The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) organized an exhibition titled "Telecommunications in the UAE History", on the side-lines of the WRC-23, hosted by the UAE in Dubai from 20 November to 15 December 2023.
The exhibition explores the story of the ICT sector development in the UAE since the establishment of the UAE. It highlights significant milestones using prevalent products and tools from each era, commencing with telefax machines and vintage rotary phones and advancing through subsequent generations of mobile and smartphones.
The exhibition showcased an extraordinary collection of landline phones, antiquated fax and telex machines, along with call indicator (bleeper) devices and oversized mobile phones representing the first generation of mobile communication devices in the UAE. These carefully selected devices serve as symbols of distinct eras, reflecting technological evolution and ultimately shaping the present communications scene in the UAE.
Commenting on the considerable interest of visitors in the exhibition, H.E. Mohammed bin Markhan Al Kitbi, Deputy Director-General of TDRA for the Support Services Sector, and leader of the team organizing the WRC-23, said, "Throughout our national journey, the telecommunications sector has stood out as the most tangible symbol of progress. This sector has consistently garnered attention from the UAE’s leadership, starting with the founding fathers and continuing under our current leaders. The UAE has emerged as a leading country today across various indicators, notably in digital transformation. The "Telecommunications in the UAE History" exhibition has effectively narrated a story with tangible examples of communication devices that were integral to daily life in each historical era, leaving a lasting impression on its visitors from the conference participants."
Moreover, the exhibition showcases various old fax machines, mapping their evolution from the era of thermal paper and sluggish transmission. The exhibition offers an introductory narrative about the historical context and the influence of these communication devices on society and business. It emphasizes the landmark accomplishments that positioned the UAE as a leader in the telecommunications industry.
The exhibition extends throughout the WRC-23, offering delegates and technology enthusiasts a chance to delve into the communication history and gain insightful perspectives into the UAE's digitally supported vision for the future.