Nowadays, women are playing a key role in the telecommunications and ICT field by assuming high level positions in international companies. The 9th edition of Telecom Review Summit sought to highlight women's contribution to the industry by bringing some of the most influential women in telecoms. Dr. Nadine Akkari, PhD holder and researcher was one of the participants and panelists. Telecom Review had the chance to interview her to shed light on her participation in the event.
"This year's event was a great opportunity for us because we met high level people from all over the region. Everyone enjoyed the discussions and panels that brought an added value to the industry," stated Dr. Nadine Akkari who stressed the importance of the Telecom Review Summit and how it offers exceptional networking opportunities.
Currently an associate professor at the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology of King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, KSA, Dr. Nadine received her BSc and MSc degrees in Computer Engineering from the University of Balamand, Lebanon in 1997 and then received her DEA degree in Telecommunications Network in 1999 from the University of Saint Joseph and the Faculty of Engineering of the Lebanese University. In 2001, she received her PhD degree in Telecommunications Networks from the Superior School of Telecommunications (ENST), France.
Dr. Akkari was the moderator of the visionary debate with Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, which focused on the topic of smart cities and how Dubai became the first city in the world fulfilling the ITU KPIs.
"I was really honored to be given the opportunity to moderate the visionary debate which was amazing. It was with one of the most notable women in the field of smart cities, H.E. Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr with whom I had an interesting discussion," said Dr. Akkari to Telecom Review.
She also moderated the digital panel entitled "The move to the future" in which the panelists addressed important topics and tackled the future of the industry in light of digital transformation and emerging ICT trends.
On day 2, Dr. Nadine Akkari was a panelist on the smart cities and IoT's influence panel which outlined the impact of IoT and how it will enable smart cities in the region. The panel discussed as well the topics of open data platforms and e-commerce.
Dr. Akkari is specialized in next generation networks, heterogeneous networks: Mobility and QoS positioning, IoT and wireless sensor networks. She conducted interesting research studies and has a number of publications in international journals and conferences.
Talking about the influence IoT will have on our lives, she stated, "We cannot separate IoT from our life anymore because it has become an integral part of it. All devices will soon be connected to the internet which will pave the way for smart living, smart transportation, and e-health. IoT will be an enabler of smart cities."
