We recently had a discussion with Joseph Ridley, the General Manager of Seamless Middle East, about the crucial role that significant events play in advancing the growth of digital businesses.

What inspired you to start Seamless?
Ultimately the vision for Seamless has always been to create one of the largest global events that brings together banks and financial service providers, government, merchants, and retailers of all sizes, in order to help them with their digital transformation journeys and to better serve SMEs, consumers, and citizens.

How has the event evolved over the years, and what changes have you seen in the digital commerce industry during this time?
Twenty-three years ago, 300 individuals came together at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai to discuss the impact of debit and credit cards on the banking industry. 

As of today, the 23rd edition of Seamless Middle East draws over 20,000 attendees from around the world, marking a significant increase from previous years. The event focuses on the payments, banking, fintech, retail, and e-commerce sectors and aims to address pressing issues such as the development of cashless economies and the role of emerging financial technologies in driving financial inclusion and literacy. 

How will tech like Web3.0, and generative AI disrupt e-commerce?
We still have much to explore in regards to the full potential of Web 3.0 and Generative AI. The impact of these technologies on digital commerce in the Middle East is yet to be fully understood, and the challenge lies in identifying the best ways to leverage them to create commercial opportunities.

What are your future plans for Seamless, and how do you see the event evolving in the next few years?
By 2024, we plan to double the size of our exhibition floor space to meet the high demand from both local and international exhibitors looking to expand their businesses across the region. Our aim is for Seamless Middle East to become the premier global digital commerce event connecting East and West, leveraging Dubai and the United Arab Emirates’ strategic location.

 

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