The revolutionary potential of 5G is not yet fully understood by the public. While the switch from 3G to 4G was mostly a matter of increased speed, the rise of 5G will unlock the potential of a flood of new technologies. From self-driving cars to virtual reality, from Internet of Things to drones, 5G has the power to propel the Middle East forward on its path to digitalization.

In order to discuss strategy for blockchain and virtual assets in alignment with the Emirates’ economic strategy, the Abu Dhabi Blockchain and Virtual Assets Committee (ADBVAC) held its first meeting under the leadership of H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and chairman of the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).

Almost 5 years ago, augmented reality (AR) leaped into our consciousness in the form of a Pokemon GO game where gamers went ga-ga over catching and collecting digitised fictional character Pokemon using their smartphones.

Social networking colossus Facebook has announced that it is attempting to make a 'technical 'breakthrough in relation to developing and manufacturing futuristic 'smart glasses' specifically designed to allow you see to see virtual objects in the real world.

A McKinsey report entitled “Value Creation in the Metaverse” states that the market value for the metaverse is expected to touch $5 trillion by 2030 – equivalent to the size of the world’s third-largest economy, Japan.

The New South Wales government is well aware of the importance of technology today and in the future. That is why, it announced that it will invest $23 million in a new program named STEMShare Community that provides every public school with access to emerging technology, thus adding value to the state’s syllabus and the ICT general capability for the Australian curriculum.

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and Live Nation Entertainment will broadcast the first live virtual reality concert. Coldplay's "A Head Full of Dreams" will broadcast from Chicago's Soldier Field to fans around the world to experience it in an immersive perspective. The live broadcast will be available on Samsung Gear VR powered by Oculus through the Samsung VR service on August 17, starting at 8:30 pm CT.

New AR- and VR-based services will see the light soon thanks to KT, South Korea's second-largest mobile operator, beginning with a mobile shopping service.

T-Mobile and Nokia announced a landmark $3.5 billion agreement to accelerate the deployment of a nationwide 5G network. Nokia will provide T-Mobile with its complete end-to-end 5G technology, software and services portfolio, assisting the Un-carrier in its efforts to bring its 5G network to market for customers in the critical first years of the 5G cycle.

The world's first test of truly live 360º video at the 2017 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix was conducted by Formula 1 and Tata Communications on Sept. 25 to show how the F1 racing experience could be augmented for fans worldwide by enabling them to experience the show in action almost as if they were there.