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the sounds emitted – whether they are
driving too fast.
Growth areas
Parking is an area of the traffic
technology sector that is proving
to be particularly of interest to the
Arab states with the latest
solutions the industry has to offer
already beginning to benefit drivers
in the region. “The parking industry is
moving to digitalization – with sensors and
payment technology integrated into the
management system,” explains Rawat. “We now
have unique features like parking guidance
systems and data analytics.
Traffic Technology International November/December 2019
www.TrafficTechnologyToday.c 008 om
“Some of the bigger players have introduced
smart parking apps which allow for reduced
operation costs, maintenance, and minimum
personnel. With the help of smart parking, smart
cities in the Gulf will be able to balance queues
and on-street traffic flows by re-routing cars to
alternate parking locations, based upon real-time
occupancy data.”
A new fleet management stream at this
year’s Gulf Traffic will sit alongside the
traffic management, parking, road safety,
transportation and infrastructure streams
that delegates at previous shows will already
be familiar with.
“Fleet management is quite a big subject
itself, however the focus in the stream will be
around telematics – which there is huge demand
for in this part of the world right now – and
regulating driver behaviors to minimize
accidents and the technologies available to
achieve this”, explains Rawat.
Meeting your match
“Something else that is appearing at the show
for the first time is B2B matchmaking which
gives exhibitors and visitors access to contact
details for all the exhibitors at the show prior to
the first day so they can manage their time more
effectively during the three days by arranging
meetings beforehand.
“The intention is that rather than just
wondering around aimlessly people can be more
productive with their time. The software behind
the matchmaking platform is pretty smart as it
will suggest companies that may be of interest to
you personally based on input of details.
“All in all, we can assure visitors that Gulf
Traffic 2019 is gearing up to be an unmissable
event for anyone looking to partner in the
Middle East’s booming traffic industry.”
The Middle East and
North Africa are
embracing Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and the
Internet of Things (IoT),
with developments
impacting many aspects of
everyday life. The rise of
these smart technologies is
proving to be perfectly
timed for the Gulf to
capitalize on – harnessing
their power in the massive
road-building infrastructure
projects that are currently
occurring in the region.
“AI and IOT pose
massive disruption for the
traffic and transport sector
specifically with technology
such as hyperloops, drones,
unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAVs) and autonomous
vehicles all slated to see
huge growth in the future,”
says Rahul Rawat, Gulf
Traffic exhibition director.
“Dubai itself plans
to use intelligent traffic
systems for making its
roads safer and to reduce
traffic congestion levels,
while Saudi Arabia is
gearing up for the US$500
billion mega-intelligent
Neom city project. It is
planning for a new way of
life built around the best
technologies of the future
such as AI, big data, and IoT.
It is an exciting time to be
in the Gulf.”
Ahead of the curve
Left: The annual
expo regularly
attracts visiting
dignitaries
Below: A conference
program gives
unique insight into
the Gulf region
1,069
The total number
of road building
projects currently
active in the
Gulf region
/www.TrafficTechnologyToday.c