Ahmed Bin Humaidan, Director-General, Dubai Smart Government, yesterday formally opened the inaugural Internet of Things Expo 2015 (IoTX) at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Bin Humaidan was accompanied by Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Dubai World Trade Centre Authority and a host of local dignitaries and global technology executives.

With Dubai Smart Government, Smart Dubai and Dubai Internet City among the numerous UAE-based public sector entities participating at IoTX 2015, 42 of the world's leading technology firms are championing a host of 'disruptive' solutions for effective digital transformation across more than 6,500 square metres of exhibition space.

"The Internet of Things is no longer a futuristic buzz term - it is here, it is now and it is already improving our lives," said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions and Events Management, DWTC. "As multiple machines, devices and appliances connect to the Internet through increasingly sophisticated networks, the status quo is evolving on a daily basis. Consumers and businesses face an avalanche of innovative new services in the home, at the office and across society at large. The Internet of Things Expo addresses the need for seamless interaction of these devices and services by providing a critical platform for companies from different sectors to ensure optimum collaboration and inter-operability."

Following the official inauguration of IoTX 2015 and the co-located Big Data Show, Bin Humaidan delivered the welcome address at the IoTX Conference - a C-Level forum featuring specialist sessions on innovation, enterprise, investment, standards and protocols, security and privacy, and educational areas inherent across the Smart Cities, Internet of Things and Big Data landscapes.

"Achieving and succeeding people's expectations are the core pillars of the Dubai Smart Government vision," said Bin Humaidan. "Innovation is the primary driver of the knowledge economy and society in general, collaboration between government entities and the private sector is the key to providing value-added services to citizens. The Internet of Things is one of the enablers for Dubai Smart Government as technology is the vehicle to reach and please our consumers – the population of Dubai."

On the exhibition floor, a swathe of the UAE's public sector entities and international technology firms leveraged the opening day of IoTX 2015 to announce or demonstrate a host of new-to-the-region IoT products.

Major General Rashid Thani Rashid Al Matroushi, Director-General of Dubai Civil Defence, DCD, told a packed news conference that DCD will leverage cutting-edge IoT technology to deliver the world's first National Life Safety Dashboard – a real-time, data analytics system that will allow DCD officials, government stakeholders, building owners and occupants to view the health and operational safety status of every building for Dubai.