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Evidence such as rising global temperatures, increased flooding, droughts and storms, all suggest that climate change is upon us. It is widely accepted today that humans are largely to blame for recent climate change, because over the past century, our activities have released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere as a result of burning fossil fuels. Greenhouse gases act like a blanket around the earth, thus trapping energy in the atmosphere and warming up the planet. The threat is very real and we need to do something about it. But what can we do? Surprisingly, big data has emerged as a key component to the solution.

Attending Mobile World Congress 2016, Lebanese Telecom Minister, H.E. Boutros Harb was present at the annual International Conference on Telecommunication in Barcelona, where he spoke about the Lebanese government's policy for the development of the mobile telecom sector in Lebanon in the future.

Dubai set a goal to become the world's smartest city by 2017. As the leading Middle Eastern business and tourist hub, Dubai is among many cities around the world embracing ambitious smart city goals. We spoke to Ghazi Atallah, managing director at NexGen, the only consultant for the Smart Dubai project, who shared his thoughts on the ambitious strategy.

Middle East telecoms' adoption of 5G will support the global USD 164 billion Internet of Things market by 2018, announced one of the world's leading technology companies at Mobile World Congress.

Every time we fill out raffle coupons and provided our name, address, email address and telephone numbers, we have given our unwritten consent and provided sensitive information to merchandisers to contact us - whether we win or not.

After realizing the disambiguation of the fine prints on this small piece of paper, at the end of the paragraph, a small statement clearly states that "'we may contact you for promotions available or related to this product." Then, giving us a blank space to sign away and complete the form.

How often we have done this unconsciously? Do we even care about where the piece of paper ends up after the raffle draw? In short, where did our personal details end up?

These are questions we rarely ask ourselves as we excitedly fill out forms, but are questions too important to not ask, particularly in this day in age where we are used to clicking and agreeing to terms and conditions. Installing software on our devices and downloading an app that we find useful are typical examples. These actions involve giving out our personal information, and as we connect those devices to one another, this information can be emitted and transmitted to the internet. We must be wary and have regard for what we share or give over to the connected world. It starts now.

Market research firm Gartner noted that smartphone sales soared in the third quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period last year. The research firm added that this growth stemmed from continued demand for affordable smartphones in emerging markets. The top five device makers are namely: Samsung, Apple, Huawei, Lenovo and Xiaomi.

The stage is set and technology is ripe. Gone are the days to be shocked and awed by driverless cars traversing the highways. It is happening as we speak.

Sweden's Goran Marby was named head of the body that manages internet addresses, pledging to uphold checks and balances as it steps out from under US government oversight.

The UAE Drones for Good Awards held from 4 to 6 February showcased the most innovative drone concepts from the UAE and around the world. With showcases from big brands like Nokia and Etisalat, and even the UAE Government itself, the exhibition did not disappoint. Set up in Dubai Internet City, and launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the event proved just how much society can benefit from exceptional drone technology for the greater good.

New initiatives and strategies were set out during the second General Assembly of the FTTH Council MENA held after the 7th annual conference in Muscat last November. The new board of directors has been elected as of 1st January 2016 to build the new plans for FTTH deployment in the MENA region.

The RIPE NCC, in cooperation with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority in Bahrain (TRA), organized an IPv6 technical training from 25 until 28 January in Manama, Bahrain. A total of 30 private and governmental bodies participated in the workshop. The visit to Bahrain was initiated by organizing a lunch for members in Bahrain to meet with RIPE NCC staff on 24 January.

Being present in Egypt, H.E Eng. Mohamed Ben Amor, secretary-general of the Arab ICT Organization, achieved successful agreements to better serve the Arab region.