5G network forms the underlying layer to digitally transform and bring new capabilities across industries, entertainment and public services changing the role of telcos to facilitate services that will enable futuristic use cases, opined Etisalat senior executives at the two-day GSMA event.

The conference brought together public and private sector leaders to discuss and debate how mobile technology is transforming the landscape and creating a better future for citizens and businesses alike.

Etisalat senior executives headlined discussions and presented keynotes during the entire event. Hatam Bamatraf, Chief Technology Officer, Etisalat International kicked off the first day with a keynote on ‘Muscat to Rabat-A Journey through the Arab world in 7 innovations’. His presentation focused on the digital journey since the early 1990s until the 4th industrial revolution dissolving barriers between the physical and virtual world.

The second day’s main discussion focused on ‘Creating Business Value from Intelligent Connectivity’ with Khalifa Al Shamsi, Group Chief Corporate Strategy and Governance Officer, Etisalat presenting the keynote and Hatem Dowidar, CEO, Etisalat International giving the welcome address.

Al Shamsi highlighted ‘Operators’ Perspective on Creating Business Value From Intelligent Connectivity’. He pointed out how the role of telcos has drastically changed within the new digital ecosystem. Today 5G technology is way beyond connectivity; it is a revolution that will put mobile at the heart of the digital continent enabling new capabilities across industry verticals.

Dowidar in his welcome address pointed out the active role of an operator in the ICT ecosystem. Connectivity is at the core but also an enabler of the future of the network.

Now it’s time for the industry, regulators within the telecom sector and other industries to allow telcos to actively contribute with solutions and services that will enable digital transformation across these businesses.

The other key speakers included the participation of Dr Kamal Sameer Shehadi, Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer, Etisalat International in a keynote panel discussion ‘Challenges & Opportunities’ moving forward in the 5G world’ and Robert Middlehurst, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, Etisalat International, in a discussion titled ‘Privacy and Cross Border Data Transition’.