As the Arab region’s largest exhibition Dubai Expo 2020 draws nearer, all eyes are on the dazzling digital surprises that everyone expects at the event.
Cisco, the Expo’s 2020 official Digital Network Partner, is ready to greet visitors and provide them with the most up-to-date digital solutions.
The multinational company which is specialized in the field of networking, cloud, and cybersecurity solutions, has deployed 250 of the industry’s most experienced project managers and engineers on-site, providing more than 2.5-million-person hours of technology implementation and rollout support, as well as 20,000 secure endpoints are located across the site to deliver industry leading connectivity.
Why was Cisco chosen as a key partner
“For Cisco, Expo 2020 Dubai represents the perfect platform from which to showcase the company’s commitment and experience to the international community,” says Shukri Eid, Managing Director, Cisco Gulf Region to TRENDS.”We have always advocated digital inclusion and have worked closely with Expo to create an event that has a long-term impact across all societies.”
Eid continued that an event of such magnitude represents not only regional but global importance.”Expo 2020 Dubai required a trusted partner with the right track record for delivering world-class events,”. Eid said of why Expo 2020 chose Cisco as its key partner.
Cisco was previously a key partner at Expo 2015 Milan and Expo 2010 Shanghai and the official networking supplier for the London 2012 Olympic and Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Cisco’s advanced networking installation at Expo 2020
Cisco’s intent-based network forms the backbone of Expo 2020’s technology infrastructure, consolidating operations into a single IP network. The intelligent network routinely learns, adapts, and protects to ensure a secure and seamless experience for employees, volunteers, Country Pavilions, and visitors alike.
Furthermore, as network security management is a critical focal point at Expo 2020, Cisco Umbrella, a cloud-based enterprise network security solution with built-in DNS Layer Security and industry-leading firewalls, will provide the first defense line against potential cyberthreats.
Eid claims that this technology has been deployed at the fully integrated end-to-end Network Operating Center (NOC) at Expo 2020, which Cisco helped build and is now managing. In addition, Cisco’s Physical Security Network supports CCTV monitoring to provide the organizer with unmatched visibility across the site and deliver unified threat management.
On the other hand, the Dubai Exhibition Center near the main Expo 2020 site will have an immersive experience from the heart of Expo 2020, as Cisco has deployed its dynamic, high-resolution, and comprehensive digital solutions in every 45,000 square meters.
Bringing human and digital connections to life
Cisco has been integral to building the secure, intelligent foundation for connectivity at the Expo 2020 Dubai site, bringing human and digital connections to life during the region’s first-of-its-kind event.
In addition to the intent-based network that has been deployed and rigorously tested, Cisco Wi-Fi technology is powering high-speed wireless connectivity at Expo 2020 Dubai. Cisco ensures fast and secure wireless connections via more than 9,000 access points – around 400 of which are Wi-Fi 6-enabled.
This marks Expo 2020 Dubai Cisco’s first Wi-Fi 6 customer in the UAE, according to Eid. “On the ground, we’re providing secure, high-speed wireless access with upload and download speeds that allow visitors to connect and share their experiences with the rest of the world and support seamless integration with augmented and virtual reality. Expo 2020 Dubai will be a multi-day event that will attract tourists from all over the world, necessitating this level of connection”, he added.
Behind the scenes, Cisco’s collaboration technology has also been instrumental in enabling a seamless experience for Expo employees, who were already using over 3,200 Cisco phones, Webex Teams, and an “Office of the Future” proof of concept before the pandemic.
Eid pointed out that when the shift to remote working became a reality in 2020, Cisco was ready to assist Expo in bringing its 2,000-strong workforce online. Our IT teams accomplished initial technology upscaling in just two days, and the Expo 2020 Dubai team was able to collaborate securely from anywhere just 24 hours later.
Cisco’s expectations for Expo 2020
Cisco got a glimpse of how successful Expo 2020 Dubai will be during the premiere of the Sustainability Pavilion earlier this year. According to Eid, there was a lot of curiosity about what Expo had to offer, both locally and internationally. As a result, all Cisco’s technology on-site has been extensively tested and optimized to meet expectations for a digitally connected event of this scale.
Eid added: “We’re looking forward to seeing how the complete launch of Expo 2020 Dubai transforms the way the world views large events and what they can accomplish”.