Saudi IoT Exhibition and Conference
The Saudi IoT (Internet of Things) Exhibition and Conference is a Saudi technology event that keeps pace with technology's growth and development at the local, regional, and global levels. It embraces emerging technologies and highlights their opportunities, contributing to accelerating the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's digital transformation by bringing together technology leaders, innovators, and developers in one venue. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) launched the first edition on January 28, 2018, in collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). The event lasted three days at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Objectives of the Saudi IoT Exhibition and Conference
The Saudi IoT Exhibition and Conference aims to achieve key objectives, such as developing comprehensive strategies to ensure the rapid adoption and growth of IoT, understanding its economic impact in Saudi Arabia, highlighting its role in improving daily life, addressing challenges and threats associated with the technology, removing obstacles facing customers and businesses, and supporting both public and private sectors in keeping up with new technologies.
Applications of the Saudi IoT Exhibition and Conference
The IoT technology concept refers to a network of interconnected devices that can sense and interact with their environment. These devices collect, exchange, and utilize data through wired and wireless technologies, transmitting it to a platform where users can monitor and control it. While IoT technology concept is often associated with smart home products like door controls, lighting, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, the Saudi IoT Exhibition and Conference showcased applications in other fields aimed at environmental sustainability, enhancing quality of life, developing the digital economy, increasing investment opportunities, and improving production efficiency.
Second edition of the Saudi IoT Exhibition and Conference
The second edition of the Saudi IoT Exhibition and Conference, which lasted two days, was held on February 13, 2019. It featured fifty speakers, including researchers, experts, academics, and company executives. The exhibition hosted two hundred local and international companies presenting their latest technological advancements and innovative solutions. It also included an accompanying cybersecurity forum.
Third edition of the Saudi IoT Exhibition and Conference
The number of speakers increased to eighty in the third edition of the Saudi IoT Exhibition and Conference, held on March 8, 2020. KACST showcased its developed technologies, including an IoT application platform and a research program launched in collaboration with the University of California and Qualcomm Center. The city also signed agreements with the Saudi Electricity Company and the National Water Company. Moreover, MCIT issued licenses for IoT Virtual Network Operator (IoT-VNO) services.
Sources
- Saudi IoT Exhibition and Conference.
- Communications and Information Technology Commission.
- Saudi Press Agency (SPA).