Dubai is set to turn into an epicentre of the latest payment, retail, ecommerce and financial technology, with over 350 exhibitors and expert speakers from across the globe flocking to this year’s much-awaited Seamless Middle East event on April 15 and 16, 2018 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

To be held under the patronage of H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the Middle East's biggest and most important exhibition for payments, fintech, ecommerce and retail is back for the 19^th year to pave the way for seamless transactions and experiences for not only the hundreds of attending companies but also the wider business community.

“The Middle East region is going through an exciting phase, with the UAE claiming 15th rank in the Euromonitor International’s Digital Consumer Index 2017and highest among emerging markets, underlining the government’s commitment to transforming the society and the industries digitally and seamlessly for the future,” says Joseph Ridley, General Manager of Seamless Middle East at Terrapinn.   

While Saudi Arabia is also joining the force by claiming a place among the top five emerging markets, he adds, it further shows that the region is fast turning into a hotbed for the latest innovations and evolutions in the field of fintech, blockchain, ecommerce and payment solutions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), for instance, is expected to be a major game changer in the global economy, with PwC estimating that AI will contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the world economy and $320 million to the Middle East economy in 2030.

The spending on cognitive and AI systems in the Middle East and Africa region is estimated to grow from $37.5 million in 2017 to over $100 million by 2021, representing a growth rate of 32% a year, adds PwC citing analysis of the International Data Corporation (IDC).

This year’s exhibition will see more than 350 exhibitors participating from across the globe to showcase wide range of innovative products and solutions –from mobile payments, analytics, inventory management and POS, self-service and ATM’s to digital marketing with omni-channel retailing, blockchain and AI.

“With over 10,000 industry professionals and tech enthusiasts, the event will not only acquaint the attendees with what’s new across the globe, but also instigate them to think beyond the obvious and prepare for the future, with a series of thought-provoking keynotes and panels that the top technocrats, disruptors, innovators, and thinkers are going to make over the course of two days,” reveals Ridley.   

This year’s on-floor demo theatres with 60 free sessions will offer insight into various issues that a company faces while taking its business online. “Visitors will get the opportunity to attend the Ecommerce University for a day-long programme, which has been developed to help build, launch and grow a profitable ecommerce business,” he says, adding that the event will also help understand how to create a digital marketing strategy, manage logistics, or develop digital payment and increase customer conversion.

No matter how big or small the business challenges, Ridley says, this power-packed show promises to offer solutions for everything, coupled with a number of live attractions, demonstrations and launches that will help understand what is shaping the future of finance and ecommerce.

The thought-provoking conferences will cover a wide range of topics under various themes including Payments & Fintech, Retail & Ecommerce, , Automation & AI, Blockchain, Mobile Payments & Wallets, Digital ID, Mall of Tomorrow, Omnichannel and delivery & fulfilment.

The event is supported by its title sponsor Dubai CommerCity, a joint venture between the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) and the Wasl Asset Management Group. The region's first 2.1-million square feet ecommerce free zone has been developed to promote Dubai as a regional hub for e-commerce and support its economic diversification process.

“The participation of Dubai CommerCity is an important strategic step which shows its key role in supporting Dubai's global position as an ideal destination for global e-commerce. Seamless Middle East 2018 is a key attraction for leading global e-commerce companies and we believe that the event will showcase the opportunities within the sector,” says Amna Lootah, Assistant Director General – Finance, Commercial & Customer Relations Division of DAFZA Innovation & Future Unit.  

She highlighted the importance of this strategic exhibition as it coincides with the objectives of Dubai CommerCity, which are based on attracting investments in specialized e-commerce, retail and smart payment solutions.

Seamless Middle East 2018 will have many attractions for visitors who will get a chance to learn from the seminars and demos through a series of thought-provoking installations and live interactive launches, showcases and interviews, located within the exhibition floor.

Some of the other interesting things to watch out for include:

FINTECH SHOWCASE

New for 2018, this fintech showcase will feature an all-star lineup of international and regional fintech companies, that are disrupting traditional retail banking, institutional and corporate banking, insurance and lending.

LAUNCH PAD

This is where genuine innovation is showcased as the latest products and services never before seen in the Middle East are unleashed.

It’s an exciting focal point for press, investors and buyers looking to learn about the newest technologies which are transforming the way we do business and will give you a competitive advantage in a crowded market.

Companies included in this year’s launch pad are Beijing Wiseasy Technology, Capillary Technologies, DataProm, Intellect Commerce, Invomate, Krish TechnoLabs, Microblink, Network International, Renome-Smart, Software Group, Twixor and V-Count, with more to be announced.

START-UP ZONE

With the explosion of new and innovative ecommerce companies over the past 12 months, Seamless Middle East presents one of the biggest opportunities in the region. Visit the Start-Up Zone to meet ground breaking start-ups in the regional commerce space.

PITCH-OFFS

Sponsored by OMA Emirates Group, the Pitch-Off will see fintechs and commerce startups from across the world pitching their products or solutions for five minutes to our expert panel made up of VC’s, funds and consultants to win a cheque of $5,000 and a potential investment up to $500,000. Companies competing in the pitch off include Point Checkout, Yalla Bargain, Zicon, SAAS coin, PIP IT and Twixor.  Niranj Sangal, Group CEO of OMA Emirates commented “The companies that we have shortlisted are based on the ideas that they have put forth and the disruptive technologies that could help consumers with the maximum benefit.”