Dubais commitment and investment towards creating a knowledge and innovation-based economy has steadily borne fruit, especially in the current environment driven by the Covid pandemic.

From the use of AI in multiple sectors to smart devices to 3-D printing technology, Dubais emphasis on innovation has made the Emirate one of the global technology and innovation hubs and a case study on how investment in the sphere of technology can propel economic growth despite a multitude of challenges.

The ubiquitous use of smart helmets by Dubai police that allows scanning the temperatures of hundreds of people within a few minutes is one novel initiative that amplifies Emirates ability to leverage technology in dealing with a pandemic-like crisis. These helmets have thermal sensors and it can record the temperatures of up to 200 people per minute, say police officers deployed on special pandemic duty. These intelligent helmets, according to them, have two cameras and provide infrafred thermal images from a distance of 5 meters. We can easily detect those with high temperatures and shift them to the nearest medical facility with the help of paramedics, they point out.

Dubais weapon against Covid-19 is not confined to smart helmets alone. It also used 3D printing technology to manufacture low-cost face shields which played a huge role in arresting the spread of the novel coronavirus. Immensa Labs, headquartered in Dubai, and an undisputed leader in the MENA region in additive manufacture has been on the forefront of Dubais fight against Covid-19 by manufacturing and supplying face shields.

It all started in March when Immensa CEO Fahmi Al Shwaa discovered that some people were putting up higher prices for face shields taking advantage of the shortage in supply. One morning around 11, he asked us whether we could do something about it. And, by evening we 3D printed 10 units of face shields, recalls Immensa COO Axel Fernandes in an interview with ET NOW. The doctors who saw the product, needless to say, were greatly impressed. From March till now, we started off with doctors, institutions and hospitals and we went from manufacturing 10 units to a couple of millions within a short duration of time and that was possible only because of 3D printing, adds Fernandes.

Construction and logistics are two sectors which are very good examples for the adoption of 3D printing for disruption and Immensa focuses a lot on construction sector and offers customized tooling and moulds for the precast industry. 3D printing, Fernandes says, in fact can add a lot of value to the pandemic-hit logistics sector in the form of distributed manufacturing.

If smart helmets helped in the early detection of people with Covid-19 symptoms, production and supply of masks in sufficient quantity went a long way in preventing the spread of the virus. Chairman Darb Technologies Thani Al Falasi concurs and says the technology such as ALHOSN UAE an App rolled out by Dubai Health Authority - which lets one know his result through a simple sms notification, has played a crucial role in controlling the pandemic. The app, he says, also helps one understand where and how one got infected and detects if an individual has been in close proximity to someone who had contact with someone infected with Covid-19.

Doing laser testing instead of nasal swabbing is another factor that sped up results. But, Emirates ID in my opinion is the key to success, having all your data in one place helps the government in getting information about a person very easily.

Darb Technologies established in 2015 for SME development provides software and hardware solutions to government and enterprise segments in the UAE and it is one among numerous other firms with a strong technology base aligning with Dubais ambition to position itself as a knowledge-driven economy.

Dubais thrust on technology in taking the novel coronavirus head on reflected further when Dubai Future Foundation in April launched One Million Arab Coders Covid-19 Hackathon. Themed Coders versus Corona, the Hackathon carried a prize money of $50,000 for 5 teams that presented innovative solutions to the challenges stemming from the Covid-19 outbreak.

Experts predict the demand for advanced technology services would go up in the region. This is especially so in the case of Dubai and UAE which have used AI, big data and internet-connected devices and continue to encourage SMEs and organizations in these fields to establish their presence in the region. You should know that UAE is the first country with AI minister and the country has set a large vision to take leadership position in the post-Covid markets globally, says Sajithkumar P.K. CEO and MD, IBMC Financial Professionals Group which recently launched from UAE the worlds first gold digital asset and currency in tie up with US Gold Currency.

The way Dubai used technology to fight Covid-19 does not surprise Sajithkumar because the Emirate has been going big on tech startups. There are a number of initiatives to position Dubai as a knowledge-driven economy. Silicon Oasis and other free zones provide AI, IoT and Fintech based business supports. So, Dubais leaning on technology to fight Covid-19 was on expected lines, he asserts.

The right ecosystem already created by Dubai for startups and SMEs will stand it in good stead in the post-Covid situation and as Fernandes says Dubai is the place especially for Indian startups and SMEs because they are known for innovation and expertise. Fernandes, in particular, sees tremendous growth opportunities for 3D printing sector in Dubai. This technology can be used in various sectors including the most mature medical industry. You can actually use 3D printing especially for mandables craniomaxillofacial, sternum replacement and hip joint replacement implants and these are high on demand because they are a perfect match for 3D printing, he concludes.

Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of DTCM by Mediawire team.

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DUBAI EMERGING AS A TECHNOLOGY HOTSPOT IN THE WORLD - Economic Times