Digital Next Summit 2022 offers ‘infinite possibilities’ with new hybrid format in Abu Dhabi

February 2022 dates confirmed for two-day conference exploring the digital transformation of government services

Digital Next Summit 2022, a powerful global summit in Abu Dhabi exploring the future of digital transformation in a post-pandemic world, will be held as a hybrid event from 22-23 February 2022 with a stellar line-up of headline speakers.

The two-day conference, hosted by the Department of Government Support represented by Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA) and organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, will take place at the Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi with 2,500-plus attendees expected in a new format combining the best of the virtual and physical worlds.

In its 2nd edition, Digital Next is held under the theme: ‘Enabling Government of the Future’ with a central focus on fostering partnerships between public and private sectors to deliver government services that meet the rapidly evolving needs of citizens, societies, and businesses. 

Digital Next Summit was originally scheduled to run in February 2021.  The new dates have been announced allowing for increased international and in-person participation at the event.  A series of pre-event webinars providing exclusive, engaging and interactive content will be held in 2021 supporting government digital transformation initiatives.

And when doors open for the live event in February 2022, thousands of delegates from more than 30 countries will descend upon a conference that integrates AI-powered virtual event technology with in-person attendance.

With the new hybrid model, Digital Next Summit will bring amplified reach, enhanced networking opportunities, unique content formats and innovative experiences.

H.E. Engineer Mohamed Abdelhameed Al Askar, Director General of Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, the government entity mandated to drive the digital transformation agenda of Abu Dhabi government across key areas, including government services, government solutions , data and artificial intelligence, cyber-security, and ecosystem enablement commented: “Digital Next Summit will bring together global leaders from both the public and private sectors to explore the future of digital transformation in a post-pandemic world. H.E. stressed that hosting such a high-profile summit in Abu Dhabi is testament to Abu Dhabi government’s commitment to leveraging the cutting-edge digital technologies in driving excellence in the public sector. The Department of Government Support represented by  Abu Dhabi Digital Authority is once again delighted to host the Digital Next Summit, after its successful launch in 2019,” 

“ADDA fully supports the Abu Dhabi government’s intended provision of integrated service experiences, creating digital solutions for challenges and fostering innovation.  With the accelerated implementation of digital transformation initiatives around the globe in both the public and the private sectors, Digital Next 2022 is the ideal platform to foster new partnerships and discuss opportunities for cooperation towards enhancing the digital transformation ecosystem.” Al Askar added.

Digital Next Summit 2022 aims to empower governments with the key tools to help them determine the right solutions to implement a digital government, including the most important technology innovations that advance the delivery of public services. 

This will be based on four content pillars: Gx Next, Data Next, Technology Next, and Cyber Next, which define the challenges and new opportunities to enhance digital transformation.

At ‘Gx Next’, delegates will have a first-hand experience of best practices and platforms that offer a seamless and personalised  experiences which meet the unique needs of citizens, while ‘Data Next’ will explore how leading governments leverage data by harnessing latest technologies such as AI, Internet of Things, and Blockchain. 

The latest digital solutions that enhance customer experiences and improve government performance will be the main feature of ‘Technology Next.’ In addition, ‘Cyber Next’ will focus on the tools and processes that will help protect a country’s critical infrastructure, including networks, systems, and data.

New features for 2022 summit include a programme of curated activation zones: the Government Zone, Innovation Zone, and Digital Labs. The Government Zone will look at best-practices in delivering digital public projects. The Innovation Zone will spotlight the latest ideas from start-ups or big tech companies alike that address the digital transformation challenges of our time, while Digital Labs will present a live demonstration area of digital solutions applied across different applications.

Digital Next 2022 is also expected to feature more than 55 international and regional sponsors and exhibitors. More information is available at: www.digital-next.ae

About Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA) 

Abu Dhabi Digital Authority is leading the digital future of Abu Dhabi by supporting our government partners to deliver services and build ecosystems, that enrich quality of life and multiply opportunities for business and personal growth. ADDA supports Abu Dhabi’s digital transformation through strategies, policies, standards and enterprise architecture for increased government performance. In addition, ADDA delivers digital services, platforms and channels, and implement applied intelligence, shared government and cybersecurity solutions for government entities. 

Background information on Messe Frankfurt

Messe Frankfurt is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. The Messe Frankfurt Group employs around 2,500* people in a total of 30 subsidiaries. The company generated annual sales of approximately €250* million in 2020 after having recorded sales of €738 million the previous year. Even in difficult times caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we are globally networked with our industry sectors. We have close ties with our industry sectors and serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of the Group’s key USPs is its closely knit global sales network, which extends throughout the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are expanding our digital expertise with new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent). 

* preliminary figures 2020

About Messe Frankfurt Middle East

Messe Frankfurt Middle East’s portfolio of 16 exhibitions includes Automechanika Dubai, Automechanika Riyadh, Beautyworld Middle East, Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, Hardware + Tools Middle East, Hypermotion Dubai, Intersec, Intersec Saudi Arabia, Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East, Light Middle East, Materials Handling Middle East, Materials Handling Saudi Arabia, Middle East Cleaning Technology Week, Paperworld Middle East, Prolight + Sound Middle East, and SPS Automation Middle East.  The subsidiary also organises a series of conferences and seminars including Digital Next, Think Light, and the International Conference on Future Mobility.