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Smart Mobility Summit - AI and connectivity: the pulse of autonomy

Open to All Physical

Date

Wed, 26 Nov

Time

09:30 - 11:30 AST

Location

Pearl Stage


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Session Description

When you arrived at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, you might have spotted some innovations in action, autonomous staff buses and baggage tractors equipped with AI and smart sensors. The autonomous future isn’t far off; in fact, it’s happening right here.

The MEA region is projected to be the world’s fastest-growing market for autonomous driving systems, with a CAGR of 7.8% from 2023 to 2028. Meanwhile, the Advanced Air Mobility market, valued at USD 467.2 million in 2023, is set to reach around USD 2.1 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 25.5%. Combined with an impressive deployment of 5G, which is expected to reach 95% of the population across GCC states by 2030, The region is building a high performance infrastructure that lays a foundation for innovative Smart Mobility solutions.

The Gulf region is rapidly advancing intelligent transport and autonomous vehicles, with Dubai targeting 25% autonomous trips by 2030 and Abu Dhabi by 2040. At the same time, the UAE is leading the low-altitude economy, set to launch its first BVLOS commercial drone operations in 2024 and mapping air corridors for air taxis expected by 2026. With robust infrastructure, bold investments, and a strong openness for innovation, the region is accelerating the development and adoption of autonomous mobility. Strategic global partnerships with leaders like Baidu, Pony.ai, WeRide, Joby Aviation, Archer, and Skyports are helping make the Gulf a launchpad for next-gen mobility.

Don’t miss this debut session on the future of Smart Mobility in the EMEA and how it’s helping realise the smart city vision — from autonomous cars to drones and eVTOLs. Discover the pivotal role mobile operators can play, and hear directly from industry experts as they share real-world cases, business models, and insights shaping this fast-moving sector.

Agenda:

9:30 - 9:35 Opening Barbara Pareglio, Senior Technical Director, Smart Mobility Lead, GSMA
9:35 - 9:50 Keynote presentation Mark Haddad, Partner, Strategy&
9:50 - 10:35 Panel (Automotive)

Moderator:

  • Dr. Andreas Gissler, Partner, Strategy& Middle East

Panelists:

  • Mohamed Madkour, VP, ICT Strategy & Marketing, Huawei Middle East & Central Asia
  • Dr Rafah Alarrouqi. Technical Affairs & Innovation Manager, Mowasalat (Karwa)
  • Dr Fethi Filali, Director of Technology & Research, Qatar Mobility Innovations Center
  • Tobias Liebelt, CEO, Benteler Mobility
  • Mohamed Al Yafei, Director - Enterprise Business Unit, Vodafone
10:35 - 10:40 GSMA Presentation Barbara Pareglio, Senior Technical Director, Smart Mobility Lead, GSMA
10:40 - 11:25 Panel (Aviation)

Moderator:

  • Barbara Pareglio, Senior Technical Director, Smart Mobility Lead, GSMA

Panelists:

  • Kapil Mittal, Global Head Digital Airspace, Ericsson
  • Thani Ali Al-Malki, Chief Business Officer, Ooredoo Qatar
  • Kim Silander, Founder & Co-founder
    Kookiejar of Sweden & Advanced Air Mobility AAM
  • Nabil Katicha, Principal, Strategy& Middle East
11:25 - 11:30 Closing Barbara Pareglio, Senior Technical Director, Smart Mobility Lead, GSMA

 

 

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