia Seltos. The campaign spans 10 e-draws, concluding on February 12, 2024, with winners announced on social media platforms. Passengers can pre-book badrgo services on an hourly or monthly basis, enjoying special deals for regular trips. With plans to expand across the Middle East and Asia, badrgo aims to provide a user-friendly and fast experience, catering to evolving local market needs and international standards. Qatar launches new ride-hailing app APPS8 edge_december 2023 news Sam Altman returns as OpenAI CEO after being ousted by the board Sam Altman is set to reclaim the position of CEO at OpenAI after a recent boardroom upheaval. Former president Greg Brockman, who resigned in protest of Altman’s abrupt firing, is also making a return. The company is undergoing a board overhaul, and an “agreement in principle” has been reached for Altman’s return. The new board includes notable figures like Bret Taylor, Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo, with negotiations indicating their primary task is to vet and appoint a larger board of up to nine members to reset OpenAI’s governance structure. This development follows the threat of mass resignations by almost all of OpenAI’s employees in response to Altman’s ousting. Microsoft, a significant investor in OpenAI, is keen on securing a seat on the expanded board, reflecting the strategic partnership between the two entities. Altman’s reinstatement comes after being ousted by the OpenAI board, failed negotiations for his return, and Microsoft’s announcement of his and Brockman’s involvement in spearheading a new advanced AI research team at the tech giant. Emmett Shear the former chief of Twitch who was appointed as interim CEO, reportedly threatened to resign unless the board produced evidence of wrongdoing to justify Altman’s firing. Following the announcement of Altman’s return, Shear referred to it as “the pathway that maximised safety alongside doing right by all stakeholders involved,” indicating a resolution to the recent turmoil at OpenAI. An investigation into the circumstances leading to Altman’s initial removal is set to be conducted by an independent law firm to bring transparency to the situation. BUSINESS OpenAI’s popular platform has over 100 million weekly usersedge_december 2023 9 news Aramco’s agreement encompasses the delivery of supercomputer infrastructure, along with hosting, maintenance, support, and associated services Saudi Aramco signed $87 million contract for supercomputers HARDWARE Arabian Internet and Communication Services Company (solutions by stc) and Saudi Aramco have solidified a significant contract with a total value of $87.7 million (SAR 329 million). The comprehensive agreement encompasses the delivery of supercomputer infrastructure, along with hosting, maintenance, support, and associated services, as officially disclosed in a statement. solutions by stc will play a pivotal role in supporting Aramco’s digital transformation journey over the next five years. This support includes the provision of private secured network facilities, the implementation of advanced cybersecurity measures, and the establishment of robust access control mechanisms. The partnership extends beyond immediate technological improvements. solutions by stc highlighted that the collaboration’s effects will be evident in its financial statements, starting in the fourth quarter of 2023. The dedication to a five-year commitment underscores a long-term vision for shared growth and success in the rapidly changing landscape of digital infrastructure. New gaming programme to create 30,000 new job opportunities in Dubai Dubai is gearing up to launch a new initiative aimed at bolstering the gaming sector, which is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs and contribute around $1 billion to the economy by 2033. The ‘Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033’, approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation, is designed to position Dubai among the top 10 cities in the global gaming industry. This ambitious endeavour aims to generate 30,000 new job opportunities in the gaming sector and enhance its role in Dubai’s digital economy, thereby increasing the GDP by an estimated $1 billion by 2033. The Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033 will create a nurturing environment for developers and attract leading technology companies worldwide, with a focus on businesses specialising in digital content and experiences. It will offer support to developers, designers, programmers, entrepreneurs, and startups in the creative industries, contributing to Dubai’s growth as a future-ready city. Sheikh Hamdan launches ‘Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033’ GAMINGNext >