New platform offers a 360-degree gaming ecosystem that caters to all types of players, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
Collaboration aims to establish and oversee Arena Esports leagues and affiliated tournaments in the UAE over the next five years.
UAE-headquartered telecom operator etisalat by e& and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) form partnership to launch ‘Arena Esports’ and reshape the digital gaming landscape in the Middle East and North Africa.
The new collaboration will leverage the unique strengths of both entities to create a sustainable and innovative Esports space. With a focus on the UAE, the venture aims to establish and oversee Arena Esports leagues and associated tournaments over the next five years.
Arena Esports, a 360-degree gaming platform, will cater to all types of players, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Players can immerse themselves in exciting tournaments, earn monthly points, access unique events, engage with community servers and have exclusive interactions with gaming influencers.
“Our alliance with etisalat by e& is a testament to our commitment to growing the creative industries, of which gaming and Esports is a key pillar. This synergy aims to boost the gaming ecosystem in the UAE and the MENA region, and we are eager to see the positive impact,” Adnan Al Awadi, Support Services Executive Director at DCT Abu Dhabi, said.
With the gaming market expected to reach $5 billion by 2025, it is worth noting that the UAE has the highest percentage of adult gamers in the world, with nine out of ten adults playing video games.
“At etisalat by e&, we recognise the unlimited potential of this fast-growing sector, which has more than 377 million subscribers in the MENA region. Our partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi reinforces our commitment to the gaming community and promises an unprecedented transformation in the sector,” Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, etisalat by e& said.
By integrating cloud and AI technologies, he said that etisalat by e& is committed to the growing Esports industry and realising its vision of superior offerings and services.
Gaming enthusiasts are invited to immerse themselves in the world of Arena Esports by signing up for a free membership or subscribing to enjoy premium benefits.
Log on to https://hub.arenaesports.ae to connect your game account, create teams and take part in exclusive events.
Samsung’s extensive distribution network and Apple’s full-stack device services and ecosystem strategy solidify their dominance in the region.
Retailers keen to broaden their product portfolios, reduce dependence on incumbent brands and aim to entice additional investment through in-store branding and improved profit margins.
Businesses note an increase in both their consumer bases and job opportunities despite falling oil prices.
Shipments of sub $200 models, fueled by Transsion, Xiaomi and Honor, helped defy global downturn with a 21 per cent year-on-year surge in smartphone shipments in the Middle East to 12 million units in the third quarter of 2023.
Among the countries, Iraq continued its strong momentum with 57 per cent growth, followed by Saudi Arabia with 46 per cent and UAE with two per cent growth while Kuwait and Qatar saw shipment drops of four per cent and two per cent respectively.
Manish Pravinkumar, Senior Consultant at Canalys, said that Transsion is steadily increasing its footprint in response to the expanding mass-market segment amid broader economic uncertainties.
Infinix introduced exclusive models with Noon in Saudi Arabia, Tecno promoted its Camon 20 with enhanced incentives in Iraq while Xiaomi and Honor strive to penetrate the premium market with enticing incentives and aggressive promotions, luring customers away from established brands demands persistent investment.
Meanwhile, Pravinkumar said that Motorola is growing its consumer and enterprise businesses significantly, particularly in the GCC region.
High resale value
Motorola’s strategic partnership with Logicom distribution aims to provide enterprise-ready solutions with the cutting-edge ThinkPhone.
On the other hand, Samsung and Apple maintained their market positions. Samsung’s extensive distribution network and Apple’s full-stack device services and ecosystem strategy solidified their dominance in the region.
“The demand for used Apple and Samsung devices remains high, viewed as lucrative investments due to high resale value. Retailers are keen to broaden their product portfolios, reducing dependence on incumbent brands. They aim to entice additional investment through in-store branding and improved profit margins,” he said.
However, he said that emerging brands have taken the initiative and are launching flagship devices in the region.
Oil price challenges
“Oppo and Honor are venturing into the foldable segment to compete with established incumbents such as Samsung. But consumers in markets such as Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia will still hesitate to switch brands. Affordability, aspirational value and availability will be pivotal factors for emerging players, with schemes such as Buy Now Pay Later gaining traction through platforms such as Tabby and Tamara, proving beneficial for both retailers and consumers,” he said.
Despite oil price challenges caused by the current geopolitical situation, Sanyam Chaurasia, Senior Analyst at Canalys, said the GCC region’s non-oil sectors are poised to bolster the consumer market.
“The GCC’s non-oil economy is thriving due to digital transformation in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare and entertainment. The retail industry in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is set for significant growth in the next five years. But vendors must recognize that retail space in the region will be expensive.”
To ensure a stronger presence in the market, he said that they [vendors] should form robust partnerships with local entities in the early stages.
“Developing local expertise in on-site teams is vital, rather than relocating staff from elsewhere. While physical stores remain central, online retail and B2B marketplaces are gaining traction, driven by trends such as the emergence of Gen Z consumers, increasing wealth in the GCC and higher female workforce participation.”
Redefining accountability: Why corporations, not tools, must answer for AI misuse.
Creating future ethics from past failures and demanding corporate accountability in AI development.
The rapid advancement of AI has sparked both excitement and concern among the public. While there are valid reasons to be cautious about the potential misuse of AI, it is important to recognize that the risks are rooted much more in how AI is utilized than in the technology itself.
In particular, the actions of large IT corporations and giants in the industry can pose significant challenges if not properly regulated and governed.
We must address these concerns through the implementation of robust regulatory frameworks and industry ethics standards that ensure the ethical usage of data, transparent development for public accountability, and other practical issues of AI governance.
This is in addition to OpenAI, Microsoft, hit with an author copyright lawsuit over AI training. This is among several brought by copyright holders, including authors John Grisham, George R.R. Martin, and Jonathan Franzen, against tech firms like OpenAI.
The lawsuit follows a separate Getty case against Stability in the UK and another class-action complaint by artists in California against Stability and other companies in generative AI.
Need to address practical issues
First and foremost, it is crucial to dispel the notion that AI will imminently lead to an existential threat or dystopian future. Claims of a runaway AI apocalypse are largely exaggerated and do not accurately reflect the current state of the technology. Instead, our focus should be on addressing the practical issues at hand.
One of the main concerns stems from the use of AI by large IT corporations and giants. There have been numerous instances where these companies have engaged in questionable practices that raise ethical and societal concerns.
It is important to acknowledge these instances and work towards preventing similar behaviour in the future. The key argument is that the policies and behaviour of these corporations is separate from their AI tools and use. It is those which they must carefully assess.
Corporate behaviour and priorities
To mitigate these risks, we need comprehensive regulatory frameworks specifically tailored to the way corporations approach their operations in relation to AI development and AI use.
These frameworks should promote transparency, accountability, and responsible use of AI technologies, in the context of corporate behaviour and priorities.
By establishing clear guidelines and standards, we can ensure that AI is developed and deployed by these big actors in a manner that aligns with societal values and expectations.
In other words, the pathway of AI development must be steered correctly by the corporations themselves – it is not a separate entity.
Because of this, industry ethics play a crucial role in ensuring the responsible use of AI. Companies must adopt ethical guidelines that prioritize the well-being of users and society as a whole.
Minimising negative impacts
From data privacy to algorithmic bias, ethical considerations should be embedded in every stage of corporate use of AI as well as its development. This will help avoid unintended consequences and address potential challenges associated with AI deployment.
Achieving proper regulation and industry ethics in the AI field is not without its challenges.
However, it is crucial that we address these issues in a proactive and thoughtful manner. By doing so, we can harness the full potential of AI while minimising any negative impacts.
It is worth noting that the challenges we face are imminently solvable. With a concerted effort from policymakers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders, we can establish a regulatory landscape and industry standards that facilitate responsible AI use and development.
This will not only ensure the ethical use of AI technologies but also promote economic growth and global competitiveness.
The risks associated with AI should not discourage us from its development; rather, they should motivate us to create an environment where AI can thrive while being in harmony with our values and principles.
By fostering an ecosystem that encourages innovation, transparency, and responsible use of AI, we can reap the benefits of this transformative technology while successfully addressing any concerns.
The concerns surrounding AI development and the possibility of misuse of AI are not insurmountable.
By focusing on proper corporate regulation and industry ethics, we can harness the true potential of AI technology for the betterment of society.
Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner at Deep Knowledge Group, a consortium of commercial and non-profit organisations active on multiple fronts in the realm of DeepTech and Frontier Technologies.
Dubai-based startup provides a simple visual network map for organisations to get visibility and accessibility of settings to ensure the right level of security.
They currently work with Microsoft Azure and AWS but are set to add Oracle Cloud and Google Cloud to their portfolio soon.
The software-as-a-service solution is priced at $30 per month or $230 for a full year.
Everybody thinks that cloud security set-up is very simple by just clicking a few buttons but it is not that simple, an official at Oasis Defender said.
Speaking to TechChannel News, Michael Rostov, Chief Business Development Officer at Oasis Defender, said that clouds have everything except security.
“Lack of clear understanding of security settings and lack of visibility and transparency of cloud cybersecurity settings, especially in a multi-cloud environment, and lack of qualified cloud security professionals pose challenges for small and big companies.”
Hailing from Russia, Oasis Defender has selected Dubai to be the stepping stone for its global expansion.
“I moved to Dubai three years ago. We selected Dubai as the starting point because the Emirate is very good for doing international business. It is very easy and simple to set up business in Dubai and a very good place to live,” Rostov said.
He added that they provide a simple visual network map for organisations to get visibility and accessibility of settings to ensure the right level of security.
All in one place
“We consolidate network security information and controls from multiple cloud providers in one place and offer the unique ability to see all of your clouds on one screen and see how they connect,” Rostov said.
However, he said that there are many built-in security tools in cloud environments from the cloud providers but the lack of centralised and comprehensive solutions makes managing and monitoring cybersecurity more complex and time-consuming.
Moreover, he said that cloud providers are not responsible for cloud security solutions but it is the user who is responsible.
That is why, he said that Oasis Defender has created machine learning and AI algorithms tool tailored for multi-cloud environments to visualise security settings and introduce a unified approach to optimise security settings reduce reliance on security engineers and ensure that organisations have clear, unobstructed visibility of their cloud security environments.
Checking for anomalies
“Knowing how to configure settings in multiple cloud environments mistake-free is essential to keep the promise of multi-cloud alive. Different settings in each cloud platform can lead to errors, especially when getting clouds to work together. Even a minor mistake can cause issues affecting performance, security and costs,” he said.
For the cloud to be safe, he said that the network traffic has to be filtered first to get a clear picture of the host’s services accessible from the source to the destination and from different cloud providers.
Network traffic monitors and inspects network traffic patterns for anomalies or suspicious behaviour as such activities move laterally across the network.
“Network traffic analysis is of critical importance so that users can resort to an external party to verify the data security on the network between cloud provider and its users.”
“After we analyse the new cloud security is set up, we will provide users with advice and constantly monitor everything happening in the cloud because a user will not know what is happening behind the scenes from the security point of view,” he said.
Tackling digital challenges
The cloud network security solution is ready for public evaluation; Rostov said and added that it will be commercially launched soon.
Oasis Defender, currently, works with Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services but Rostov said that they are set to add Oracle Cloud and Google Cloud to their portfolio soon.
“Our main goal is to monitor the network traffic and provide security controls and plan to add more features in the feature version. Our focus will be on the GCC for the time being and then expand worldwide,” Rostov said.
The software-as-a-service solution is priced at $30 per month or $230 for full year.
“Oasis Defender has kept the software as an open source to foster collaboration and innovation within the cybersecurity community to tackle the digital challenges contemporary businesses face,” Rostov said.
Wearable technology in medical market to exceed $100b in 2023, GlobalData forecasts.
Apple and Garmin remain leaders in the smartwatches segment of the wearable technology market for medical purposes, as they were among the first to make wearable devices with fitness trackers and other health-related features.
There are also disruptors entering the market with innovative health features such as Asus, Motorola, and Swatch.
Wearable devices with health sensors for medical purposes, such as fitness trackers and health monitors, continue to gain significant popularity among all types of users, industry experts said.
Brian Hicks, Senior Analyst of Medical Devices at GlobalData, said that wearable devices can be worn on the body, most commonly as smartwatches on the wrist or even be incorporated into clothing, and these are often used in conjunction with mobile health apps.
GlobalData forecasts that the market size of wearable technology in the medical sector in 2023 is projected to exceed $100 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15 per cent up to the year 2030.
The common medical uses of these devices include remote patient monitoring and telehealth services to track and monitor vital signs such as heart rate, glucose levels, and blood pressure.
These data can be transmitted in real-time to healthcare providers, enabling remote monitoring and timely interventions.
Furthermore, these devices offer more consumer-oriented features, such as comprehensive fitness monitoring, personalised coaching, stylish designs, and integration with AI algorithms, enabling proactive self-care.
“The wearables market is coming back to life, driven by increasing consumer demand in various aspects of daily life,” Jack Leathem, Research Analyst at Canalys, said.
Demand across different segments is rebounding, he said and added that leading vendors to address specific consumer needs.
Canalys forecasts the wearables market is poised for sustained growth at a annual growth rate of 4.1 per cent through to 2027, underpinned by shifting consumer needs.
In addition to the wearable devices themselves, the development of healthcare apps that can not only monitor and track various health parameters but also predict outcomes and symptoms based on previous observations, and even provide valuable information to medical professionals, has also been rapidly growing.
“The recent trends in this market primarily centre on the underlying technological advancements of the new product generations. These include the expansion of more health features, the integration of AI for personalised recommendations, and the ability to transmit real-time data to healthcare providers for timely interventions and improved patient outcomes,” Hicks said.
Apple and Garmin remain leaders in the smartwatches segment of the wearable technology market for medical purposes, as they were among the first to make wearable devices with fitness trackers and other health-related features.
There are also disruptors entering the market with innovative health features, some of which include technology companies such as Asus, Motorola, and Swatch.
“These devices are becoming more integrated into the healthcare industry, especially in patient monitoring, remote training and support, and telehealth services. Some notable advancement include H2o Therapeutics’ app for monitoring Parkinson’s disease symptoms using the Apple Watch,” Hicks said.
It’s crucial to adapt course content to real-life situations and the target audience’s specific needs.
Adults learn better when they can connect theoretical concepts to real-world examples.
Introducing interactive elements and multimedia components into the learning experience can significantly enhance engagement among adult learners.
The rise in e-course popularity has provided a flexible and accessible learning option, appealing to diverse audiences. Among these learners, adults stand out with their unique needs, preferences, and challenges in online education.
Sophia Young.
Recognising and addressing these requirements is crucial for effective e-course engagement. In this article, we’ll highlight the distinctive characteristics of adult learners and stress the importance of tailoring e-courses to meet their needs.
We’ll also explore strategies to enhance engagement and maximize online education’s effectiveness for this dynamic group.
Understanding adult learners
Adult learners often bring diverse life experiences and prior learning knowledge. They tend to be self-directed, preferring autonomy in their learning.
They are goal-oriented and seek practical, applicable knowledge. Adults may have busy schedules and responsibilities, which can impact their time and availability for learning.
Motivation and Goals
Adult learners are typically motivated by intrinsic factors, such as personal or career development. Their goals often revolve around acquiring specific skills or knowledge that can immediately benefit them. External factors like job requirements or societal pressures can also influence motivation.
Learning preferences
Adult learners often prefer a learner-centred and practical approach to learning. They value relevance and applicability, wanting to see how the information or skills can be used in real-life situations. They may also prefer experiential learning, peer collaboration, and flexible learning formats that accommodate their busy lifestyles.
Designing e-courses for adults
Creating successful online courses for adults is a multifaceted endeavour, and it hinges on various crucial components. Let’s briefly explore the significance of each of these factors:
Needs assessment
Before creating an e-course, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough needs assessment. This involves identifying adult learners’ specific learning needs, goals, and preferences.
By understanding their motivations and prior knowledge, you can tailor the course to meet their unique requirements and enhance engagement.
Setting clear learning objectives
Clear and measurable learning objectives are the foundation of any prosperous e-course. These objectives serve as roadmaps for instructors and learners, helping them understand what to expect and what they will achieve by the end of the course.
Well-defined objectives also make it easier to assess learning outcomes.
Adapting content for relevance
Adult learners are often motivated by practicality and relevance. Therefore, it’s crucial to adapt course content to real-life situations and the target audience’s specific needs. Relatable and applicable content keeps learners engaged and helps them apply their knowledge personally or professionally.
Incorporating real-world examples
Adults learn better when they can connect theoretical concepts to real-world examples. Including case studies, anecdotes, and practical scenarios within your e-course can make the material more relatable and memorable. This approach reinforces learning and encourages critical thinking.
Strategies for maintaining interest
Maintaining the interest of adult learners is crucial for effective education and training. Here are three key strategies to accomplish this:
Interactive elements and multimedia
Introducing interactive elements and multimedia components into the learning experience can significantly enhance engagement among adult learners. Incorporating videos, simulations, animations, and interactive quizzes can make the content more visually appealing and interactive.
Incorporating discussions and collaboration
Adult learners often benefit from opportunities to connect with peers and instructors. Encouraging discussions, group projects, and collaboration within the learning environment fosters a sense of community and engagement.
Offering flexibility and pacing options
Adult learners have diverse schedules and responsibilities. To maintain their interest, it is crucial to provide flexibility in accessing and completing the course materials.
Offering self-paced learning options, allowing learners to choose their study times, and providing access to resources on-demand can accommodate their individual needs and preferences.
Ethical considerations
When designing e-courses, it’s crucial to consider various ethical considerations to ensure a fair, secure, and inclusive learning environment. Three vital ethical considerations in e-course design are:
Privacy and data protection
Privacy and data protection are paramount in e-course design.
Instructors must safeguard sensitive information, such as student data and personal details, by complying with data protection laws and standards like ISO 27001.
This checklist, often used to evaluate information security management systems, can guide course designers in ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Plagiarism and academic integrity
Maintaining academic integrity is essential in e-courses. Educators must establish clear guidelines on proper citation, discourage plagiarism, and employ plagiarism detection tools where necessary. Fostering a culture of honesty and originality contributes to the ethical development of learners.
Inclusivity and diversity
In creating e-courses, giving top precedence to inclusivity and diversity is pivotal.
The course content should be drafted in a way that welcomes learners from colourful backgrounds, irrespective of their capacities, histories, or inclinations.
Developers should consider various learning preferences, languages, and cultural perspectives to guarantee a well-rounded and enriching educational journey.
Assessing e-course effectiveness
Assessing the effectiveness of an e-course is crucial for ensuring that adult learners receive valuable and engaging educational experiences. Several key strategies can be employed to evaluate and improve e-course effectiveness:
Collecting feedback from adult learners: Feedback from adult learners is invaluable for understanding their perspectives and needs. Surveys, questionnaires, and open-ended discussions can be used to gather insights on aspects.
Monitoring course analytics: Course analytics provide essential quantitative data that can shed light on learner behaviour and engagement. Tracking metrics such as completion rates, time spent on different modules, and quiz scores can help identify trends and areas of concern.
Making necessary adjustments: Based on the feedback collected and insights gained from course analytics, instructors and course developers should be prepared to make necessary adjustments. This could involve revising course content or modifying the course structure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, designing e-courses for adult learners is a dynamic and rewarding journey that requires a deep understanding of their unique characteristics, preferences, and goals.
Recognising the importance of tailoring courses to meet their specific needs is paramount for engagement and effectiveness.
Sophia Young, the author, likes to tell stories and paint the world through her words about the latest marketing and business trends, blockchain, cryptocurrency and finance-related topics amid loving to talk about fashion and weddings and travel.
