Gulf Business October 2021 by Motivate Media Group

Gulf Business

CONTENTS / OCTOBER 2021

The Brief An insight into the news and trends shaping the region with perceptive commentary and analysis

Going green Exploring Expo 2020 Dubai’s subtheme of sustainability

Thriving tomorrow Understanding the Expo’s subtheme of opportunity

Special Report: Country pavilions Here’s what some of the Expo participating nations will showcase

October 2021

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SUPER CHRONOMAT

CONTENTS / OCTOBER 2021

Lifestyle

Driving the future p.64

A taste of the world p.70

OPPO’s Reno6 Pro 5G p.75

“We promise people from all over the world an unprecedented Expo. The six months of the event will go down in history for the ideas and inventions that will benefit humanity for years to come” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai

The SME Story Interviews with entrepreneurs and insights from experts on how the regional SME ecosystem is evolving

Editor-in-chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer Managing partner and group editor Ian Fairservice Group director Andrew Wingrove andrew.wingrove@motivate.ae Editor Aarti Nagraj aartin@motivate.ae aartinagraj Deputy editor Varun Godinho varun.godinho@motivate.ae varungodinho Tech editor Divsha Bhat bhat@motivate.ae Contributor Zainab Mansoor editorial.freelancer@motivate.ae zzainabmansoor Senior art director Olga Petroff olga.petroff@motivate.ae Art director Freddie N. Colinares freddie@motivate.ae Photographer Joachim Guay Cover: Freddie N. Colinares

General manager – production S Sunil Kumar Assistant production manager Binu Purandaran Production supervisor Venita Pinto Chief commercial officer Anthony Milne anthony@motivate.ae Group sales manager Manish Chopra manish.chopra@motivate.ae Senior advertising manager Ravi Dutt ravi.dutt@motivate.ae Group marketing manager Joelle AlBeaino joelle.albeaino@motivate.ae Group marketing manager Dominic Clerici dominic.clerici@motivate.ae Vol. 26. Issue 4. September 2021 Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

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October 2021

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zero-hour. This is our decisive moment. For CO2, time is up. For every single company, every single industry. It’s time to transition to a post-carbon world. It’s net zero everything. Or nothing. Time to get ahead. Or get left behind. It’s why, with a holistic, scientific perspective, our Net Zero Investing Strategies can analyse and decarbonise entire portfolios. So our clients can benefit from the industry leaders preparing for the economic impact of a net zero transition. Not tomorrow, but today. Because net zero isn’t 30 years away. Net zero is now. Find out more about our Net Zero Investing Strategies at LombardOdier.com

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People who see challenges differently, see the world differently. A world where healthcare workers are better equipped to treat patients. Where energy is more sustainable and can power more lives. And where faraway places feel closer with flight that’s more fuelefficient. Because seeing a smarter, healthier, cleaner world isn’t something that’s far in the future. It’s the world we’re building now.

Changing focus

The Brief Hospitality Startups Future Technology Social

10 11 13 14 17

The mindset around health in the UAE has shifted during the pandemic PRIORITY AREAS Family health Mental health and emotional wellbeing Physical health Financial health

OCT

MAJORITY OF THE RESPONDENTS ALSO PLACE HIGH IMPORTANCE ON

72%

Access to care, such as medical advice or treatment

72%

Home environment and living conditions as they work more from home

73%

Work-life balance

SOURCE: CIGNA’S LATEST 360° WELLBEING STUDY

Catalyst for exponential growth With thousands of people from across the world converging at Expo 2020 Dubai, the event will serve as a platform to herald the ‘great reset’ p. 12 gulfbusiness.com

October 2021

The Brief / Q&A INTERVIEW

Haitham Mattar Managing director for India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts

Explainer: Has the UAE’s hospitality sector recovered from the pandemic?

The hospitality sector is one small part of the Expo ecosystem but the event is fueling medium- and long-term growth within the sector

ILLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES/ WESTEND61

Across the sector, we are getting Expo ready, launching services, repurposing facilities and catering to different tastes and palettes. At IHG Hotels, we are creating Expo 2020 passports for kids and organising specialised amenities and food menus that cater to all nationalities. Have guest expectations changed for the longer-term?

The Covid-19 pandemic has marked the most difficult period in the hospitality industry’s history, with significant social and economic disruption, and has also led to changes in consumer behaviour. Our guests still value and cherish our services and tailored experiences, but at the same time, we are seeing renewed emphasis on health, wellness as well as a flexibility in cancellation terms and conditions. Has the UAE hospitality sector bounced back from the pandemic?

Looking ahead, where do you see greater demand in the GCC – luxury or midscale?

The UAE continues to dominate the Middle Eastern travel market with its supply and bookings across all travel segments, and this will continue to see aggressive growth as Expo 2020 opens in October. After the challenging times of the pandemic, the Expo is a welcome opportunity for those of us in the hospitality industry, and we are already seeing the benefits of this event in the wider economy. This is encouraging after so many months of hardship.

The Middle East, long viewed as a travel destination synonymous with luxury, is specifically positioned to ride a rising tide of recovery in the luxury travel and tourism sector, owing to the rebound in air passenger traffic in 2021 and the strength of the existing demand for domestic style ‘staycations’. The pandemic may have affected the travel and tourism industry worldwide, but the sector is also one of the few that has the potential to recover quickly. Millions of people around the globe have set luxury travel as a near-term goal and with many Middle Eastern countries opening up to tourists, it’s fast becoming one of the few safe luxury travel destinations around the world. Having said that, the market is diversifying as the region promotes itself to a wider base of travellers and new source markets. This has resulted in an upturn in demand across different segments of accommodation including midscale, upscale and luxury hotels. There is also the rise of alternate types of branded accommodation such as micro hotels and design-led lifestyle hotels that provide guests with unique experiences.

How much of an impact will Expo 2020 have on the sector?

The Expo is a huge opportunity for us, and especially a welcome event after the difficult months of 2020. There is a renewed optimism around the event, which in turn is spurring more growth across the UAE economy. The hospitality sector is one small part of the Expo ecosystem but the event is fueling medium- and longterm growth within the sector. According to the latest forecast from the hospitality-industry data provider STR, Dubai hotel occupancy will rise by an astonishing 77 per cent year-on-year in Q4, with revenue per available room rising by an even stronger 86 per cent. Room supply is also expected to grow by 3.6 per cent year-on-year in Q4. The uplift that the event provides will resonate across the UAE, with hotel occupancy expected to rise in Abu Dhabi as well as Dubai. 10

October 2021

Dubai hotel occupancy

expected year-onyear rise in Q4

77%

How can operators ensure they remain competitive – especially with the rise of Airbnb and other such platforms?

There is space within the sector for traditional gulfbusiness.com

The Brief / Startups A N A LY S I S

operators as well as alternative concepts like Airbnb and HomeAway, as our propositions are different. For example, with events such as Expo, there will be a definitive stress on business amenities and services, and this is something we will double-down on over the next few months. For large groups, such as national contingents, a hotel offers more flexibility and ease and a better network of suppliers for tours, meetings and leisure experiences. There will always be new players in the hospitality industry, and this is something we welcome as it keeps us constantly innovating. Although technology has taken hospitality out of the realm of hotels and introduced new players like Airbnb, it has also helped us streamline and tailor our services.

QR code menus are now popular at several F&B outlets

Lastly, what are the future trends set to reshape the regional hospitality landscape?

Technology will continue to impact the way we travel and stay in hotels. For guests, the brand proposition is as much about the booking experience, marketing, and app functionality, as it is about the hotel destination and hallmarks. For owners, our offering is as much about our ability to create revenue advantages through data and technology, as it is about our scale and expertise. In response to the challenges of Covid-19, we have used our investment in cloud-based technology to accelerate the rollout of digital enhancements that support safe and secure guest experiences and reduce unnecessary contact. This includes applying QR code menus in all our F&B establishments, the global rollout of mobile check in/check out and piloting other mobile-enabled improvements such as inroom dining orders and real-time Pay-With-Points.

A N A LY S I S

Growing fitter

The healthy snack market is gaining greater traction, writes Zainab Mansoor

ealth-conscious consumers are keen to make viable food choices, which in turn has influenced the snack market. A rise in challenges related to sedentary lifestyles and the recent Covid-19 pandemic have also raised awareness about the importance of healthy eating, incentivising people across the region to become more cognisant of what they consume. The UAE has been witnessing increasing demand for nutritious food and organic produce in recent years amid rising incidence rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), a report by Alpen Capital revealed. “In 2019, consumption of natural food products in the country increased by approximately 10 per cent,

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while consumption of organic products and free products (such as free-range eggs) increased by around 20 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively.” Consumers scouring for healthy eating options has paved the way for F&B operators and entrepreneurs to unlock massive opportunities within this space. Dubai-based children’s healthy snack brand Koala Picks was launched in October 2019 to promote healthy lifestyle habits for families, with products ranging from healthy sweet and savoury snacks to breakfast and baking items. “We are parents and we were struggling to find healthy snacks for our children. A lot of the options that kids are surrounded with have high levels of

processed sugar, artificial preservatives and colours, which are all detrimental to their health,” notes Ahmed Mobasher, co-founder of Koala Picks. “Therefore, we decided to address the problem and launch a brand that makes accessible, innovative and delicious snacks from only natural ingredients. Furthermore, all our snacks are approved by our nutritionist to ensure proper nutritional balance between the ingredients.” While some consumers have started seeking out healthy options for their children, greater awareness is required among parents, explains Mobasher. “We are reaching out to both as our purpose is to inspire our entire community to embrace a healthy eating lifestyle.” The company recently raised Dhs1.5m in its first investment round to support its growth. “So far we are focused only on the UAE. The opportunities are plenty and they require focus, discipline, and execution. Eventually after exploring these options and putting more systems in place to support our growth, we will expand our presence into neighbouring countries,” adds Mobasher. With growing product offerings and greater consumer awareness, the healthy snack industry appears primed for a healthy growth path.

October 2021

The Brief / Economy COMMENT

Tom Hudson Lawyer and advisor

Catalyst for exponential growth ILLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES/TARIKVISION

Expo 2020 Dubai will not only be a chance to showcase the fourth industrial revolution, but also be a catalyst for the ‘great reset’

remember the day when Dubai won the right to hold Expo like it was yesterday. The date was November 28, 2013, and I was working for DP World. We had supported the bidding process and there was a big event for the team on the first of the ‘World Islands’ to have been completed where they had set up a big screen for us to watch the announcement. When the news hit, the whole sky simultaneously lit up, with fireworks launching from the Creek to the crescent of the Palm. Messages were projected onto the Burj Khalifa and the Burj Al Arab welcoming the world to the UAE. As we took the boat back to the mainland, it was symbolic for us to pass the other World Islands and realise that the world’s attention would be on the UAE soon. However, what would hosting an Expo actually mean? Over the following few months, I gave this more thought, not just for me personally and professionally, but more broadly what the opportunities might be for the UAE and the region. We knew that the main theme was “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, but how would this manifest? I believed that over the coming years, the UAE would want to attract the world’s most innovative companies and people to set up locally by 12

October 2021

reforming foreign ownership laws, granting long-term residency, rebate programmes, and establishing tech hubs, freezones and clusters. I myself took advantage of the wave of enthusiasm and set up a company that in turn has helped more companies to set up here. This summer, as I walked through Hyde Park, I saw for the first time – even though I must have walked past it hundreds of times – a small plaque that read: “This is the site of the Great Exhibition of 1851. It was the first world exhibition of design, technology and innovation, displaying exhibits from Britain and the rest of the world.” The building that housed the Great Exhibition was nicknamed the ‘Crystal Palace’, the world’s first large-scale pre-fabricated structure, housing 100,000 exhibits. It was the culmination of the industrial revolution, and a celebration of humanity’s achievement to date. Now, 170 years later, its descendent – the current World Expo – will similarly not only be a chance to showcase the fourth industrial revolution, but also be a catalyst for the ‘great reset’. In terms of timing, as we emerge from the pandemic, and potentially face ever bigger threats to humanity, this is a genuine chance for the greatest brains on earth to come together and plot a path for the future.

I remember the first time I went to the Expo 2020 Dubai headquarters. It was just some portacabins stitched together. There was a big panorama window looking out onto a vast expanse of desert, populated with a few Ghaf trees. I remember taking a photo and was reminded of the many ‘before and after’ photos that Dubai boasts. However, looking at the model of what was to be created, next to the window, I genuinely thought that Dubai had bitten off more than it could chew. I returned most recently 15 days before the opening, when Sheikh Sultan bin Mubarak al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Commissioner of Expo 2020 came to inspect the site, and was completely blown away that the model has now become a reality. One can’t fail to be impressed by the architecture and design that has gone into each pavilion. However, what excited me most was the thought of what will be possible when the gates open. As we all know, exponential growth happens when there is a network effect. For the first time, I could see that the Expo was the physical embodiment of the network effect of not only 192 countries coming together, but the millions of minds that will pass through the gates and even more beyond that will engage virtually. From classroom to boardroom, I hope as many people as possible will visit and think about the challenges and opportunities affecting our age. Expo 2020 is a platform, and I think that whatever one’s nationality, background, age, or business interests, you will find something that is a perfect fit for you. As I stood at the same panoramic window, looking back out over the site, I felt a sense of a coming of age for the UAE as the country celebrates its 50th anniversary. In the way that the Great Exhibition marked a golden era for Britain, I’m confident that the same will happen for the UAE. gulfbusiness.com

ILLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES/SORBETTO

The Brief / Future

Rehan Khan Principal consultant for BT and a novelist

COMMENT

Managing right The more managers are boxed in by their inbox, the more they are disconnected with their teams

lowing things down, enabling tasks to be performed sequentially and most importantly, without interruption, is crucial in management. If you try and run your team in a state of agitation, always wanting immediacy and action, you reap short-term rewards but long-term pain and tardiness in reaching your personal and organisational objectives. A research paper entitled Boxed In by Your Inbox published in The Journal of Applied Psychology demonstrates this. The researchers used numerous daily surveys to study the impact of email on the effectiveness of managers across a number of industries. “When managers are the ones trying to recover from email interruptions, they fail to meet their goals, they neglect manager responsibilities and their subordinates don’t have the leadership behaviour they need to thrive,” said one of the paper’s authors. An increased velocity of emails sees the manager becoming more “tactical” in order to feel they are gulfbusiness.com

IT’S TIME WE REMINDED OURSELVES THAT MANAGEMENT IS BOTH A SCIENCE AND AN ART

still being productive in the short-term. The paper concluded on this rather grim note: “Our research suggests the pitfalls of email demands may have been underestimated – in addition to its impact on leaders’ own behaviour, the reductions in effective leader behaviours likely trickle down to adversely affect unwitting followers.” So what leader behaviours are being impacted when managers are constantly trying to recover from interruptions and find themselves operating in tactical mode? Management, according to renowned business thinker, Henry Mintzberg, takes place on three planes: Information, people and action. He says that managing through information means driving other people to take the necessary action based on information the manager receives. Here information takes primacy, it is held up as the holy grail and leads to obsessions like ‘shareholder value’ and focus on the ‘bottomline’ above all else. The manager remains detached, operating from a distance, constantly checking dashboards and key metrics without getting involved in the actual running of the business. This is also the place where tools such as email run amuck and have a detrimental role to play – flooding the electronic communications plane and forcing the manager to drive others through data and facts. Whereas managing through people requires a totally different attitude. In this domain, people are encouraged and not driven as they are in the information plane. Subordinates are motivated and empowered. Managers spend time leading people within the business unit, by cultivating the right team culture, energising and developing individuals, and building resilience in the organisation. They also spend time linking to people outside the business unit, by networking with external supporters, building coalitions and representing their business units to the outside world. Finally, Mintzberg says that managing through action is about the manager getting close to the action of what the organisation does; here they become the doer, the person who “gets it done”. In reality it’s still what their business unit does, such as creating a new product, or serving customers in a retail environment, but the point here is that the manager is not passive, but active. The more managers are boxed in by their inbox, the more they are forced to operate solely in the information plane and their efforts will be skewed, leading to a disconnection with people and actually doing the work. It’s about time we reminded ourselves that management is both a science and an art, which requires a grasp of operating at the information, people and action planes. If we can wean ourselves off our emails, we might actually realise this. October 2021

The Brief / Technology

ILLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES/RAMCREATIV

maintenance duration. Insights from this software also can lead to increased plant efficiency, improved performance, and reliability for power generation technologies as diverse as gas, wind, solar and hydro. HEALTHCARE PRECISION

COMMENT

Hisham Al Bahkali President, GE Saudi Arabia and Bahrain

The tech transformation While sustainability is the future, digital transformation is a key enabler supporting industries make the transition

or countries like Saudi Arabia and its fellow GCC members, addressing climate change has become an integral part of their economic development and diversification strategies. This approach to growth, which centres on sustainability, draws on many approaches, most notably digital transformation. By deploying digital tools such as big data, analytics, the cloud, and artificial intelligence (AI), organisations can accomplish more while consuming less. When implemented broadly across economies, these optimisations can enable the sustainable growth that the region and the world need. This is crucial, given that our urgent need to address climate change is happening in a context where demand for almost everything, from electricity consumption to healthcare services to aviation, is rising. At GE, digital transformation is helping us meet our commitments to become carbon neutral in our own operations by 2030 (Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions) and our ambition to be a net zero company by 14

October 2021

2050 – including not just GE’s operations, but also the Scope 3 emissions from the use of our products In the areas of energy, healthcare and aviation – three sectors that are seeing rising demand, as well as the need to find more sustainable ways to operate – digital solutions are helping us and our customers operate sustainably. ENERGY EFFICIENCY

In the energy sector, software solutions help grid operators manage electrical systems more efficiently and reliably, even as utilities add large amounts of variable renewable energy and work to control emissions and costs. For power plants, asset performance management (APM) software is giving operators the tools to monitor equipment and system health and to predict asset failure. This software takes data from local assets, assesses it using algorithms trained on data from millions of operating hours of similar equipment, and helps utility companies reduce unscheduled downtime and

Digital transformation in healthcare is playing a crucial role in addressing the need for patient care delivered faster, better and more efficiently, particularly given the reality that too many regions face a shortage of skilled clinicians. By combining data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual and digital technologies, clinicians spend less time on bureaucratic tasks like patient data capture and more time with patients. Emergency departments can diagnose and triage faster by using AI to assist clinicians in assessing medical images. AI also makes it possible to reduce the radiation dose needed for medical imaging scans and to shorten scan durations, allowing more patients to be assessed. Precision medicine is another important aspect of digital healthcare. By leveraging insights derived from big data analysis of millions of anonymised patient medical records and then assessing each specific patient’s genetic makeup, health history, family medical history and lifestyle choices, clinicians can deliver precisely the right care at the right time to each patient. AIDING AVIATION

In aviation, digital transformation is helping airlines carry more passengers and cargo, while managing emissions and driving operational efficiencies. This is possible through software that analyses data from across an airline’s fleets, and then finds ways to improve aircraft fuel consumption and design flight paths that optimise routes to take less time, use less fuel and cut carbon emissions. From the aircraft flight deck to the hospital operating theatre to the wind turbine generator, digital transformation is showing itself to be a critical tool in helping organisations embrace sustainability. That’s good news – and a powerful tool – for governments and economies in the region that are building a future that balances the growing needs of local markets with the climate challenge facing the world. gulfbusiness.com

The Brief / Covid-19

ILLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES/MALTE MUELLER

Maybe both. An unlucky few will contract the virus more than once. The race between the waves of transmission that lead to new variants and the battle to get the globe inoculated won’t be over until the coronavirus has touched all of us. “I see these continued surges occurring throughout the world,” said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and an adviser to US President Joe Biden. “Then it will drop, potentially somewhat precipitously,” he said. “And then I think we very easily could see another surge in the fall and winter” of this year, he added. With billions of people around the world yet to be vaccinated and little chance now of eliminating the virus, we can expect more outbreaks in classrooms, on public transport and in workplaces over the coming months, as economies push ahead with reopening. Even as immunisation rates rise, there will always be people who are vulnerable to the virus: Newborn babies, people who can’t or won’t get inoculated, and those who get vaccinated but suffer breakthrough infections as their protection levels ebb. The next few months will be rough. One key danger is if a vaccine-resistant variant develops, although it is not the only risk ahead. “We’re going to see hills and valleys, at least for the next several years as we get more vaccine out. That’s going to help. But the challenge is going to be: How big will the hills and valleys be, in terms of their distance?” Osterholm said. “We don’t know. But I can just tell you, this is a coronavirus forest fire that will not stop until it finds all the human wood that it can burn.”

A N A LY S I S

Looking into the crystal ball

Covid compared to other pandemics

Here’s what the next six months of the pandemic may bring

or anyone hoping to see light at the end of the Covid-19 tunnel over the next three to six months, scientists have some bad news: Brace for more of what we’ve already been through. Outbreaks will close schools and cancel classes. Vaccinated nursing home residents will face renewed fears of infection. Workers will weigh the danger of returning to the office as hospitals are overwhelmed, once again. Almost everyone will be either infected or vaccinated before the pandemic ends, experts agree.

gulfbusiness.com

THE NEXT FEW MONTHS WILL BE ROUGH

The five well-documented influenza pandemics of the past 130 years offer some blueprint for how Covid might play out, according to Lone Simonsen, an epidemiologist and professor of population health sciences at Roskilde University in Denmark. While the longest global flu outbreak lasted five years, they mostly consisted of two to four waves of infection over an average of two or three years, she said. Covid is already shaping up to be among the more severe pandemics, as its second year concludes with the world in the middle of a third wave – and no end in sight. It’s possible that the virus known as SARS-CoV-2 won’t follow the path set by the pandemics of the past. After all, it is a different, novel and potentially more transmissible pathogen. And with a death toll of more than 4.6 million people so far, October 2021

The Brief / Covid-19

it’s already more than twice as deadly as any outbreak since the 1918 Spanish flu. Despite brutal initial waves and relatively high vaccination rates, countries including the US, UK, Russia and Israel are flirting with record numbers of cases. Immunisation is helping to moderate incidences of severe cases and deaths, but surging infections mean the virus is reaching the young and others who remain unvaccinated, leading to rising rates of serious disease in those groups. Nations where vaccination has been sparse – including Malaysia, Mexico, Iran and Australia – are in the midst of their biggest outbreaks yet, fuelled by the contagious delta strain. With the virus still spreading out of control in vast swathes of the planet, another novel variant could quite feasibly emerge. History shows the commonly held belief that viruses automatically get milder over time – to avoid completely wiping out their host population – is wrong, according to Simonsen. Although new mutations aren’t always more severe than their predecessors, “pandemics can in fact get more deadly during the pandemic period, as the virus is adapting to its new host,” she said. Early in the Covid outbreak, there was good reason to hope that vaccines would provide longterm protection, much like childhood shots that stop diseases such as polio. Coronaviruses have a “proof-reading” mechanism that fixes the in-born errors caused when the virus replicates, reducing the likelihood of variants emerging when the virus is transmitted from one person to another. The number of global cases has been so vast, however, that mutations are occurring anyway. “With the pandemic, we have this enormous force of infection,” said Kanta Subbarao, director of the WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne. “That has counterbalanced the ability of the virus to proof-read.” As a result, Covid could be like the flu, requiring regular vaccine top-ups to remain effective as the virus evolves. Some researchers say SARS-CoV-2 is poised to become completely resistant to the first generation of vaccines. A study from Japan, which has yet to be published or peer-reviewed, suggests that potentially dangerous mutations in the delta variant are already being picked up in a global database used to track such developments. Reports of current strains breaking through vaccinations or triggering higher fatality rates have not held up to rigourous scrutiny thus far. “This is a scenario we hope won’t happen,” Simonsen said. “My God, we would have to do it all again.” 16

October 2021

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The .. .. .. .. .. degree . . . . . . .. .. .. of . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. immunity .. .. .. .. .. ... ... ... ... ... ... among .. .. .. ... ... ... ... ... ...the ...... .. global .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..population .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... ... ... ... ... ... needed to tame the current outbreak

90 - 95 %

WHAT SEEMS CLEAR IS THAT THE PANDEMIC WILL NOT BE OVER IN SIX MONTHS

Other even grimmer possibilities for the coming months include the emergence of a novel influenza virus or another coronavirus making the leap from animals into humans. “As long as there are animal reservoirs of coronavirus there is still the possibility that another zoonotic coronavirus could emerge in the future,” Subbarao said. “There is that in the background, the risk of still dealing with this one when another one emerges.”

How will Covid end?

What seems clear is that the pandemic will not be over in six months. Experts generally agree that the current outbreak will be tamed once most people – perhaps 90 per cent to 95 per cent of the global population – have a degree of immunity thanks to immunisation or previous infection. The key element should be vaccination, they say. “Without vaccination, one is like a sitting duck, because the virus will spread widely and find most everybody this autumn and winter,” said Simonsen. The pandemic will end at different times in different places, just as previous outbreaks have, said Erica Charters, associate professor of the history of medicine at Oxford University and the coordinator of a project on how epidemics end. Governments will have to decide how much of the disease they are comfortable living with, she said. Approaches vary. While some countries are still shooting for zero Covid cases, the world is unlikely to eradicate the virus completely. Nations like Denmark and Singapore, which have managed to keep cases relatively contained, are already moving toward a post-pandemic future with fewer safety restrictions. Others, such as the US and UK, are opening up even as infection numbers near records. Meanwhile, China, Hong Kong and New Zealand have vowed to keep vigilantly working to eliminate the virus locally. As a result, they are likely to be among the last places to leave behind the disruption wrought by walling out the pandemic. “The end process is not going to be uniform,” Charters said. The pandemic “is a biological phenomenon, but it’s also a political and social phenomenon”. “Even now we have different approaches to it.” It’s likely to be messy, leaving a lasting legacy for years to come. Until then, most of us will need to brace for many more months in the pandemic’s grip. “We have to approach it with our eyes wide open and with a great deal of humility,” Osterholm said. “Anybody that thinks we’re going to be over this in the next few days or a few months is sorely mistaken.” Bloomberg gulfbusiness.com

The Brief / Social COMMENT

Zaib Shadani PR consultant and digital marketing strategist at Shadani Consulting

BuzzFeed

BuzzFeed provides a great window into popular culture, spanning social news, entertainment and everything in between. While it may not be for everyone, there’s no denying that it offers a pulse into what’s hot and what’s not. The fact that they have a ‘Trending’ page means you can identify, at a glance, what’s currently popular on social media.

Reddit offers pretty much anything for anyone and is known for having very active users who don’t shy away from having heated debates on pretty much any topic under the sun. Often referred to as the “front page of the internet”, it offers a world of inspiration for your latest content. Reddit too has its own version of trending topics, and you can dig deeper by going into communities that are of interest, or even check what is trending at that exact moment. It offers a great snapshot of what’s popular in real-time.

Twitter

Five ways to find top trending content Harnessing what’s trending is a powerful way to ramp up your digital marketing strategy

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Google Trends

Google Trends is the holy grail of monitoring trends in Google searches. It’s a fast way to see the popularity of a keyword, relative to overall search volume. The great thing is that it lists all the popular stories online, in real-time. You can also explore different genres of topics or browse what the world is reading.

hy is it so important to stay on top of trending content? Simple – it gives you the upper hand when you’re trying to get people’s attention. People are more likely to be engaged with your content and regularly follow you if you’re relevant, partaking in popular trends, talking their language and sharing content that they care about. This is particularly important when we realise that people have short attention spans and viral trends can be over almost as fast as they start, so time is of the essence. Harnessing what’s trending is a powerful way to ramp up your digital marketing strategy so here are five ways that you can find trending content and never miss an opportunity.

An oldie but a goodie, Twitter remains one of the top five ways to not only break news but also to find out what’s trending. The use of hashtags makes it incredibly easy to figure out what people are talking about. Whether it’s political, social or cultural, there will be a twitter handle for it. Moreover, Twitter’s trending topics are based mainly on its algorithm, which figures out what is popular and shares it. If you’re facing a writer’s block, you can always turn to Twitter’s trending topics for some inspiration.

Keyhole

Often referred to as the “front page of the internet”, it offers a world of inspiration for your latest content

Many people may not know about Keyhole, but it’s a useful tool for finding trending content, because it allows you to track hashtags on social media, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Relatively simple to use, it’s very similar to Google alerts, except that it allows you to monitor social media for key words. The important thing is that you can set an alert for a certain topic or keyword and monitor it in real-time. October 2021

The Brief / Alan’s Corner

Alan’s Corner Alan O’Neill Managing director of Kara, change consultant and speaker

How to build your USP

Differentiation and relevance of your proposition now has to be considered in a wider context

n boardrooms and meetings rooms all across the world, there is one sentiment that everybody is in agreement with. The speed, the volume and the complexity of change is increasing exponentially. This statement was true even before Covid-19, so you can only imagine the further increases in recent times. One emerging phenomenon as a result of this change that I want to focus on, is commoditisation. There was a time when you might have been able to differentiate yourself from the competition with your product alone. Barriers to entry continue to drop as technology and globalisation enables shorter development lead times. There is always somebody biting at your heels. In addition to that is the yet unknown competition coming from disruptors. Did airlines even dream of a low-cost disruptive airline like Ryanair 30 years ago? Did the hospitality sector ever think that Airbnb could become such a challenger? Right across industry, legacy sectors and products have become commoditised, i.e. more freely available. This brings with it a downward pressure on price, therefore your margin. Differentiation and relevance of your proposition now has to be considered in a wider context. I believe the answer is in the overall customer experience you offer your customers, regardless of whether you are B2C or B2B. That is where you will find your unique selling proposition (USP). A CHECKLIST TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR USP

Last month, I introduced you to a three-legged stool framework to define your proposition. The legs represent product, people and place. PRODUCT

ILLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES/SORBETTO

Conduct a strengths/weaknesses exercise on your product range. Seek feedback from your customers and your own team. Use this checklist to ask yourself the right questions. What are the main differences between your product and those of your key competitors? Can you get a premium on your pricing because of those differences? Or if you wish to price-match with your competition, is there a story in your differences that has sustainable value for your customers? Are they relevant? What can you say you have real authority in? What can you say you own? For example, Selfridges in London has the largest selection of ladies shoes in the world. But of course, because the store sells more than footwear, the shoes department drives footfall into the store for other departments also. 18

October 2021

gulfbusiness.com

The Brief / Alan’s Corner

PLACE

Place refers to the physical environment if you are a retail store or hotel. Consider this checklist: Are your standards and housekeeping matching your brand positioning? How do you rate your ambience and the vibe in your store? Consider sight, sound, smell, taste and touch in this checklist. From the carpark, throughout your premises, to the point of payment, how do you rate your access and the level of effort required of your customer? When did you last trial it yourself to experience it as a customer? Place can also refer to your route to market if you are a B2B organisation. How appropriate and flexible is your delivery schedule? How do you package your goods for your customer? From small packets to pallets, consider the level of care taken in your outbound logistics. With regard to your online presence, consider your landing pages, navigation, ease of ordering and payment.

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FROM SMALL PACKETS TO PALLETS, CONSIDER THE LEVEL OF CARE TAKEN IN YOUR OUTBOUND LOGISTICS

PEOPLE

In this article, it may look like the 3Ps all have equal importance. But of course they don’t. While every industry is different, I personally believe that people carries more weight in most cases. The main points to consider here are ‘connect, consult and conclude’. Do your people at all touch-points connect with your customers in a way that is friendly, welcoming and professional? Do they truly listen to understand their needs? And do they conclude each and every time by doing everything they said they would do, and show appreciation? THE LAST WORD

In previous months, you will have heard me say that ‘customer experience is the new battleground’. My current work as a change consultant and keynote speaker across all industries is proving this point more and more. Covid-19 has nudged us further along this journey. Regardless of your industry, you simply cannot ignore it.

October 2021

THE

FUTURE

OF THE

AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

14-18 November 2021

Registration Is Now Open!

DWC, Dubai Airshow Site

| #DubaiAirshow

Experience 5 days of world-class aircraft display | 300+ military delegations | 9 CONFERENCE TRACKS | 50+ hours of content sessions a brand-new Startup Hub – VISTA | Intelligent enhanced networking only at Dubai Airshow 2021

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BRAND VIEW

Making the world your classroom Universities today offer several pathway programmes for students seeking global mobility

ore countries than ever before are actively involved in the internationalisation of higher education. In 2020, the US, the UK, Canada, China and Australia hosted more than 50 per cent of the world’s international students. Additionally, the UNESCO Institute for Statistics had estimated that enrolment in these countries would grow anywhere between 6 per cent and 8 per cent between 2019 and 2030. Unfortunately, the flow of international students crossing borders to pursue higher education has been significantly affected by the pandemic. Several popular study destinations closed borders abruptly to international entrants, and students and their families themselves did not wish to risk travel. The good news though, is that this is only a temporary state of affairs. Research from IDP Connect’s International Student Crossroads study found that a majority of international students are willing to vaccinate and quarantine in return for on-campus study and the experience of living abroad. Another study by QS Quacquarelli Symonds stated that leading education destinations are now witnessing a surge in application numbers from international students for study in the 2021/22 academic year. In the interim, however, higher educational institutions have had to make changes to the way education is delivered, to ensure the same excellence in academic outcomes. They have had to find ways to encourage engagement on virtual platforms, offer training to staff to ensure they are able to harness the full power of technology, and support the mental wellbeing of staff and students. For example, at Heriot-Watt University, we have

made learning very flexible with our Responsive Blended Learning model that combines supported online learning with contextually appropriate face-to-face learning opportunities, responding dynamically to the changing external context. This approach enables students to proceed with their studies alongside their peers and interact online with students around the world, regardless of where they are. And now, we are seeing a definite appetite amongst international students to return to campuses abroad. Reasons include a strong desire to get back on track with academic and career goals after months of disruption, the availability of vaccines and the need to not miss out on the complete university experience. Finally, given the incredible benefits it offers, it is not surprising at all that global student mobility is set to make a comeback. For students, it gives them a chance to become more aware globally, become more adaptable and enhance their language and communication skills. It allows them to learn about work and life in an international market and promotes personal development. All of this endows students with the attributes that employers look for in candidates. For universities, international students help diversify the student body and attract the brightest of brains, which in turn could improve their global rankings. It creates income for educational institutions, and helps countries foster closer ties with one another. Universities today offer several pathway programmes for students seeking global mobility, such as foundation programmes which bridge the gap between school and

It is not surprising at all that global student mobility is set to make a comeback. For students, it gives them a chance to become more aware globally gulfbusiness.com

Lucy Everest Global chief operating officer, Heriot-Watt University

university, as well as pave the way into undergraduate disciplines. Such students can even take an online pre-sessional academic English programme to build their confidence in English and develop study strategies to enable them to perform to the best of their ability on their degree. The flow of international students ties in perfectly with the mobility theme of Expo 2020 Dubai, which aims to create connections, explore horizons at the core of human progress, and build a harmonious, global society where information, ideas and goods are exchanged faster than ever before. Higher education institutions are perfectly positioned to drive this theme forward through global student mobility programmes, such as Heriot-Watt University’sinter-campustransferprogramme Go Global. The underlying premise of Expo 2020 is that we all have the power to build a better world and shape the future. Global student mobility is, therefore, our contribution to this goal.

October 2021

BRAND VIEW

Healthy prospects Dubai-based startup Med Reach is aiming to close communication gaps in the healthcare market to support industry professionals, say founders Mohammad Shalaby, Abdulkader Tatari and Firas Anjarini

Tell us more about Med Reach. How has the reception been since you launched early this year? We – the founders of Med Reach – have a long history of working with pharma and medical companies. On one hand, we have seen the struggle that pharma companies face when they seek to communicate with doctors, while, on the other hand, doctors are very eager to receive scientific materials from pharmaceutical representatives. Hence, it is to cover this gap that we launched Med Reach. In addition, doctors are constantly looking to update their medical knowledge and upskill themselves by attending courses and seminars. Many doctors also want to share their own best practices with their peers. Hence, we also aim to support medical professionals in their careers via our platform. Our value proposition has been very well received by doctors and pharma companies

22 June 2020

during our journey in 2021. So far 40,000 healthcare professionals are in the Med Reach database. Several pharma companies have also used our platform to communicate with doctors and to introduce digital marketing as their main direction.

years, face-to-face communication has been the predominant marketing channel used by pharma companies. However, it is both costly and restrictive. Also, the majority of doctors in the market at present are from the younger generation and are tech savvy. Hence pharma companies must invest in making their marketing fit with the economic and demographic changes. With the number of pharma companies growing, the need to differentiate has also risen, and this is where digitalisation can play a major role.

Mohammad Shalaby

What are the main challenges that pharma professionals face in the region at present? Generally speaking, there is a global ‘no-reppolicy’. Medical representatives are almost banned from visiting hospitals and other health facilities. This started years before the pandemic. In addition, the number of med reps is escalating rapidly, making it almost impossible for doctors – who have major time constraints – to afford the time to meet all of the reps. For

Digitalisation has become a key driver across sectors. Why do you believe the pharma sector has not kept pace? From our experience we can say that this was in response to the slow adoption of digitalisation among their main customers (doctors). While some pharma companies did try to establish individual digital initiatives and build their own platforms, this proved to be a failure and a major waste of time and resources. The market lacked a universal match maker suitable for all stakeholders and could be used by all companies simultaneously. A disruptive alternative was required in the market which could leverage on digital tools and provide a unified and standardised experience for all the industry professionals. The reality is that digitalisation offers a huge opportunity for cost saving while also increasing the accessibility. Communication is key – and having the platform that can ensure doctors and pharma reps stay connected is vital for the industry.

You call yourself a social media platform for industry professionals. Can you elaborate on that? Med Reach is a combination of a social media platform, a learning management system and a telecommunications tool. Doctors currently use traditional social networks such as Facebook and WhatsApp to communicate with their peers and to share their articles, case studies and best practices. Senior doctors also use these platforms as a source for referrals from other junior doctors. Unfortunately,

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BRAND VIEW

these networks are not suitable for sharing medical practices since communication is messy, untraceable and – most importantly – is not secure. The Med Reach platform includes a specialised tool called Med Share, which enables doctors to safely share content and interact with their peers and followers. Med Reach is strictly for healthcare professionals and hence enables professional medical communication. The Covid crisis has been particularly challenging for healthcare professionals. How will you support them when it comes to career growth? Employees’ safety is a major concern for pharma companies and for hospitals. And what we saw during 2020 – during the pandemic – was the opening up of more opportunities within the telehealth space. At Med Reach, we are getting close to becoming a global different continents. Other parhub for medical jobs to support ties provide the accreditation for practitioners in their careers. We our in-house courses: ACCME, also offer free access to mediAACME, RCP are examples of cal educational programmes as partners that grant accreditation well as online courses. Massive for Med Reach content. Open Online Courses (MOOC) have revolutionised e-learning Looking ahead, what kind of by providing customised and Abdulkader Tatari a role will technology play in standardised training in an affordable manner. boosting the healthcare/pharma sector in the region? Your platform also offers online academic Digitalisation is the future of the sector. courses – have you partnered with any Examples of new opportunities include teleinstitutes/universities to facilitate that? medicine, online booking, e-pharmacy, remote For sure, we have partnered with three major patient monitoring and medication manageinstitutes offering accredited programmes in ment. Many companies also now have their own patient support programmes, and many are using technology as these initiatives. It is clear that technology will supersede many of the current traditional healthcare practices, leading to sales growth and increased margins.

“Digitalisation is the future of the sector. Examples of new opportunities include tele-medicine, online booking, e-pharmacy, remote patient monitoring and medication management” gulfbusiness.com

With regards to Med Reach, you have closed your seed funding. Are you now seeking further investment? Firas Anjarini Yes, we are looking forward to series A investment. We received our seed fund in early 2019 and managed to make the best out of the first million US dollars. We contracted with one of the major global powerhouses for the development of the platform. We also invested in building valuable

content to be available for free to all doctors. So far Med Reach offers more than 13 courses in MOOC style. In addition, we have organised several webinars. With operations now in the UAE, Saudi and Egypt, are you planning to expand into other markets – regionally and globally? The advantage of Med Reach is that since it is an online platform, it is borderless and can be accessed easily in any geography without the need for technical setup and installation. Users only need to sign up and can get the full benefits for free. We have many reasons to believe that the challenges encountered in the MENA region are similar everywhere around the globe. Currently, we receive user registrations from all over the world. We plan to expand to the rest of the MENA region and then target three million healthcare professional users worldwide. This is around 10 per cent of the global number of healthcare professionals. Lastly, what is your long-term vision for Med Reach? We are very ambitious and have plans to introduce new features every year for the coming five years. We have plans to offer AI and deep learning very soon. Our aim is to become another success story and a new unicorn arising from the Middle East.

June 2020 23

EXPO 2020

DUBAI

CHARTING THE EXPO JOURNEY

From the first World Expo housed in London’s Crystal Palace in 1851 to Expo 2020 Dubai, the exhibition’s long history spanning 170 years speaks of inspiration and progress

THE WORLD EXPOS 1851

PHILADELPHIA

LONDON THE FIRST WORLD EXPO (THE GREAT EXHIBITION) The event was an occasion for the United Kingdom and international participants to showcase human progress, notably in the area of industry and technology

THEME

Industry of all Nations VISITORS

6,039,195

25 participants

1876 THEME

Arts, Manufactures and Products of the Soil and Mine Shown there for the VISITORS

10,000,000 PARTICIPANTS

PA R I S

first time to the public ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL’S TELEPHONE

1878

THEME

New Technologies PARTICIPANTS

16+

million visitors VIENNA 1964 THEME

International Horticulture VISITORS

2,100,000 PARTICIPANTS

24 October 2021

STUTTGART 1993 THEME City and Nature – Responsible Approach VISITORS 7,311,000 PARTICIPANTS 40

H O R T I C U LT U R A L EXPOS

BEIJING 2019 THEME Live Green, Live Better VISITORS 9,340,000 PARTICIPANTS 110

gulfbusiness.com

SPECIALISED EXPOS ZARAGOZA 2008

BERLIN 1957

TSUKUBA 1985

THEME Reconstruction of Hansa District VISITORS 1,000,000 PARTICIPANTS 13

THEME Dwellings and Surroundings – Science and Technology for Man at Home VISITORS 20,334,727 PARTICIPANTS 48

THEME Water and Sustainable Development VISITORS 5,650,943 PARTICIPANTS 108

1933

1904

THEME

S T. L O U I S

The Independence among Industry and Scientific Research

THEME

Celebration of the Centennial of the Louisiana Purchase

VISITORS

19,694,855

38,872,000

1,500 buildings

PARTICIPANTS

were erected around the site

PARTICIPANTS

C H I CAG O

SEVILLE

1992

THEME

The Age of Discovery VISITORS

41,814,571 PARTICIPANTS

108

SHANGHAI

Haibao, meaning ‘Treasure of the Sea’, was the mascot for Expo 2010 Shanghai. Created by Wu Yong Jian, the mascot’s name comes from the Chinese character (hai) meaning ‘sea’, and (bao) meaning ‘treasure’

THEME

Better City, Better Life VISITORS

2010

73,085,000 PARTICIPANTS

EXPO 2020

DUBAI THEME

Connecting Minds, Creating the Future

2021 gulfbusiness.com

PROJECTED VISITS

25 million

WHAT’S NEXT...

246

2025

OSAKA

THEME

Designing Future Society for Our Lives PROJECTED VISITORS

Approx. 28.2 million

October 2021 25

The Brief / Lightbox

Dubai opened Expo 2020 with a flashy ceremony boasting fireworks and colourful digital displays on September 30, 2021, as it seeks to attract the world for the sixmonth long event 26

October 2021

gulfbusiness.com

October 2021

PHOTO: KARIM SAHIB / VIA GETTY IMAGES

SSHHOO

J T O : PJHOOATCOH:I M J OGAUCAHYI M G U A Y B Y A A R TBIY NAAAGRRTAI JN A GPRHA O 28

28 October 2021

October 2021

gulfbusiness.comgulfbusiness.com

EXPO 2020 D U B A I

IT’S

OW WTTI IM MEE

BY AARTI NAGRAJ

gulfbusiness.com

October 2021

Drumroll please… And the world’s ‘greatest show’ is now open. I distinctly remember the day Dubai won the bid to host Expo 2020 in November 2013. Making an impassioned speech during the UAE’s final presentation at the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) General Assembly, Reem Al Hashimy, the then managing director for Dubai’s Expo 2020 bid (and currently its director general) stressed that the UAE was “committed to bring about positive change in the future”. “My generation has been inspired by our forefathers, they have entrusted us with a city that is capable of hosting the world,” she said. Later in the evening, we were in office late, blogging live with the updates as the voting began. And it was jubilations all around as the UAE beat Turkey, Brazil and Russia to win the hosting rights for the World Expo, to be held for the first time in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region. Once the celebrations faded, the work began. And almost eight later, Expo 2020 Dubai has opened to the world under its theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ – marking the biggest global event of its kind to be held since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking to me last month, Marjan Faraidooni, chief experience officer at Expo 2020 Dubai confirmed that the mega event is ready to ‘welcome the world’. “We cannot wait for visitors to come through our doors…We’re very excited to show the world what will be one of the biggest events in the world post Covid. So we’re excited and we’re 30

October 2021

THE CENTREPIECE OF THE SITE IS THE AL WASL PLAZA WHICH FEATURES THE ICONIC TRANSLUCENT DOME THAT OFFERS A CANVAS FOR PANORAMIC PROJECTIONS

getting ready and we are constantly talking about how we can make the visitor journey something pleasant and exciting,” she said. But has Covid-19, which has disrupted the entire world order and shifted back the event by a year, changed the deliverables – either operationally or otherwise? “In terms of the delivery of experiences and structures, nothing has changed. What has really been something that we’ve been working diligently on – with all the authorities – is our operations, to make sure that the safety of our visitors is priority during this pandemic that we’re all living through. So from an operational perspective, there have been changes that have been made – to ensure that we maintain social distancing and we have doubled up on our sanitisation programmes. And to support the safety of our workforce, we have implemented a policy that anybody who works at Expo, even if they are volunteers, needs to be vaccinated. So there has been a very hard look at our operations and we continuously look at it and identify risks based on what is happening on a local level and gulfbusiness.com

COVER STORY / EXPO 2020 DUBAI

an international level. So this is something that’s very ongoing,” she explained.

What’s on offer

Spread across 4.38 square kilometres in Dubai South, Expo 2020 Dubai will see the participation of 192 countries – marking the first time in World Expo history that every participating country will have its own pavilion. Running from October 1, 2021 until March 31, 2022, it is also the largest event ever staged in the Arab world. The Expo 2020 site is divided into three thematic districts based on the expo subthemes of opportunity, mobility and sustainability, with each anchored by a thematic pavilion. The districts will have country pavilions, along with F&B options and other activities. The centrepiece of the site is the Al Wasl Plaza which features the iconic translucent dome that offers a canvas for panoramic projections. The immense structure – measuring 130 metres in diameter and more than 67 metres in height, will host large-scale performances and flagship events such as New Year’s Eve, the opening and closing ceremonies and UAE National Day. Flanking it on one side is the Rove Expo 2020 – the only hotel located onsite at the venue. The property features 312 rooms as well as 19 suites, F&B options, a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the Al Wasl Plaza, as well as a 24-hour gym, foosball tables and an outdoor garden space. “We expect this hotel to be full from day one, throughout the event,” Paul Bridger, chief operating officer at Rove Hotels told us during a media tour in September. Located very close to the hotel is the destination for all major

conferences, exhibitions, summits, forums, concerts, performances and gala dinners at the site – the 45,000 square metre Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), which will carry on post Expo 2020 as part of the legacy development District 2020. Outside of business, the entertainment programme at the Expo includes up to 60 live shows a day, digital theatre productions, poetry slams, fashion shows, 200-plus F&B outlets, discussions, special celebrations, mindfulness sessions and extreme sports. “A lot of people ask us ‘what is an expo’ – so this is their opportunity to come and experience it. Expo 2020 Dubai is a place that has something for everyone, for every nationality and for every age. We have 192 country pavilions – you can actually go around the world at the Expo. And for those of us who haven’t travelled a lot

in the past couple of years, that’s really exciting. Also, there’s a day life and a nightlife to it. And one of the key things that comes to life at night is our Al Wasl Dome, which will showcase beautiful shows for people to see. But what’s wonderful about this Expo is that countries are also bringing their own performers and artists. So I hope visitors are as excited as we are for them to come through our doors,” says Faraidooni. “We are all going through this difficult moment all around the world with the pandemic and this is the first time an event of this scale is being hosted. And we’re doing it under very stringent safety guidelines to protect the visitors and the staff. But that I hope will not take away from the fun that people can experience. And I hope when people come out of it, they come out inspired. And they define for themselves what this Expo meant for them,” she adds.

As part of our cover story this month, we delve into the three main subthemes of the Expo – sustainability, opportunity and mobility, highlight some of the country pavilions and explore unique F&B offerings at the event.

gulfbusiness.com

October 2021

COVER STORY / EXPO 2020 DUBAI

SUSTAINABILITY:

IT’S NOW OR NEVER

October 2021

gulfbusiness.com

EXPO 2020

D U B A I COVER STORY / EXPO 2020 DUBAI

E XPO 2020 D U BAI’S SU STAINAB ILIT Y PAVILION, TER R A , AIMS TO SERVE AS A MICROCOSM OF A VIAB LE TOMOR ROW BY ZAINAB MANSOOR

e can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them,” Albert Einstein famously said. That is perhaps the ingenious approach warranted today to help build a clean tomorrow.

In an attempt to raise awareness around the global sustainability cause and serve as an engaging platform to showcase solutions, beckon interest and encourage collaboration, Expo 2020 Dubai has made it one of its subthemes. In line with that, it has created Terra, the Sustainability pavilion, stationed as the centrepiece of the sustainability district. Designed by UK-based Grimshaw Architects, Terra draws attention to the impact of human choices on the environment via an immersive journey. The visitor experience is designed to encourage all those who come by to introspect and consider behavioural changes to actively help build a safe and healthier planet. gulfbusiness.com

October 2021

Visitors were granted a special preview of the sustainability pavilDID YOU KNOW: ion from January 22 until April 10 Terra means this year, as a prelude to the actual ‘Planet Earth’ event, an opportunity taken up by Terra will remain more than 100,000 people. Terra’s in legacy as a call to change bore fruit as 96 per Science Centre cent of the surveyed visitors in the Honey from bees first seven weeks of the preview said rescued and that they were inspired to change relocated from the their behaviour – from saving water Expo 2020 site has been harvested to using less plastic. Besides hosting Terra, the sustainability district is also home to several country pavilions that are keen to showcase advancing technologies within the sector. From discovering Brazil’s biodiversity and Netherlands’ integrated climate system to experiencing Singapore’s rainforest and Germany’s cutting-edge technology, the district offers a glimpse of a technology-driven future that advocates for a cohesive existence. “Expo 2020 Dubai has proudly set the course to host one of the most sustainable world expos ever, and that speaks to the role it can play in facilitating critical discussions – to yield tangible solutions for pressing global issues like sustainability,” notes Aamer Sheikh, president and general manager - PepsiCo, MENA and Pakistan.

Critical endeavours

“Would you rather save the Earth or touchdown on Mars?” – one of the several thought-provoking enquiries posed to visitors at the Sustainability pavilion begs the question on how mankind 34

October 2021

wishes to envision its future while laying bare the compelling urgency of environmental concerns that threaten the lives of generations to come. That the planet we call home is in peril is nothing new. More than 356,000 deaths in 2019 were related to heat and that number is likely to rise, a study published in The Lancet revealed. Furthermore, climate changes will increase in all regions in the coming decades, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report has projected. For 1.5°C of global warming, there will be increasing heat waves, longer warm seasons and shorter cold seasons. At 2°C of global warming, heat extremes will often reach critical tolerance thresholds for agriculture and health, the report warned. Reacting strongly to the findings, UN secretary general António Guterres said that the IPCC Working Group 1 report is a ‘code red for humanity’. Meanwhile, raising concerns over the global plastics system and its detrimental impact, a report by strategy consulting firm Dalberg commissioned by WWF revealed that the cost of plastic produced in 2019 will be at least $3.7 trillion (+/-$1 trillion) over its estimated lifetime. Furthermore, unless urgent action is taken, the societal lifetime cost of the plastic produced in 2040 could reach $7.1 trillion (+/-$2.2 trillion), equivalent to approximately 85 per cent of global spending on health in 2018 and greater than the gross domestic product of Germany, Canada, and Australia in 2019 combined, the report added. “There’s one issue which is global and which affects us all, which is climate change. We are racing out of time when it comes to limiting a rise in global temperatures. And we’re already seeing the impact of this in terms of extreme weather conditions,” notes Ahmed Khashan, Cluster president Gulf Countries, Schneider Electric. Bahrain recently experienced its hottestever August in 119 years. “We all have a role to play when it comes to limiting carbon emissions – governments, businesses and the public in general,” adds Khashan. Among alarming calls for interventions to stem environmental degradation, reduce carbon emissions and halt the erosion of natural resources, several efforts are being made locally and regionally. In March, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the Saudi and Middle East green initiatives with local targets including the planting of 10 billion trees across the kingdom, reducing carbon emissions by more than 4 per cent of global gulfbusiness.com

COVER STORY / EXPO 2020 DUBAI

EMBEDDING SUSTAINABILITY ACROSS THE ENTIRETY OF ITS OPERATIONS, EXPO 2020 DUBAI IS TURNING WORDS INTO ACTION. IT INSTALLED RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS WITH A COMBINED TOTAL CAPACITY OF 5.5 MEGAWATTS ON ALL PERMANENT BUILDING PROJECTS ACROSS THE SITE contributions, raising protected areas to more than 30 per cent of the total land area and achieving 50 per cent renewables in the country’s energy mix by 2030. Oman’s OQ also announced earlier this year that as part of an international consortium, it is developing one of the biggest green fuel projects in the world to transform the country’s renewable energy capacity. Similarly, the UAE has set ambitious agendas to help build a sustainable future. It pledged to reduce carbon emissions by a quarter before 2030, while as per the UAE’s 2050 strategy, the country plans to produce 44 per cent of its energy from renewables, 38 per cent from gas, 12 per cent from clean coal and 6 per cent from nuclear by 2050. Meanwhile, Unit 2 of the Barakah nuclear energy plant was connected to the UAE’s transmission grid last month, within months of commercial operations of the first unit. The drive to foster change and usher in a clean tomorrow is very much on the cards for private entities too. Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways has committed to a net zero carbon emissions target by 2050, and to halve its 2019 net emission levels by 2035, while Cisco also recently announced its allegiance to net zero greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes by 2040. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi’s largest solar-powered car park was completed earlier this year, which would save 5,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. As part of its commitment to sustainability, Amazon also launched its first onsite renewable energy project in the MENA region in the form of a solar rooftop at its largest fulfilment centre in the UAE. Environmental mindfulness is also gaining traction among consumers as people are envisioning a technology-driven viable future. A report launched by Mastercard, Smart Dubai and Expo 2020 Dubai found that as many as 53 per cent of UAE respondents

consider living in a sustainable city as the most exciting innovation in future smart cities, with sustainability emerging as a key aspiration for smart city development. “Dubai is spearheading the sustainability messaging across the region and delivering one of the world’s most sustainable expos ever. From building and construction to recycling and highlighting ecofriendly solutions, the city is gearing up to create positive change and reaffirm its commitment to sustainability. Furthermore, Dubai is mapping out a comprehensive plan for sustainable urban development in the city to enhance people’s quality of life,” says Brett Girven, principal of The Arbor School. In September, the school claimed to have become the first school to offer a sustainable uniform in the UAE. “We are 100 per cent aware that on this planet we will run out of resources if we continue to consume at the same rate as many parts of the world are. It’s not an equal amount of consumption, some countries consume more, some countries consume less, therefore the justice element is that we should make sure that everybody consumes proportionately, not some more and some less,” adds Girven.

Ringing in change

Embedding sustainability across the entirety of its operations, Expo 2020 Dubai is turning words into action. It installed renewable energy systems with a total capacity of 5.5 megawatts on all permanent building projects across the site. Meanwhile, the 4,912 solar panels on Terra’s 130-metre-wide canopy and 18 energy trees can create 4GWh of alternative energy annually – electricity enough to charge over 900,000 mobile phones. Furthermore, the exhibition is targeting for 50 per cent of its energy to come from renewables while 85 per cent of all waste, including municipal solid, construction and decommissioning waste, is to be segregated to allow for treatment and diversion from landfill. Several companies are aligning their efforts to support the event’s goals. “We’ve committed to collect and recycle PepsiCo waste generated on-site at Expo 2020 Dubai,” explains Sheikh. “The global food system needs to be reshaped to be more productive; more inclusive; more environmentally sustainable; and more resilient. These are complex and systemic challenges, and the necessary solutions transcend geographic, disciplinary and institutional boundaries. They require a combination of interconnected actions and partnerships at local, national, regional and global levels, and by both public and private actors.”

Terra-fic attempt

From recycling to fostering natural solutions and prodding introspection by visitors to help build a sustainable, inclusive future, Expo 2020 Dubai is on a journey to sculpt its own ingenious legacy – of invention, change and cohesiveness. “Expo 2020 Dubai is where the world will gather together, and all eyes will be on the country and the emirate. This is our chance as a region to emphasise what we need to do when it comes to sustainability on a global stage, as well as share examples of how the region is taking this subject seriously,” opines Khashan. “We all need a vision of a greener, more sustainable future right now.” It is, indeed, now or never for this planet. gulfbusiness.com

October 2021

COVER STORY / EXPO 2020 DUBAI

OPPORTUNITY:

BECKONING A BRIGHTER TOMORROW FROM HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR INTERCONNECTEDNESS TO SUPPORTING SOCIALLY INCLUSIVE GROWTH, HERE’S HOW EXPO 2020 WILL SHOWCASE THE OPPORTUNITIES OF THE FUTURE B Y A A R T I N A G R A J

pportunity is a word of hope and promise. It encompasses endless possibilities and the prospect of something better and greater. And it is a word that the world is clinging onto – on a macro and micro level, as we slowly emerge from one of the toughest periods in human history. World expos have always been destinations for path-breaking innovations – the United States’ first expo in 1876 saw the telephone and typewriter introduced to the world on a public stage; the mobile phone was revealed at the 1970 expo in Osaka, Japan; and the Eiffel Tower was built for the Paris Expo of 1889. Several new foods have also become global stars after their debuts at expos. Hence it is no surprise that ‘opportunity’ is one of Expo 2020 Dubai’s subthemes, as the event offers the perfect platform to champion new ideas and products at a time when the pandemic has recalibrated ways of living and working. The Opportunity district, which features pavilions from across the world including from most GCC countries – the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar – the US, China, India, Japan, Israel and the UK, among others, will highlight how our lives and actions are interconnected and how social innovators are creating the realities of tomorrow. The main Opportunity pavilion, aptly called ‘Mission Possible’, has

October 2021

been designed by AGi Architects and is themed around the urban history of the plaza and its universal significance as a place for people to connect across age, language and culture. The pavilion will take visitors through the journey of three individuals – Mariam, Abel, and Mama Fatma (representing different countries) – whose seemingly small actions have created a big impact in their communities in the areas of food, water and energy. “The pavilion is centred around individual action having the potential to have a community impact. And in that we focus on the Sustainable Development Goals and the role that we can play around supporting their implementation. As a visitor, you would have the option of living the lives of three people – from the UAE, Zanzibar and Peru, and you go through their journey of what action they took in their community, and how that has impacted people. And you’re also involved in games and towards the end, you would be asked to take a pledge. And that pledge, we hope as a visitor, that you take it on forever, as something that you would be committed to,” explains Marjan Faraidooni, chief experience officer at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Future focus

‘Vision’ is a word that countries, companies and business leaders often like to throw about – it offers the gravitas required to showcase a grand plan for the future. And yet, it is the implementation of a vision that is more essential and critical. Last month, the UAE – which celebrates its golden jubilee this year – announced plans to launch new projects gulfbusiness.com

EXPO 2020

D U B A I COVER STORY / EXPO 2020 DUBAI

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October 2021

COVER STORY / EXPO 2020 DUBAI

for the next 50 years and followed that up with actual programmes and initiatives. The ‘Projects of the 50’ includes schemes such as the ‘Green Visa’ for expatriates which allows them to sponsor themselves, a federal freelancers visa as well as other work Dr Azad Moopen permit reforms. It also includes a new Dhs5bn programme ‘Tech Drive’ to support advanced technology adoption in the industrial sector and a new data law that will ensure privacy of individuals and international companies in the country. The country also revealed plans to create 75,000 private sector jobs for Emiratis as part of the ‘Nafis programme’ and has allocated Dhs24bn to support the plan. “The green visa is a brilliant step forward in reaffirming UAE’s increasingly attractive status as the global hub for talented expats. Not only does it provide flexibility to top talents who are looking to build a long-term career in UAE, but also assures him/her of a promising future with their families by their side,” says Dr Azad Moopen, founder, chairman and managing director of UAE-based Aster DM Healthcare. Indian businessman Firoz Merchant, chairman and founder of Pure Gold Group, agrees that the new policies will bring about numerous opportunities in the near future. “These new changes will bring about a major impact both politically and economically – specifically on the investment landscape in the UAE. This country has made clear that it is headed in a new direction and we will see lots of changes in the next five to 10 years. In the last two years we have already seen reforms when it comes to visas and immigration laws – the UAE is becoming more welcoming and flexible and wants to support people in the country by providing a friendly atmosphere where they can stay comfortably, peacefully and with safety and security,” he says.

Inclusive growth

But while the focus remains on economic growth – both locally, regionally and globally, what the opportunity pavilion will highlight is also the need for socially inclusive growth. And that’s

October 2021

where technologies of the future will have a key role to play. Technologies of the future will enable the delivery of humancentred solutions that will ensure people’s holistic wellbeing and bridge social, geographic, and physical barriers, according to Dima Sayess, partner with Strategy& and the leader of the firm’s Ideation Center in the Middle East. Such solutions cover all industries and aspects of our daily lives. “Virtual hospitals and smart monitoring wearables will enhance access to quality telehealth and increase life expectancy through predictive and regenerative care. Digital education and job-matching platforms will allow individuals from disadvantaged socioeconomic communities and geographies to pursue personalised and life-long education and decent employment. Virtual workplaces will enable agile work arrangements, and assistive technology and exoskeletons will enhance productivity. Digital finance has the potential to significantly boost financial inclusion and reduce transaction costs. Social integration and volunteering platforms, virtual tourism and e-sports will enable the community engagement of otherwise marginalised groups. Digital resource redistribution and crowdfunding tools will channel surplus (in medicine, energy, water, food, etc) to people in need. Renewable technologies will facilitate the sourcing, allocation, and sustainable consumption of water, energy and food of deprived areas and segments. Connected smart homes will increase citizens’ comfort and optimise consumption levels. Vehicles of the future, such as hyperloops, self-driving cars, and drone assisted deliveries will offer more connectivity and affordable solutions,” elaborates Sayess. Aster’s Moopen agrees that integrating digital technology, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, is the “only way forward” to ensure a sustainable future for the industry. “It will solve the worldwide issue of access and affordability which millions of people around the world face today. With the use of digital tech like telehealth, access to quality healthcare can break geographical barriers and reach people in the remotest corners of gulfbusiness.com

COVER STORY / EXPO 2020 DUBAI

But while the focus remains on economic growth – both locally, regionally and globally, what the opportunity pavilion will highlight is also the need for socially inclusive growth. And that’s where technologies of the future will have a key role to play the world. By increasing efficiency, automation and reducing dependency on a physical setup for primary care services, the use of technology can reduce costs and make healthcare affordable for all,” he states.

Power of youth

Marjan Faraidooni

It is probably a cliché to say the future of the world lies in the hands of the youth. And yet that statement is gaining more power with the younger generations having more access to information and technology – and in turn having a larger influence on decision making. Youth empowerment is one of the main aspects of the Opportunity district and it will offer activities specifically designed for skill-building. Expo 2020 is hoping to start early and inspire the very young with a curated Expo School programme, which will see the site offer guided tours for free to students across the country. Faraidooni says the tours, which cover four journeys – Legacy of the UAE, World of Opportunities, Sustainable Planet and Universe in Motion – are bespoke for different age groups. “These tours have been very carefully planned and these four journeys are linked to our theme. We’ve also linked the tours to diverse UAE curricula, and we did that so that teachers can find the link between what they’re teaching in the classroom and what’s at the Expo. The way we like to explain it is that through this Expo, we are bringing the classroom to life,” she says, adding: “The journeys are safe, educational, inspirational and we did this because the school population represents the future generation.” Beyond smaller children, youth aged between 15 and 24 currently account for around 16 per cent of the global population. However, they face several challenges including inequitable access to affordable quality healthcare, education, stable income, and non-crowded housing, especially for vulnerable groups, explains Sayess. “They also face high drop-out rates, low education attainment, and declining interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) disciplines, despite the pressing importance of Industry 4.0 and the need for digital skills. These challenges have led to an increase in youth unemployment, reaching 15 per cent, which has been further exacerbated by Covid-19. “However, youth face a unique opportunity today. Technological advancements and globalisation will empower them to play an gulfbusiness.com

active role in shaping their future. From designing their personalised education pathways, to the prevalence of diversified career paths and entrepreneurship opportunities with the expansion of the gig economy, they have the chance to craft unique paths adapted to their abilities and interests. They also have access to innovative platforms and channels to strengthen their civic participation, voicing their issues, and engaging in government decisions and policy making, steering efforts towards positive change,” she adds. Looking ahead, Expo 2020 will play a major role beyond its six-month period to re-energise large scale events, drive investments in startups and support local economic growth. “Expo 2020 will project Dubai as the most futuristic city in the world which is capable of evolving with time and turning any crisis into an opportunity,” believes Moopen. In the words of Expo 2020: “Even one person can be the key to unlocking eight billion opportunities that can help individuals and communities create a better tomorrow, today. “Each of our actions and choices have an impact on others, be it at home or on the other side of the planet. Join the universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. Become an agent of change. What change will your action bring? Commit to make a difference and feel empowered to actually get things done, then see the ripple effect as the pledges multiply.” October 2021

THE ONE STOP DESTINATION FOR YOUR REGIONAL TECH NEWS

COMING TO YOU OCTOBER 2021

www.gulfbusiness.com/section/industry/tech/

BRAND VIEW

US equity markets: What to expect going forward Investors that identified sectors likely to benefit from the pandemic have enjoyed superior returns, writes entrepreneur and investor Shailesh Dash, who shares his perspective in this monthly column

he US stock markets continue their upward journey with the S&P 500 recording the seventh straight month of gains in August 2021. So far this year, the index has touched 53 new all-time highs, 12 of which occurred in August – all of this despite rising inflation and the fear of a fourth wave of Covid-19 led by the delta variant. The exponential rise in the equity markets since the March 2020 crash was largely backed by the Fed through a series of accommodative policies, including the stimulus cheques and bond purchasing programmes. This, in turn, led to increased liquidity in the markets, which pumped the upswing to newer highs. The increased emphasis on vaccination since November 2020 has also pushed the economy towards a stronger than expected recovery. This has now put the US on track to record its strongest ever year in the past 40 years, with its GDP forecast to grow anywhere in the range of 6 – 10 per cent in 2021. This widespread recovery is reflected in the S&P 500 corporate earnings for Q2 2021, which smashed all estimates to record the highest year-on-year growth since 2009. While one can argue that these are compared to the dismal earnings posted in pandemic-ridden 2020, it still talks a lot about the resilience shown by high-quality companies that have managed their balance sheets and cashflows efficiently to remain profitable. Investors that were more forward-looking and identified sectors likely to benefit from the pandemic have enjoyed superior returns over the past six months. Amongst the most profound were technology-based solutions that enjoyed tailwinds from a boost to earnings during the pandemic. They helped propel sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, cloud computing, healthtech and medtech, as well as online gaming and streaming to emerge as game

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changers. Stocks within these verticals witnessed continued buoyancy, supported by strong fundamentals, proven resilience and attractive growth prospects. On the other hand, investors have been less fearful of the defaults coming in from the companies anytime soon – this is evident in the narrow credit spreads in the bond market. We can also take a look at some of the macroeconomic indicators to broadly understand the investor sentiment – the unemployment rate dipped in August to 5.2 per cent from 5.4 per cent in July, while the hourly earnings increased by 4.3 per cent from August 2020. Few reports also suggest the proportion of jobs to job-seeking people being higher, largely indicative of the robust economic strength and outlook of the companies going forward. Nevertheless, several pandemic-induced external factors are likely to cause some vulnerability, possibly slowing down the rate of economic recovery in the near term. The rising number of Covid-19 cases owing to the new delta variant and steepening inflation have added fuel to the concerns of investors. The

tapering of the Fed’s $120bn a month bond purchasing programme in the coming months is also causing some worry for the retail investors fearing that the liquidity would dry up. From the Fed point of view, several measures have been taken to remain transparent and maintain an optimistic investor sentiment so as to avoid any shocks to the stock market, as it works towards ensuring a smooth economic recovery. The Fed believes the rising inflation is only a part of the transitory phase caused by the combination of supercharged demand (from federal stimulus) and disrupted supply (bottlenecks and pandemic impact), and will be short lived. As the demand moderates and the supply chains recover, core inflation is likely to come closer to the Fed’s target. Undoubtedly, global economies are heading into a full recovery from Covid-19. On the macro front, the US economy is likely to remain in a state of recovery as reopening of businesses continue, supported by government spending, an increase in personal consumption, coupled with fixed residential and non-residential investments. However, investors must be prepared for higher uncertainty in equity markets. In the near term, investors should shift their focus back to the company fundamentals and not rely solely on liquidity-driven opportunities or the easy early-cycle investment opportunities that have already been acknowledged and exploited – especially given that some episodes of corrections are inevitable amid what the market calls as an expensive valuation. According to BlackRock, investors largely avoided or sold quality stocks in favour of riskier bets that paid off in the early phases of the market upswing. This has now put the higherquality stocks at their largest discount to the broader market since the dot-com bubble of the early 2000s. Hence it is necessary for investors to cut out the noise caused by the short-term shocks and focus on long-term bets. Investors are advised to be prudent and maintain clear long-term objectives that are likely to reap strong benefits. Disclaimer: This column is purely for academic and educational purposes. Nothing mentioned here should be taken as solicitation to trade or a recommendation of a specific trade

June 2020 41

BRAND VIEW

Helping the world grow more with less Serving multiple customers and providing them with a diverse array of agricultural applications, Netafim aims to focus on developing advanced solutions in order to jointly address the issue of food security Can you please explain the business model of Netafim? Netafim works in two key verticals: Developing, manufacturing and providing smart irrigation technology products and solutions via our authorised distribution network. Providing end-to-end agricultural solutions and services focused on precision irrigation and plant nutrition solutions. We provide our customers – governments, corporates, and family businesses – with a diverse array of agricultural applications, helping them to grow any crop at any scale to meet their business objectives. How did you adapt your business strategy during the pandemic? Initially, the pandemic impeded some progress, mainly due to travel restrictions and limitation of project execution. We had to adapt and support our customers remotely rather than the usual on-site visits of our experts and engineers. However, the pandemic highlighted the vital need of food security to governments and we experienced record demand for our products and solutions including greenhouses and controlled environment technologies. We accelerated our digital transformation by enhancing and enabling digital platforms, providing our customers with on-line access to vast knowledge directly from Netafim experts. When it comes to agriculture and sustainability, there are massive challenges we have seen worldwide. How does precision farming address these issues? Precision farming aims to maximise yields while minimising resources and countering the challenges of limited availability of water and land. We need to grow more with less, which means using our resources in the most effective and efficient way. On average our technology saves approximately 50 per cent

December 2020

of the water required, mainly due to reduced evaporation and delivery of water and nutrients directly to the plant roots in smaller, steadier and accurate amounts. This means significantly more yield is produced for less water and other inputs. The same principle also applies for land – we need to optimise production of every land unit in order to feed the growing global population. There isn’t enough arable land and forest degradation is a major threat to biodiversity, resulting in dire environmental consequences. Talking about smart agriculture, what do you think the industry will look like in the next decade? We see two main trends that are woven together. Across the world, there is a natural transition of farming businesses between generations, and the younger generation is likely to accelerate the adoption of top agricultural technologies. AI, robotics, big data and other technological developments will be embedded in agricultural applications such as agro-machinery, irrigation, fertigation, crop protection and post-harvest processes. Coupled with this, remote and autonomous operations of farming activities are increasing, enabling farmers to maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of the farm while minimising resources. In turn, this will benefit consumers with fresher, healthier food and the use of these technologies significantly reduces the footprint of CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural production. We also anticipate a strong trend of growing crops locally in controlled environments, combating crop production in challenging climatic and hydrological conditions such as in the GCC. What kind of investment opportunities for agritech do you see in the Middle East? With global warming and desertification

Elad Levi, VP - head of MEA, Netafim

prevailing in many countries, there will be significant investment opportunities in desert-tech including greenhouse and vertical farming, enabling crop production in desert climates such as in the Middle East. The development of water-tech also presents a major opportunity – water treatment and cost-effective desalination technologies will play a major role in enabling agriculture in the Middle East. Can you share some examples of successful projects in the Middle East and Africa region? We have partnered with the government of Rwanda to build water and irrigation infrastructure for 15,600 hectares of land including a fully automated drip irrigation and fertigation commercial blocks – both for the local community as well as multinational investors – fulfilling the vision of Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda. We supplied irrigation and advisory to an Azam Group company, one of the biggest conglomerates in East Africa, for a sugarcane project spread across more than 2000-hectares. The maximum yield for sugarcane in this location is approximately between 25 to 45 tonnes per hectare. Azam Group, together with Netafim, achieved more than 180 tonnes per hectare, showcasing the potential of advanced irrigation technologies across all climatic and soil conditions. In Gabon, we recently kicked-off the largest drip-irrigation project in the world. In Morocco, we have accomplished a fourth yearly double-digit growth in a row and we are preparing to establish a manufacturing plant during the second half of 2022. In the GCC, we serve multiple customers at various scales. We are exploring partnerships, both with private and government sectors, focusing on serving our partners globally while developing advanced solutions in order to jointly address the issue of regional food security and thus ensuring prosperity.

gulfbusiness.com

EXPO 2020 D U B A I

EXPLORE SOME OF THE

COUNTRY PAVILIONS

S U S TA IN A BIL I T Y

MOBILIT Y

OPPORTUNIT Y

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

SHOWCASING THE WORLD EXPO 2020 DUBAI IS THE VERY FIRST WORLD EXPO WHERE EVERY PARTICIPATING COUNTRY HAS ITS OWN PAVILION. EACH OF THE 192 COUNTRY PAVILIONS – SPREAD ACROSS THE THREE MAIN DISTRICTS OF SUSTAINABILITY, MOBILITY AND OPPORTUNITY – WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO SHOWCASE THEIR INNOVATIONS AND STRATEGIES WHILE PROVIDING PROSPECTS FOR BUSINESS NETWORKING AS WELL AS CULTURAL EXPERIENCES.

Sustainability District: This district showcases some of the world’s most advanced technologies promoting sustainability and what nations are doing to champion the cause – whether that’s walking through a waterfall at Brazil’s pavilion or seeing a massive vertical farm at the Netherlands pavilion.

Mobility District: From offering a ride on an autonomous vehicle to learning about the latest developments in space exploration, the district displays all aspects of mobility with the aim to break down the divide between the physical and digital worlds. Visitors can explore a mix between the real and virtual world at the Korean pavilion or be inspired by Sona geometry, an ancient art of sand drawings, at the Angola pavilion.

Opportunity District: Featuring the largest number of country pavilions, the district highlights how our lives and actions are interconnected, while championing the people spearheading the creation of socially inclusive communities. The Malawi pavilion, for instance, follows the story of a rural child who is enabled with the right tools to thrive, while the UK pavilion discusses the role of AI in innovating for a shared future. In our special report this month, we take a peek into some of the country pavilions from across the three districts and explore their main highlights.

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

LOCATION: OPPORTUNITY DISTRICT | ARCHITECT: SANTIAGO CALATRAVA

With an exterior design shaped like a falcon, the four-storey 15,000 sqm pavilion is built with wings which can spread open in a matter of minutes and rotate as well. Photovoltaic panels manufactured in the UAE have been integrated into the roof and will feed solar energy to the main grid. A noteworthy design element at the pavilion is the Oculus skylight placed at a height of nearly 30 metres, which represents the Expo 2020 logo. The UAE’s Minister of Culture and Youth, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, has been appointed as commissioner general of the pavilion which will include exhibition spaces, F&B venues, an auditorium and VIP lounges.

AUSTRALIA LOCATION: MOBILITY DISTRICT

| ARCHITECT: BUREAU^PROBERTS

Focusing on its theme of ‘Blue Sky Dreaming’ is Australia’s cloud-shaped pavilion designed by Brisbane architect Bureau^Proberts, the same firm behind Kaust Beacon in Jeddah and the Wahat Al Karama war memorial in Abu Dhabi. Step inside the Australian pavilion and the main attraction is the 360-degree planetarium where you will be able to witness the great transition the country has made from the Aboriginal tradition of stargazing that dates back 60,000 years – making them perhaps the world’s first astronomers – to its modern-day astronomy sector that has evolved to include cutting-edge solutions.

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

EGYPT LOCATION: OPPORTUNITY DISTRICT ARCHITECT: HAZEM HAMADA

Reflecting Egypt’s cultural wonders, the country’s pavilion will be shaped like a pyramid and will showcase both historical traditions as well as the modern-day technological advancements of the country. The former will be highlighted by way of three original antique pharaoh statues, and also an ancient original pharaoh’s coffin of priest Psamtik, recently discovered in Giza. Replicas of King Tutankhamun’s sarcophagus, mask and throne will also be on display. A virtual tour guide, Ayda, will take visitors through a digital journey showcasing highlights of the pavilion. Another special installation will comprise of a “time travel machine” built to offer visitors a 3D-experience.

FRANCE

LOCATION: MOBILITY DISTRICT | ARCHITECT: PÉREZ-PRADO+CELNIKIER&GRABLI

France’s connection with the expo dates back more than 100 years, with its iconic Eiffel Tower built as the entrance to the 1889 Paris World Expo. It has come a long way since then and is set to reveal new ideas to reinvent the world at this year’s event. Standing tall at 21 metres and offering a panoramic view of the site, the pavilion will showcase daily light shows and offer gastronomical experiences. The country claims that its pavilion is traditionally among the most visited during World Expos, attracting roughly 25,000 visitors each day.

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

VISITORS CAN WEAR CONNECTED DEVICES TO EXPLORE THEMED AREAS SUCH AS THE ENERGY LAB, THE FUTURE CITY LAB AND THE BIODIVERSITY LAB

GERMANY

LOCATION: SUSTAINABILITY DISTRICT | ARCHITECT: LAVA, FACTS AND FICTION

Based around a campus theme, the Germany pavilion will focus on the theme of ‘edutainment’. Visitors can wear connected devices to explore themed areas such as the Energy Lab, the Future City Lab and the Biodiversity Lab, or watch an artistic performance at the Cultural Lab. The pavilion has also developed fun exhibits for children with its restaurant offering typical German culinary delights such as Currywurst, Sauerbraten beef with Spätzle pasta, and red cabbage and apple, among others.

CMY

BRAND VIEW

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

Uzbekistan

xpo 2020 Dubai marks the very first World Expo in which Uzbekistan will have its own pavilion. The 1,739sqm pavilion, which has been built with 90 per cent sustainable materials, will have three sections showcasing the past, present and future of the country. The three elliptical structures of the Uzbek pavilion symbolise

the three historical cities of the Great Silk Road – Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Under the theme of 'Mapping the Future Pathway' the country will focus on showcasing its technological developments and recent reforms to attract trade and stimulate investments. Visitors will also have a chance to sample authentic Uzbek cuisine.

Location: Sustainability District Architect: OP3 Expo

BRAND VIEW

EXPO 2020 DUBAI SDME 2021 – SEVEN PILLARS 01 SUSTAINABILITY The design, materials, systems, and components should have a very low environmental impact and the houses should provide healthy and comfortable spaces with a minimum consumption of energy and water.

Bright prospects Solar Decathlon Middle East – organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, will be – for the first time in its history – linked to a World Expo

xpo 2020 Dubai, which began on October 1, is a platform that will showcase innovative and sustainable initiatives – especially among the youth. And the event’s Official Sustainable Energy Partner is Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). In line with that, the Supreme Council of Energy, US Department of Energy and DEWA have agreed to hold the 2021 edition of the Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME) from November 11-24 at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, during the Expo 2020 activities. Solar Decathlon is an international competition for university students to design, build and operate sustainable solar-powered houses. They will integrate the latest technologies and materials in energy-efficient design, clean energy technologies, smart home solutions, water conservation measures, electric vehicles, and high-performance buildings. Considered the world’s most important green construction competition, SDME will be – for the first time in its history – linked to a World Expo. SDME 2021 has decided to focus on seven interrelated pillars: Sustainability, Future, Innovation, Clean Energy, Mobility, Smart Solutions, and Happiness. These pillars coincide with the goals of DEWA and Expo 2020 Dubai, and shall be present in all the houses. Teams will exhibit

the houses they have designed and constructed at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. During the final phase of the competition, the teams will display models of their houses at the DEWA pavilion within the Expo site, while undergoing 10 different contests. The 10 SDME contests will be in line with those in previous competitions, with some customisation to challenge the teams to adapt their designs to the heat, dust and high humidity experienced in the Middle East. There are three different ways to earn points: 1. Jury evaluation: A multidisciplinary jury, composed of renowned experts, score the houses based on the evaluation criteria and guidelines developed by DEWA. 2. Monitored performance: During the contest, observers will continuously monitor the houses, and carry out spot measurements. The monitored performance scoring uses the criteria indicated in the contest details. Judges will award points measured on performance requirements that are met or partially met. 3. Task completion: Teams will obtain points by successfully completing the requested tasks. An observer will record the results. DEWA will reward the winners in each of the contests in addition to the overall competition winners.

02 FUTURE The teams shall evaluate innovative technologies like AI, machine learning, 3D printing, IoT, and biomimicry, and implement in their projects the ones that assist in making their houses most sustainable, efficient and comfortable. 03 INNOVATION SDME 2021 is a platform for teams to test and display materials, components, equipment, and systems developed or improved by the participant universities, or by their research and industrial partners. Creative solutions can include responsive skins, adaptive facades, advanced glazing system, novel solar technologies, smart systems and energy storage, among others. 04 CLEAN ENERGY The houses must be net zero energy buildings. While it is essential for the designs to ensure the renewable energy supply, it is even more important to limit the energy consumption. Therefore, passive design strategies and energy efficiency are key elements. 05 MOBILITY The SDME projects must prove that they can produce enough energy to cover the demand of both the house and an electric vehicle. 06 SMART SOLUTIONS

Smart solutions must interconnect each house’s systems and use information technology to optimise overall performance. These solutions must include user-friendly interphases and dashboards. 07 HAPPINESS The teams must design the houses for people and need to think about how to make owners happy, creating comfortable and pleasant living spaces. The house systems and technologies must be user-friendly, and must give the occupants the ability to override any programmed action.

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

VISITORS CAN DESCEND FROM THE HIGHEST POINT OF THE THREE-FLOOR STRUCTURE VIA THE STAIRS OR THE GIANT SLIDE

LUXEMBOURG

LOCATION: OPPORTUNITY DISTRICT | ARCHITECT: METAFORM

Every pavilion has something unique, and in the case of Luxembourg, it’s a giant slide. Visitors can descend from the highest point of the three-floor structure via the stairs or the giant slide – an ode to the Luxembourgish traditional fair. Designed around the theme of ‘Resourceful Luxembourg’, the pavilion has a big section dedicated to nature with rocks, flora, and trees. The pavilion’s restaurant will offer Luxembourg fusion cuisine prepared by Michelin-starred chef Kim Kevin De Dood.

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

JAPAN

LOCATION: OPPORTUNITY DISTRICT | ARCHITECT: YUKO NAGAYAMA/NTT FACILITIES

Japanese hospitality will be on full display at the country’s pavilion at Expo 2020, with visitors greeted with Origami shapes at the structure. Designed around the concept of ‘Where Ideas Meet’, the pavilion aims to enable visitors to ‘connect’ and discuss global issues. The pavilion also seeks to strengthen Japan’s voice in the global community, develop and promote Japanese industry and empower the next generation with greater opportunities. It will also showcase the country’s art, culture, technology and food as it looks to attract more tourists.

POLAND LOCATION: MOBILITY DISTRICT ARCHITECT: WXCA

Poland’s 2,000 sqm tree-like wooden modular structure consists of a kinetic sculpture representing a migrating flock of birds that embodies the pavilion’s theme of ‘Creativity inspired by nature’. While live performances of DJs, pianists and singers will be held in the pavilion’s outdoor space, new exhibitions will be held every week inside. A highlight of the interiors is the Polish Table art installation made from materials including copper, ceramics, wood, carbon fibre and glass that is meant to encourage dialogue. Reinforcing that theme is the special Polish-Arab Economic Forum which will be held on December 6, 2021.

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

IRELAND LOCATION: MOBILITY DISTRICT ARCHITECT: CIARÁN O’CONNOR

Ireland’s theme for Expo 2020 Dubai is ‘Putting Creativity at the Centre of Human Experience in the 21st Century’. The pavilion is inspired by both classical western and Islamic architectural traditions and features two conjoined, square elements. Upon entering the pavilion, visitors will step into the Oculus Room, which will offer an immersive, visual and vocal experience of Irish culture. Meanwhile, The Courtyard will showcase regular Irish music performances by an in-house ensemble.

CMY

517

SOLAR PANELS ON THE ROOF CANOPY MEETING 100 PER CENT OF ITS ENERGY DEMANDS

SINGAPORE

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

LOCATION: SUSTAINABILITY DISTRICT | ARCHITECT: WOHA

Operating under the theme ‘Nature. Nurture. Future.’, Singapore’s ‘net zero energy’ pavilion will see 100 per cent of its energy demands met by 517 solar panels on the roof canopy. Visitors can walk through a three-dimensional greenery setting with forest trees, nine-metre garden cones and hanging gardens all around them in an experience similar to what they would find should they visit the Gardens by the Bay attraction in the city-state. Also, three wall-climbing robots will be employed to monitor the health of plants, detecting symptoms such as water deficiency and parasitic infection among them. Furthermore, saline water drawn from underground will be desalinated on site.

EXPO 2020 DUBAI SPECIAL FOCUS

FAZAA PAVILION Fazaa, a social initiative led by the United Arab Emirates government, will be presenting the vision and achievements of country via this pavilion. Spanning 1,696 sqm, the pavilion showcases the theme of Smart Society Development, highlighting how technological innovations and government programmes have improved the wellbeing of citizens, enhanced the strength of the economy and boosted the effectiveness of institutions in the UAE – thus supporting the country’s vision. The pavilion will also showcase the country’s achievements as it celebrates its 50th founding anniversary this year.

Location: Mobility District

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

AT THE RUSSIAN PAVILION YOU WILL HEAR STORIES ABOUT RUSSIA’S SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL HERITAGE. VISITORS WILL SEE WORKS OF THE COUNTRY’S BRIGHTEST MINDS BEHIND THE LATEST CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES MADE IN RUSSIA AND AIMED AT MAKING OUR FUTURE BETTER.” —Alexander Getman, director of the Russia pavilion

RUSSIA

LOCATION: MOBILITY DISTRICT | ARCHITECT: TCHOBAN SPEECH

The colourful dome-shaped façade houses a sprawling 4,562 sqm pavilion, which is operating under the theme of ‘Creative Mind: Driving the Future’. During the course of the six-month long Expo, the pavilion will host an exhibition that will present the creative contributions of Russia to the world. In cooperation with ANO and National Exhibition Operator, the project will also highlight the fundamental role of the human mind in achieving a better world and will introduce visitors to Russian music, culture and fashion.

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

SAUDI ARABIA

LOCATION: OPPORTUNITY DISTRICT | ARCHITECT: BORIS MICKA ASSOCIATES

Spread across a total area of 13,059 sqm, the Saudi pavilion – which is LEED Platinum certified – is the second largest at the Expo and features a colossal inclined mirror screen as its façade. The six-storey structure will take visitors on a journey across the kingdom, with simulations of several Saudi cultural sites as well as displays of the country’s new upcoming giga-projects. A massive art exhibition, dubbed the ‘Vision’, will house a giant, multi-faceted 30-metre diameter globe with an interactive floor while the Business Park will offer a space to discuss investment opportunities.

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

CZECH REPUBLIC

LOCATION: SUSTAINABILITY DISTRICT | ARCHITECT: FORMOSAAA

The two-storey structure is intended to be an exhibit in itself. Using a canopy of intertwined pipes (nicknamed spaghetti monster), the pavilion’s S.A.W.E.R system showcases a Czech-developed technology which uses solar energy to draw water from the air and convert arid land mixed with subsurface cultures into fertile soil. Inside, you’ll find a ceiling-to-floor hand blown glass installation from Lasvit. The top floor will host a mix of permanent and rotating exhibitions, the latter changing every fortnight. Among the permanent exhibits, remember to see Nanoworld – where Czech technology has been used to create fibres that are 1,000 times thinner than a human hair.

Exclusive paintings, sculptures and photography from award-winning international artists.

Painting by Abdulrahim Salem

Photograph by Faisal AlRais

Sculpture by Ana Laserna Villa

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

SWITZERLAND

LOCATION: OPPORTUNITY DISTRICT | ARCHITECT: OOS

Switzerland was the very first country to confirm its participation in the Expo. The Swiss pavilion, themed around the concept of ‘Reflections’, features interiors offering a multi-sensory experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the natural landscape of the Alpine country. Top of the agenda at the many rotating industry-focused exhibitions inside will the country’s major sectors including pharmaceuticals, research, education and technology. On display at the pavilion will also be an AI-backed digital Einstein developed by experts at ETH Zurich that can hear, see and interact with visitors. Also on offer inside will be Swiss culinary specialties, not least of which include a Sprüngli Boutique and Café.

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

“A MEETING OF THE MINDS, COMMUNICATION THROUGH CULTURE… THIS IS HOW WE CREATE THE FUTURE, RIGHT HERE FROM EXPO 2020 DUBAI”

D U B A I C R OW N P R I N C E S H E I K H H A M D A N B I N 62 MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM

OCT

Lifestyle

Taste the future A look at the unique culinary offerings and F&B tech innovations that will be available at Expo 2020 p.70

“The future of mobility will be decarbonised and digitalised. Infrastructure will undoubtedly play a crucial role in master-planning” Simon Mellor, CEO, Messe Frankfurt Middle East

gulfbusiness.com

Leica Q2 007 Edition Numbered and limited to 250 pieces, this leather-wrapped camera has the iconic Bond-inspired gun barrel design engraved across its lens cover October 2021

EXPO 2020

D U B A I Lifestyle / Mobility

MOBILITY: SHIFTING THE GROUND BENEATH US The future of mobility is already upon us. Which direction are we headed in, what are some of the most important learnings from the region that will contribute to the grand vision, and most importantly, what are the stumbling blocks that we must be all too aware of? There are plenty of answers, if only we know where to look BY VARUN GODINHO

October 2021

gulfbusiness.com

The Mobility pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

COVER STORY/EXPO 2020 DUBAI

narky comments, overall scepticism and outright ridicule – there weren’t a dearth of any of these when Elon Musk published a white paper on the Hyperloop concept in 2013. Eight years on, Musk has proved to not only be a visionary, but also a pragmatic one at that. In November last year, the Dubai-based DP World-backed Virgin Hyperloop took the concept from paper to reality in a test run with two passengers transported by the system in Nevada. One of the three core themes at Expo is mobility, and the UAE has been a frontrunner when it comes to demonstrating the future possibility of this sector. The Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy, for example, aims for 25 per cent of all transportation in the emirate to be smart and driverless by 2030. And it’s already had a healthy head start. The Dubai Metro is the world’s longest driverless network and celebrated its 12th anniversary last month, having carried 1.706 billion passengers as of the end of August. The Dubai Taxi Corporation’s (DTC) Strategic Plan 2021-2023 meanwhile commits to converting 5 per cent of the city’s taxi fleet to autonomous mode by 2023 and having around 4,000 self-driving taxis by 2030 – making Dubai the first city outside of the US to feature this technology. To that end, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signed an agreement with General Motors-majority owned autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Cruise, for the latter to become the city’s exclusive provider of self-driving taxis and ride-hailing services until 2029. Autonomous modes of public transport don’t just make for Instagram-friendly photo-ops for the millions visiting the UAE

Dubai expects the benefits of self-driving technologies to be valued at more than Dhs22bn per year. It aims to reduce annual transportation costs by Dhs900m

each year, it makes sound economic sense too. Dubai expects the benefits of selfdriving technologies to be valued at more than Dhs22bn per year. As part of its 2030 vision, it is aiming to reduce transportation costs by Dhs900m annually and save Dhs1.5bn a year by reducing environmental pollution by 12 per cent using this self-driving technology. It also expects to generate annual economic returns of Dhs18bn in the process by improving the efficiency of the emirate’s transportation sector. That figure is only spurred on by the likes of technology such as the RTA’s drone taxi service which it trialled a few years ago, with the transport authority reportedly working on developing air corridors for these vehicles to operate within. Delving into the future of aerial mobility will be the Dubai Airshow, which will run from November 14-18. “This year, we will be having conferences dedicated to ‘Advanced Aerial Mobility’ as part of the Aerospace 2050 Forum. The conferences will cover an array of themes, including the role of new technologies in revolutionising air travel, major changes happening in the cargo sector, global advancements in sustainability and autonomous transportation, in addition to new space services, satellite connectivity, The DP World-backed Virgin Hyperloop and more,” says Tim Hawes, programme will revolutionise the way managing director at Tarsus, passengers and cargo are transported organisers of the Airshow.

gulfbusiness.com

October 2021

Lifestyle / Mobility

t the Mobility district within the Expo, the Forster + Partners designed Mobility pavilion, called Alif, features the world’s largest passenger lift that can transport over 160 people at a go. Alif is built with a 330-metre track, part of which is underground, and at which some of the latest mobility tech will be on display. Also on display will be nine-metre-tall historical giants of mobility whose innovations have shaped our current use of mobility as a concept. The pavilion will also give attendees an opportunity to build their own robot or design their spaceship, witness demos of jetpacks and hoverboards, attend workshops about drones and also understand how mobility is fundamentally altering the future growth of cities with sustainable and innovative solutions such as solar-powered cycles. The pavilion will especially provide a glimpse into the smart cities of the future where artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, machine learning and autonomous transport all work together to redefine mobility. “As a visitor in the pavilion, you will go through the ages, particularly in the Arab world, where we introduce you to the giants of mobility who have played a major part in human progress. That journey through time and space starts in the past, in the House of Wisdom, and it goes into the future. We want to shift the visitors’ perception on what mobility is and what its role is in the progress of humankind. We want them to come out and believe that they will have to be responsible participants in progressing the world,” says Marjan Faraidooni, chief experience officer, Expo 2020 Dubai. 66

October 2021

The 1,200km Etihad Rail line will connect all seven emirates of the UAE to Saudi Arabia

The clearest example of it is The Line project, a 170km city without cars or streets, that will instead be linked by an underground network of AI-enabled ultra-high speed transit systems and also a freight transport network. When realised, The Line aims to become a zero-carbon emissions city where you can get from any point to the next in a maximum of 20 minutes. Further proof of Saudi’s decision to invest in the future of mobility was the decision of its sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, to back the Tesla-baiting electric car company Lucid Motors, helmed by Tesla S engineer Peter Rawlinson. Lucid’s first car hasn’t yet made it to market, but all the signs point towards the Nasdaq-listed company becoming a potential powerhouse that can take on Tesla itself.

Analysts have indicated that beyond Mobility as a concept Hypermotion Dubai, an exhibition to modes of transport, the future of mobildiscuss the changing nature of the logisity could also lean heavily on innovation tics, mobility and transport sectors, will in fuel. Apart from sustainable fuels, a big hold its inaugural event on the grounds of push currently is towards hydrogen. South the Expo 2020 site from November 2-4. Korean auto major Hyundai, for example, “Our aim is to spark conversations on has unveiled its Hydrogen Vision 2040, transport and logistics solutions as well which is built on its hydrogen-powered as showcase innovations that will propel fuel system. It says that it will debut a new the UAE into the next era of mobility,” version of a fuel cell system that is 30 per says Simon Mellor, CEO, Messe Frankfurt cent smaller, 50 per cent cheaper and twice Middle East, the organisers of the event. as powerful as those currently available. By The event has well-known industry lead2028, it hopes for all its commercial vehiers including Abdullah Al Shamsi, senior cles including cars, trucks and buses to rely director of Future of Things, Dubai Aviaon this fuel system. Two years after that, tion Engineering Projects and Josh Giegel, it intends for its hydrogen-power system CEO and co-founder of Virgin Hyperloop to reach cost parity with battery packs, in attendance. making the adoption of it all the more “The future of mobility will be decarubiquitous. bonised and digitalised,” affirms Meller. Countries in the region, including the “While we can look at government initiaUAE and Saudi Arabia are rightly therefore tives around the world – which includes forward-planning and building hydrogen Britain’s goal to ban the sale of new intereconomies. The UAE has formed a green nal combustion engine vehicles by 2030 hydrogen alliance that combines the efforts and France’s pledge to do the same by of Mubadala, ADNOC and ADQ. Saudi Arabia meanwhile aims to build a $5bn green hydrogenbased ammonia production facility located in NEOM which will produce green ammonia for global export. It is at the $500bn NEOM mega city situated in the northwest of Saudi though, where some of the finest innovations in the future of A rendering of the proposed transportation system at The Line mobility might take form. gulfbusiness.com

COVER STORY/EXPO 2020 DUBAI

The UAE’s ambitions for mobility extend extraterrestrial as well – its ingenious Hope Probe successfully entered Mars’ orbit earlier this year. Besides, the UAE Space Agency has signed onto NASA’s Artemis Accords for space exploration 2040 – achievable goals have already been set closer to home, in Dubai. The emirate’s Autonomous Transportation Strategy and the UAE’s ambition of setting up a hyperloop network proves that the country’s leadership is thinking well beyond 2030,” adds Meller. Thinking beyond the next decade is not optional. It’s ideas like these that will be discussed at the Expo itself, not least by way of the Expo’s official robotics partner, China-based Terminus Group which will deploy 150 AI and IoTpowered robots across the site. Also, challenging conventional notions of mobility and forcing a rethink of how we go about shaping the conversation around it over the coming decades, is the Expo’s automotive partner, Nissan. “As the official automotive partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, Nissan looks towards leveraging this unique opportunity to work closely with governments and global stakeholders in the transition to a newer, greener and more sustainable chapter in the future of mobility,” says Thierry Sabbagh, managing director, Nissan Middle East. “Utilising our global expertise in sustainable transportation and smart-city solutions, Nissan will help raise awareness among millions of visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai about the impact of our choices on the environment and the importance of collective action towards global issues. In addition to various panel discussions spread across the duration of Expo 2020 Dubai, Nissan will bring together exciting events, one of which will be showcasing the Ariya, our first EV crossover that serves as a representation of what is to come in the future of electrification,” he adds. gulfbusiness.com

s the region pushes forward with a multi-pronged approach to the future of mobility, the common consensus is that the development of infrastructure will be key. “Infrastructure is another key challenge for the adoption of new technologies. Airports, for example, must have facilities and infrastructure built in accordance with the best standards and with state-ofthe-art technologies, which might be a major challenge for countries with less sophisticated systems,” says Hawes from the Airshow. Mellor from Hypermotion seconds that thought. “There is one crucial condition that must be met to enable such a grand transformation to mobility: improved infrastructure. Without laying the proper foundations to allow these solutions to exist, they will remain concepts. We’re lucky that change in this part of the world can be instigated quickly and effectively. With the added benefit of new projects and developments emerging all the time, infrastructure will undoubtedly play a crucial role in master-planning,” notes Mellor. The 1,200km Etihad Rail line which will connect all seven emirates of the

UAE to Saudi Arabia, with passenger and freight services executed along the route, is yet another case study of far-sighted infrastructure planning within the region. In countries where infrastructure is lacking, it is the private sector that is stepping in to tie up the loose ends – in January, DP World, the world’s largest operators of marine ports and inland cargo terminals, signed a 20-year concession agreement with the government of Angola to operate the Multipurpose Terminal (MPT) at the Port of Luanda in Angola. It pledged to invest $190m over that period to overhaul its existing infrastructure and acquire new equipment to help increase the terminal’s annual throughput to approximately 700,000 TEUs per year. Closer to home, DP World has shown what the Virgin Hyperloop could mean for cargo services. The DP World Cargospeed, which will be built using the zero-emission propulsion hyperloop system repurposed for cargo, will transport high-priority, timesensitive goods including fresh food and medical supplies as well as connect with other existing modes of road, rail and air transport at manufacturing parks, distribution centres, economic zones, and regional urban centres. “We haven’t seen a new mode of mass transit in over a century and hyperloop will revolutionise the world in the same way the plane, train, or cargo ship did in its time. We hope to have hyperloop running in years, not decades – governments all over the world are interested in this technology. First we regulate and certify, then we start building for passengers and cargo,” said a spokesperson for DP World. The UAE’s ambitions for mobility extend extraterrestrial as well – its ingenious Hope Probe successfully entered Mars’ orbit earlier this year. Besides, the UAE Space Agency has signed onto NASA’s Artemis Accords for space exploration, while the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has agreed with Japan’s ispace for the latter to deliver the Emirates Lunar Mission’s ‘Rashid’ rover to the Moon. The UAE is also working on the Mars 2117 Programme, which aims to build a human colony on the red planet within the next 100 years. Before you relegate that to a fantastical state of mind and of ambition gone unchecked, pause and remind yourself of what they said about Musk only a few years ago. October 2021

Krishan Bodhani, VP and director of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz

capacity to travel long distances provides the confidence owners need to embark on any journey, safe in the knowledge that the EQS can easily complete the trip, while the onboard navigation system will direct them to the nearest charging station when required.

Full charge ahead Krishan Bodhani, VP and director of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz, explains how the Mercedes-EQ vision of electric mobility will shape the brand’s strategy for decades to come What does Mercedes-Benz envision as the future of mobility? Mobility has an exciting future fuelled by advances in safety, sustainability, in-car AI functions and the development of the EV sector. Mercedes-Benz has laid the foundations for its own vision of the future with Mercedes-EQ. Included in this are the EQS and EQA models, which have made e-mobility a fully connected, convenient and accessible option for today’s motorist. The growth of Mercedes-EQ is a key part of Mercedes-Benz’s ambition to have a full-electric fleet by the end of the decade. The development of Mercedes-EQ is led by technology and innovation. The EQA and EQS both feature MBUX, the market-leading in-car multi-media, navigation and infotainment system. MBUX is particularly impressive in the EQS with the introduction of the Hyperscreen; the wide, curved screen runs from the car’s left to right A-pillar and allows easy and intuitive access to a host of systems and driver assist functions.

68 June 2020

What are the benchmarks that MercedesBenz is using as a reference point in its electrification programme? Mercedes-EQ was quick to set the benchmark for e-mobility. Its flagship model, the EQS, is based on a new architecture and the exciting concept of progressive luxury, which is aimed at the top end of the EV market. The EQA, which is a close relative of the GLA, delivers the characteristics of a luxury SUV combined with an efficient and powerful electric powertrain. By fusing technology and design with state-of-the-art connectivity, the EQ range showcases major advances in the all-electric sector. Its success forms a key part of Mercedes-Benz’s goal of having an all-electric fleet of models available to customers. Mercedes-EQ will strengthen people’s confidence in swapping their petrol car for an EV model, with the EQS and its huge range of up to 770km according to Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) offering substantial appeal. The car’s

Where is the EQ programme eventually headed? Mercedes-EQ marks a new chapter for mobility at a time when the automotive industry is moving towards a more sustainable future. Helping to shape the biggest transport revolution of our time, the EQ programme successfully combines a new generation of electro-aesthetics and performance with the practical everyday needs of the consumer. Mercedes-Benz was quick to embrace electrification; as an innovator in EV, Mercedes-EQ continues to grow with more models becoming available. These will be served by a network of charging stations alongside EQ’s advanced home charging systems and new energy storage options that build on growing client confidence in the technology. On the road, performance will also define the success of Mercedes-EQ. As such, the EQS defines the power and capabilities that are available to owners of EQ vehicles, with its all-wheel-drive system delivering 516hp, and an acceleration from zero to 100kph in just 5.5 seconds. What are Mercedes-Benz’ plans with regards to autonomous driving? Autonomous driving, powered by AI, has the potential to revolutionise not only how cars function but how consumers look at mobility as a whole. The technical conditions needed for autonomous driving are available right now, with the sensors, cameras and technologies required already being used in the production of road vehicles.

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BRAND VIEW

The S-Class, for example, has taken a major step towards autonomous driving. Its Active Distance Assist Distronic and Active Steering Assist functions support the driver in keeping a safe distance, with its speed adjusted for bends and junctions. Mercedes-EQ is also pioneering AI-assisted driving. The EQS and EQA feature active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist systems. In the future, and currently in development, the Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot system, a Level 3 driving assistance system, will enable a car to drive without constant driver supervision. Many of the technological advances delivered in the EQS are also powered by AI, which actively monitors and learns from the driver’s habits and behaviour, thanks to upwards of 350 sensors located throughout the vehicle. Speed, distances travelled, types of acceleration, driver’s eye movements and speech help onboard algorithms to make decisions that improve safety and handling. Do facilities like Factory 56 represent the future direction for Mercedes-Benz’ manufacturing capabilities? Factory 56 in Sindelfingen is the fulfilment of Mercedes-Benz’s vision of smart production and a flexible, digital, efficient and sustainable future, with the factory currently moving to become a zero-carbon and low energy facility. Its advanced production capabilities allow it to quickly meet changes in demand; the ‘Techlines’ system makes it possible for models to be swiftly integrated into the assembly line, to shift

from SUV to EV. Called the ‘assembly system of the future’, it allows Mercedes-Benz to react rapidly and introduce new innovations to its fleet. The pandemic has highlighted the need for companies to be more responsive to their markets and environments, and to be able to adapt their output and plans accordingly. How does Mercedes-Benz reflect and embody some of Expo 2020 Dubai’s key themes? Mercedes-Benz and Expo share the same goals. The ability to innovate, adapt and introduce new technology has opened new doors to greater opportunity, sustainability and mobility. The rapidly expanding EQ range embodies a spirit of sustainability and mobility; it’s reshaping how customers interact with their vehicles and the world around them. Expo’s subthemes of opportunity, sustainability and mobility are also the driving force behind Mercedes-Benz. They can be seen in the growth of Mercedes-EQ and the delivery of all-electric models such as the EQS and EQA, which are leading the way to a Mercedes-Benz all-electric fleet which will be available by the decade’s end. Mercedes-EQ has helped to reframe the way motorists view e-mobility, which in turn has helped the sector to grow and expand. As a result, EVs now enjoy a higher level of awareness amongst the public than ever before, which in turn powers greater opportunity for the sector, driving a sustained push for improved sustainability and allowing for advances in mobility. Which are some of the F1 technologies being imparted to your road fleet – and vice versa? As Mercedes-EQ powers ahead and leads the

way to greater e-mobility, EV technologies and sustainability goals are being adopted by both of MercedesBenz’s motorsport teams. Innovation, technology and efficiency are helping F1 and FE meet major pledges to slash carbon emissions and transition towards renewable energy. As the only brand to have an F1 and FE team, Mercedes-Benz recognises the role motorsports play in the development of ideas and technologies that can be transferred to its road vehicles, and vice versa. The demands placed on motorsports teams means they are in the ideal position to quickly address some of the most pressing issues related to technology, sustainability and the need to innovate. Mercedes-Benz is ideally placed to take advantage of these developments and introduce them to the marketplace through its EQ brand and traditional fleet. What are some of the biggest challenges that Mercedes-Benz is resolving at the moment? Mercedes-Benz’s e-commerce platforms helped the brand overcome a challenging period during the pandemic. As customers were unable to visit physical showrooms or service centres, the growth in the use of websites made it possible for people to buy their next Mercedes-Benz from the comfort of their homes. Engaging with customers online allowed Mercedes-Benz to grow its client-base and increase connectivity. The StarView video app connects customers with technical teams working on their vehicles and builds confidence and lasting trust. Online and offline merged with great effect to ease customers’ transition between the website and showroom when buying or servicing a vehicle. With important Covid-restrictions still in place, the safety and wellbeing of our clients remains of utmost importance. Therefore, our online presence and services will continue to grow and develop to meet demand.

“The rapidly expanding EQ range embodies a spirit of sustainability and mobility; it’s reshaping how customers interact with their vehicles and the world around them” gulfbusiness.com

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EXPO 2020

D U B A I Lifestyle / Culinary

The world, plated From food theatre to autonomous delivery robots, Expo 2020 will deliver a table full of innovative culinary concepts and diverse flavours allowing visitors to taste the globe BY VARUN GODINHO

an science fiction be served on a plate? UK-based Bompas & Parr, a multi-sensory food and drink specialist, certainly thinks so. It will debut its Future of Food: Epochal Banquet concept at Expo 2020 Dubai and you can expect the three-course menu to feature edible glowin-the-dark creations and flavour-changing desserts in an immersive experience that blends the concepts of microbiology, hyperintelligence, theatre and a side of culinary genius. “We worked with 102-year-old scientist James Lovelock who has predicted the future as the age of hyperintelligence. We used that to create a piece of dinner theatre where you step into a museum of food, set 300 years in the future, and eat your 70

October 2021

Bompas & Parr will debut their Future of Food: Epochal Banquet concept at the Expo

way through the future of food from now until Lovelock’s Novacene,” Sam Bompas, director of Bompas & Parr tells Gulf Business. Lovelock’s Novacene era is one where AI-beings become the dominant race and will treat humans as their cherished pets. To bring the concepts of Novacene to the now and onto people’s plates, Bompas has adopted a multi-disciplinary approach. “We’ve worked with a motley crew of architects, designers, graphic designers, chefs, mixologists, videographers, theatre directors – all with the aim of gathering the future together and presenting it on your plate at Expo 2020,” he says. While Bompas’ exact offering at the Expo remained a tightly guarded secret until the official opening, he pointed out

that his team has already worked with the chemistry department at the University of Cambridge on synthesising a biocompatible structural dye that can be glazed over a dessert to mimic the effect of eating a hologram, and also with Professor Charles Spence at Oxford University on crossmodal sensory science to allow diners to detect three different flavours within a single dessert, besides research carried out on cellular protein production. “It’s like William Gibson said, ‘The future’s already here – it’s just not very evenly distributed.’ We’re trying to draw together a few possible futures from around the world and situate them all at Dubai Expo so that when you gulfbusiness.com

Lifestyle / Culinary

UK-based Bompas & Parr will debut its Future of Food: Epochal Banquet concept at Expo 2020 Dubai and you can expect the three-course menu to feature edible glow-in-the-dark creations and flavour-changing desserts in an immersive experience that blends the concepts of microbiology, hyperintelligence, theatre and a side of culinary genius Creations from XYST by American celebrity chef, Matthew Kenney

visit, you can taste the future and make up your mind about it and what you would like to see happen,” says Bompas.

he Expo has traditionally been a vastly innovative and fertile ground for the introduction of generationdefining culinary innovations – think the ice cream cone, the hot dog bun and tomato ketchup. The Dubai edition isn’t about to come up short. “With 192 countries showcasing the best of their cultures, there will be plenty of innovative discoveries from around the world, from the next superfood – teff [which is] a fine, low-calorie, gluten-free grain favoured by Ethiopia’s long-distance runners that is naturally rich in iron, calcium, protein and amino acids at the Ethiopia pavilion, to a cone-shaped vertical farm at the Netherlands pavilion,”

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says Galal Abdellatif, director of food and beverage at Expo 2020, which will feature over 200 eateries. Among them will be American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney’s outposts. He specialises in plant-based cuisine and has previously worked on the Folia menu at the Four Seasons in Jumeirah Beach. Now, he’s bringing three of his concepts to the Sustainability Hub. Veg’d is a fast-casual dining offering, while XYST is a Mediterranean concept with the courses paired with cocktails and wines. Mudra, which has risen through the ranks

to become a hotspot in Buenos Aires, will also be present at the Expo and in Kenney’s words will offer “a gourmet twist on things like tikka masala, empanadas, and even a large sushi selection.” Kenney adds, “One of our main company goals and objectives is to create a more sustainable future, through food. We do not use processed ingredients, we limit waste, and use biodegradable packaging whenever possible.” Other big industry names who will be present include chef David Myers who is bringing his concept, Adrift Burger Bar (expectations are high considering his LA flagship restaurant, Sona, was awarded a Michelin star for three consecutive years); Armenian-American chef, Geoffrey Zakarian, who will showcase The National Bar & Dining Rooms, his vision of a grand café, offering modern bistro cuisine; and New York’s Scarpetta, which will open its firstever Burrata Bar at the Expo. There will also be a strong focus on local dining options including The Arabian Tea House, founded in 1997 by Ali Al Rais, as well as UAE-born concepts including Dampa Seafood Grill, Al Farwania, and the Anthony Bourdain-recommended Ravi Restaurant. Another noteworthy local restaurant, and one that is born at the Expo, is farm2table which will feature locallysourced produce served in dishes inspired by the Silk Road. As Abdellatif explains, there has been a strong emphasis placed across the Expo’s eateries on sourcing locally. “Our beliefs around local sourcing are laid out in a document called Food Ethos. Our aim is to get 20 per cent of our ingredients from the local marketplace. In addition, the Food Ethos lays out our position on areas such as

October 2021

Lifestyle / Culinary

organic ingredients, affordable food and accessible food for people with special dietary considerations,” says the Expo’s F&B director.

hile several of the restaurants offer dine-in options, for those visiting the site and are on the go, they can opt for a delivery service. Online food ordering major talabat has been appointed as the official food provider to Expo 2020. With an area of 4.38 sq km to cover, equal to over 600 football pitches, and potentially thousands of visitors to cater to during peak days, talabat took the route of rolling out its cloud kitchen at the site. “All orders will be delivered from our stateof-the-art, innovative two-storey cloud kitchen. Our cloud kitchen is over 1,900 square metres with over 30 different brands operating in the kitchen,” says Jérémy Doutté, vice president UAE at talabat. But he adds that the company, which also wants to be positioned as a tech firm, will be debuting futuristic delivery concepts at the Expo which it hopes to subsequently roll out across its other markets. For the first time, it will be introducing 10 autonomous robots delivering food at the Expo site. Also, Doutté says that talabat will be offering smart 3D-printed lockers at Expo with a contactless delivery option that it has developed in partnership with Kitopi and GrubTech. But apart from the delivery robots, a surefire hit with Instagram posts coming out of the site will be talabat’s robotic ice-cream confectioner and barista. “Our robotic ice-cream confectioner and barista will wow visitors at Expo. Visitors will be able to order ice cream and coffee made by robots in our space,” says Doutté.

October 2021

While technology will take centre stage at Expo, it is the melting pot of cultures that will be reflected in the food at the event. That sense of cultural diversity is best highlighted through the world’s first bespoke African dining hall, Alkebulan As for catering, Emaar Hospitality Group, the official catering, hotel and hospitality partner for Expo, has tapped into its staff from some of its top properties in Dubai including Armani Hotel Dubai, Address Hotels and Vida Hotels to be a part of the event. One of Emaar’s big draws is its 2020 Club by Emaar. “The 2020 Club by Emaar is a dedicated hospitality venue, located at the very heart of the Expo 2020 Dubai site, offering direct views of the Al Wasl Plaza and the UAE pavilion. It features several floors of premium lounges, event spaces, a rooftop venue and Emaar Hospitality Catering,” says Alma Au Yeung, head of Emaar Hospitality Group Events and Partnerships. Au Yeung adds that Emaar will also do its bit towards ensuring its operations at the Expo tie in with the sustainability theme. “We are proud to announce our carefully curated ‘farm to table’ concept where ingredients from around the country will be brought in. At our hotels under the Emaar Hospitality Group, we pride ourselves on procuring most of our food items from local producers and we will continue this at our Hospitality & Rooftop Lounge at the 2020 Club by Emaar. We have also partnered with a waste management company to ensure an ethical system of waste disposal

GrubTech and talabat have unveiled 3D printed smart lockers at the Expo

from our kitchens at the Expo 2020 site. All the uniforms worn by our team members at the 2020 Club by Emaar are also produced using sustainable fabrics,” she says. F&B conglomerates have also stepped up with a presence at the show. PepsiCo has, for example, partnered with the Expo’s official payment technology partner, Mastercard, to open a Pepsi Go unmanned store driven by AI technology and contactless payments. Customers can use their payment cards to open the kiosk’s doors. Inside, the store uses AI and computer recognition technology to track the PepsiCo snacks and beverages that the shoppers select. Once they’re ready to check out, they can exit the gates and the amount will be automatically deducted from their cards via the Mastercard Payment Gateway Services without them having to queue and bill the items. “For over two years, we have been developing this checkout experience for the region alongside our strategic partners PepsiCo, and we are thrilled to see it come to life for Expo 2020 Dubai,” says Gaurang Shah, senior vice president, product management, digital payments and labs, Middle East and Africa at Mastercard. gulfbusiness.com

Lifestyle / Culinary

While technology will take centre stage at Expo, it is the melting pot of cultures that will be reflected in the food at the event. That sense of cultural diversity is best highlighted through the world’s first bespoke African dining hall, Alkebulan. According to recent data shared by Dubai Chamber, the city’s food and beverage trade with Africa reached $13.9bn over 2015-2020. In 2020, Dubai’s total F&B trade with Africa amounted to $2.4bn, reaching the highest level since 2017. Alkebulan, at the Expo, aims to keep up that momentum and synergy between Africa’s F&B offerings and Dubai. The dining hall is curated by chef Alexander Smalls, who is also a Grammy Award-winning opera singer. It will feature seven chefs who represent different aspects of the continent’s cuisines. The food hall hosts 10 counters, each with a rich culinary tradition. The Tasty Goat, by Kenyan-born chef Kiran Jethwa, will showcase a unique spin on nose-to-tail dining. Senegal-born pastry chef Mame Sow meanwhile will be turning up with her Showbox Bakery serving up the famous Ethiopian injera flatbread. Award-winning chef Coco Reinarhz, who grew up in Kinshasa, will be present within the African dining hall with his Choma BBQ creation that will present a range of roasted, grilled and smoked meats, including a Zanzibari spiced rice and lamb preparation and Kenyan style beef skewers served with roasted green bananas. Ultimately, while the six-month-long Expo 2020 will conclude on March 31, 2022, that isn’t going to spell the end of the road for the culinary scene at the Expo. As F&B director Abdellatif says, “When Expo closes its doors in March 2022, there will be a nine-month transition period that will see more than 80 per cent of the site’s built environment repurposed as District 2020. The Sustainability pavilion will become a Science Centre, Rove Expo 2020 will remain and a number of Expo’s official premier partners have also already committed to establishing a presence in District 2020. There will be a strong F&B offering throughout District 2020 to whet the appetites of all those living, working and visiting District 2020.” From District 2020 to Dubai 300 years from now, concepts like the Epochal Banquet and robotic baristas will likely prove the Expo was centuries ahead of the curve. gulfbusiness.com

SIDE BITES

Two pavilions to eat your way through at the Expo

NEW ZEALAND | TIAKI What to expect: Full-service restaurant Tiaki is one of only a few fully-licensed pavilion restaurants and will offer visitors a glimpse of New Zealand’s food and beverage offering.

by young apprentice chefs recruited from New Zealand.

Who’s behind the kitchen: Tiaki will be operated by Emirates Flight Catering who visited New Zealand to source food and beverage products to curate the menu. They will be supported

Don’t forget to try before you leave: Best of Aotearoa platter allows diners a sampling of the country’s seafood, meat and cheese and sharable cheese selections from Fonterra.

Surprise entry on the menu: Greenshell mussels in white wine broth with baguette crostini.

UZBEKISTAN | VOHA RESTAURANT What to expect: Voha Restaurant is one of the key features of Uzbekistan Pavilion that will offer an authentic Uzbek experience with an elegant and yet traditional restaurant design. Who’s behind the kitchen: Head chef Sanjar Mukhamedov who is

the chef behind Fillet & Zaytoon in Uzbekistan will be visiting Dubai to lead the culinary operations at Voha. Surprise entry on the menu: Uzbek Sweet Plate. Don’t forget to try before you leave: Plov – a classic dish of Uzbekistan.

October 2021

Lifestyle / Technology

Hands-on review: The OPPO Reno6 Pro 5G A slim 7.99mm device that weighs 188g, Reno6 Pro 5G inherits OPPO’s Reno Glow design, featuring two new colours – Arctic Blue and Lunar Grey

PPO recently launched the Reno Series, with the hero Reno6 Pro 5G taking the lead. The smartphone comes with numerous enhancements, including Bokeh Flare Portrait Video which provides a cinematic portrait effect in realtime, in addition to improved productivity and all-round performance in a compact, lightweight design. Let’s take a closer look at the design and features. DESIGN AND DISPLAY The Reno6 Pro 5G is a slim 7.99mm device that weighs 188g and is very comfortable to hold. The device inherits OPPO’s Reno Glow design, featuring two new colours – Arctic Blue and Lunar Grey. While Arctic Blue features an improved OPPO Reno Glow effect, Lunar Grey has a gleaming, transparent, and pure metallic silver finish. PERFORMANCE The smartphone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G mobile platform with a Kryo 585 CPU, operating at up to 3.2GHz. The Reno6 Pro 5G also has 12GB of RAM, part of OPPO’s self-developed RAM expansion technology. Some gulfbusiness.com

of the available ROM storage can be converted into RAM space when the feature is turned on. In addition, the Reno6 Pro 5G’s original 12GB of RAM may be augmented with an extra 3GB/5GB/7GB of memory as needed, allowing it to function smoothly, even when multiple apps are running simultaneously. The Reno6 Pro 5G has two sensors on the front and back sides of the phone which detect ambient light to enable 360-degree light sensing. Consequently, auto-brightness accuracy has significantly increased, ensuring that the viewing experience is as comfortable as possible. The smartphone also has a large 4500mAh battery and 65W SuperVOOC 2.0, which can charge to 100 per cent in only 31 minutes, in addition to a slew of power-saving technologies. CAMERA The Reno6 Pro 5G has a 50MP AI quadcamera matrix on the back, a 32MP selfie camera at the front, a Sony IMX766 sensor, and OPPO’s AI capabilities. As a result, one can effortlessly shoot professional-looking portrait films with the new Bokeh Flare Portrait Video, which adds a DSLR-like cinematic bokeh flare effect to portrait movies with improved AI highlight video and flash snapshot capabilities.

The powerful image sensor behind the primary camera – a Sony IMX766 – is what sets it apart. DOL-HDR (IMX766) technology uses a quasi-simultaneous approach to capture both long and short exposures of the same image in a fraction of the time. As a result, one can capture both shots almost simultaneously, reducing the ghosting and motion blur observed in standard HDR images. In addition, real-time previews of HDR images are also available on the Reno6 Pro 5G display. The Bokeh Flare Portrait Video gives videos a cinematic bokeh effect. This function helps detect ambient light automatically and adjust video settings accordingly. AI highlight video creates more transparent, brighter, and vividly coloured portrait films, whether filming takes palce at night or with intense lighting during the day. The focus tracking function automatically tracks focus on faces, people, pets, and other popular video topics. GAMING The Reno6 Pro 5G delivers a realistic progaming sound and listening experience. All status bars, gestures, buttons, floating windows, and alerts are disabled when gamer mode is enabled, ensuring total immersion in the virtual environment. A co-created functionality for PUBG mobile game situations has also been added in the Reno6 Pro 5G. You can momentarily exit the game, respond to messages, or use other applications, while still keeping an eye on the countdown progress of the plane’s launch with a quick return bubble co-customised with PUBG Mobile. Then, when you’re ready to return to the action, or the parachute leaping is about to begin, click on the quick return bubble, and you will be back on the gaming ground in no time. Another exciting Reno6 Pro 5G feature is the game filter, which applies real-time effects on game scenes in various styles.With some new features, the OPPO Reno6 Pro 5G sets itself apart from the rest. We believe it’s a great smartphone for people who are looking for camera and design alongside quick charging and advanced performance. The Reno6 Pro 5G is available across OPPO’s regional websites and retail partner stores in the UAE and lower Gulf at a recommended retail price of Dhs2,999.

The new Bokeh Flare Portrait Video shoots professionallooking portrait films

October 2021

OCT

The SME Story

A dedicated hub for the regional startup and SME ecosystem

INTERVIEW

Always connected A digital platform transforming the restaurant and cloud kitchen business in the region is on our radar this month What is the core concept of GrubTech? GrubTech is an all-in-one platform enabling the digital transformation of restaurants and cloud kitchens. We have developed a comprehensive, purpose-built software stack that maximises revenue per square metre, minimises cost, streamlines kitchen operations and delivers on the best customer experience. The platform consolidates an otherwise fragmented tech stack that F&B operators typically deal with, automating manual and time-consuming tasks. It also provides valueadded services to F&B operators in the end-to-end lifecycle of an order, enabling them to develop a deeper understanding of their operations.

October 2021

You have recently collaborated with Foodics. What strategic advantage does that give GrubTech? Through our strategic partnership with Foodics, we aim to integrate over 7,000 companies from Foodics’ customer base with a variety of food aggregators such as talabat, Jahez and Careem. The integration will enable restaurants to automate tasks, centrally manage menus and automatically receive orders from food aggregators directly into the Foodics POS. What will be the extent and nature of your services offered at Expo with talabat? GrubTech and talabat joined hands to debut the first 3D printed Smart Locker System for online food delivery at Expo 2020. As the official food delivery provider for Expo 2020 Dubai, talabat aims to introduce different modes of delivery while having full control and visibility on the end-to-end order journey. All lockers are installed with a printed proprietary circuit board, allowing them to be controlled remotely.

Give us a business overview of GrubTech At the moment, GrubTech serves more than 150 brands across 12 countries. We serve cloud kitchens in the UAE, and various others across the GCC, Jordan, Egypt, Pakistan, Malaysia and South Africa. To date, GrubTech has raised $5m as part of its seed and pre-Series A rounds. The company’s funds have been focused on developing a plug-and-play, all-in-one, comprehensive platform to power cloud kitchens, restaurants, and micro cloud kitchens. We have a team of 70 individuals. We have seen a growth of over 600 per cent in revenue since our inception in 2019. What are some of the business forecasts you have for the cloud kitchen business overall? Cloud kitchens are projected to reach a market

size of $71.4bn by 2027. Recent reports also suggest that in the Middle East and North Africa region, the UAE is the second-largest market for online food delivery with an annual market size of $834m, followed by Saudi Arabia. Despite the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, the trend towards digital ordering has been on the rise, with about 60 per cent of restaurants indicating increased revenue from online orders.

Mohamed Al Fayed Co-founder and CEO, GrubTech

What are your expansion plans? We aim to develop and reinvent the technology stack from the ground up keeping in mind specific features to serve the requirements of the F&B industry. We aim to keep updating our product suite that can help restaurant and cloud kitchen operators to streamline the entire end-to-end operations from demand generation, food aggregator integration, in-kitchen operations, order dispatching and delivery service provider control. With our future funding rounds, we aim to accelerate our global expansion efforts into the rest of MENA and APAC. gulfbusiness.com

The SME Story COMMENT

Lorenzo Jooris CEO of Creative Zone

How the Expo is boosting the UAE’s SME landscape Here’s how SMEs can leverage the global spotlight and influx of capital that Expo 2020 Dubai will attract in abundance

ith an estimated windfall of more than $30bn in value add, Expo 2020 Dubai is forecast to have a significant impact not only on Dubai’s economy but on that of the UAE and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region well into the future. In the year that the UAE celebrates the 50th anniversary of its formation as a federation, Dubai and the UAE will be front and centre of the world stage for business and innovation. This is also the year in which Dubai Plan 2021 and the UAE’s Vision 2021 plan move closer to fruition – ambitious targets, outlining optimistic and aspirational strategic goals for the economy, people and government. But what specific benefits can Expo 2020 bring, and how can it boost the SME landscape to help entrepreneurs in the UAE and beyond? gulfbusiness.com

BOOST TO FOREIGN INVESTMENT

Expo 2020 Dubai is a big deal. This is the first time in its entire history that the event has been hosted in the MENA region. Being held amid the coronavirus pandemic, it will be the largest global gathering since 2019, with between 20 and 25 million visits expected over six months. In short, it will be a face-to-face celebration of the triumph of innovation and the power of human collaboration – a chance to underscore the post-pandemic relevance of its three subthemes: opportunity, mobility and sustainability. This appeal is expected to bring in between $100bn and $150bn in foreign direct investment (FDI) across sectors such as financial services, tourism, hospitality, real estate and infrastructure, and construction. With the focus moving inevitably towards sustainability (COP26 opens just

weeks after Expo 2020 kicks off), the event will be a chance to show off the UAE’s green credentials, as it invests heavily in renewable and sustainable energy and promotes green growth. Expo 2020 itself has a target to obtain 50 per cent of its energy requirement from renewables, including the first mega-sized application of integrated solar and photovoltaic generation. Entrepreneurs and business owners keen to take advantage of the greener landscape are thus more likely to see the UAE as a natural place to seek investment for green innovation technology. And the figures speak for themselves: despite the pandemic’s negative impact on FDI flows, Dubai maintained high investor confidence in 2020, with total estimated FDI capital flows reaching Dhs24.7bn, not far off the Dhs28.6bn total for 2015. How could this benefit your SME? Even if you’re not currently looking for inward investment, the greater the foreign investment interested in the UAE, the greater the economic boost to the region. The entire business ecosystem and economy will be positively affected, which means that SMEs here – both local and international – will see a boost in activity and business. International investors have long been attracted to Dubai because it represents an increasingly favourable destination for FDI. Major legislative steps have already been taken to promote Dubai as worthy of international investment; the 2016 bankruptcy law modernised the UAE’s previously unpredictable insolvency laws. And a 2018 UAE investment law has, for October 2021

The SME Story

the first time, allowed foreign equity ownership of up to 100 per cent of onshore UAE companies in certain strategic sectors. In addition, foreign investors see it as an ideal access point into regional markets. As the gateway between east and west, and within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world’s population, it presents an opportunity to gain access to more than 1.7 billion consumers in MENA, Pakistan and India. This further enhances Dubai’s reputation as a global platform for trade and investment. As the world focuses on Dubai and the UAE, Expo 2020 will give the region a unique chance to showcase those advantages. INCREASE IN JOBS AND THE TALENT POOL

Enhanced economic activity is expected to create nearly 300,000 new jobs in Dubai and throughout the UAE, and attract an entirely new talent pool. Some predict that Expo 2020 will have a significant impact on the wider region too, with 60 jobs being generated across the MENA region for every one created in the UAE. In total, up to 905,200 job-years are forecast to be supported by the Expo between 2013-2031 – the equivalent to approximately 49,700 full-time-equivalent (FTE) jobs per annum. How could this benefit your SME? Enhanced economic activity will attract more talent to the UAE and create more business opportunities for SME owners and entrepreneurs. Expo 2020 has awarded 4,500 contracts, more than half of which have been won by SMEs, representing an investment of nearly Dhs5bn and guaranteeing some 12,600 job-years. In addition, entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses can take advantage of the government’s District 2020 strategic partnerships with Dubai SME and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund, to pursue expansion through the District 2020 platform. During its legacy period (April 2022 to December 2031), Expo 2020 site will be redeveloped to further ease new business set-ups; over 80 per cent is planned to be retained for District 2020, and it will 78

October 2021

WITH SEVERAL COMPANIES HAVING OPENED OFFICES IN THE UAE IN THE LEADUP TO THE EXPO, MORE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES HAVE BEEN CREATED AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE CREATED OVER THE NEXT SIX-EIGHT MONTHS AND BEYOND eventually provide a home for a mix of corporations and SMEs. District 2020’s development is designed to embody the UAE’s Vision 2021 by supporting sustainable economic development and creating a business ecosystem that underpins growth industries like transport, tourism, construction and education. NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

With several companies having opened offices in the UAE in the lead-up to the Expo, more business opportunities have been created and will continue to be created over the next six-eight months and beyond. How can we be so sure? Because, even without the added boost of a World Expo, the region has been relentlessly pushing an SME agenda to encourage growth. In the UAE, the government has, for many years, been championing small businesses, with Dubai SME offering support to entrepreneurs in all phases of development. Further aid has been available from agencies such as Dubai Future Accelerators, which helps entrepreneurs to use the city as a ‘testbed for creating solutions to the global challenges of tomorrow’. Initiatives like these have, over the last few years, translated into tangible benefits for SME owners, with the UAE ranking 21st out of 190 in The World Bank’s Doing Business 2018 report, jumping to 16th place in its 2020 ease of doing business ranking. In addition, government-backed accelerators like StartAd in Abu Dhabi, not to mention Abu Dhabi’s own Khalifa Fund,

have been helping to create a flourishing ecosystem to encourage SMEs to thrive. The massive influx of investment as a result of Expo 2020 can only enhance these opportunities further. How could this benefit your SME? With roughly 25 million visits expected at Expo 2020, startups and SMEs will enjoy significantly more exposure to potential investors, partners and collaborators. It’s the perfect time to leverage your products and services, and a unique opportunity for enhanced networking in an environment where people are open and willing to engage. Expo 2020 presents business owners with a unique international business platform for marketing your business to an audience of local, regional, and global consumers and investors. A reported 80 per cent of attendees are coming to Dubai expecting to be able to hold networking and collaborative events, with the ultimate aim of expanding global trade. Expo 2020 is a one-off platform for UAE business owners to expand into new markets and develop long-lasting business ties under the auspices of innovation, as well as sustainable development and growth. So far, nearly 40,000 SMEs from over 150 countries have listed on Expo 2020’s Online Marketplace to do just that. EXPO 2020 PRESENTS UNRIVALLED OPPORTUNITIES

Expo 2020 Dubai will provide an unprecedented platform for SMEs the world over to establish themselves in the UAE, as they seek to demonstrate their own contributions to opportunity, mobility and, in particular, sustainability. It will offer entrepreneurs and business owners the chance to attract investment, develop new markets and collaborate on new products and services to address the world’s most pressing issues. The UAE is taking the opportunity to showcase its ecosystem for business and innovation in the region; for SMEs, Expo 2020 is an unmissable chance to market the contribution of their own business amidst the favourable environment it is creating. gulfbusiness.com

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Gulf Business October 2021

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