PHOTO
Dubai, United Arab Emirates : FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, today revealed the findings of its ‘Future is Now’ study* that offers insights into the UAE’s readiness to embrace the future.
The UAE is at the cusp of change, with the pandemic accelerating the country’s digital transformation. From healthcare to education, banking to manufacturing, technology is transforming every sector, giving rise to a future full of possibilities. According to the study, which surveyed more than 750 respondents across the UAE, 96% stated that they believe the country is prioritizing technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain to deliver a future-ready world. Approximately 96% also believed technology they’d seen in science fiction movies is either already a part of their daily lives, or likely to be in the next few years.
With the trend of technology-led change likely to continue, future-forward industries were identified as major drivers in shaping the cities of the future. Roughly 96% respondents believe that the e-commerce sector will need to be more technologically driven to meet their needs better in the future, and 93% consider tech-enabled logistics important in a futuristic world.
Jack Muhs, Regional President of FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa, said, “At FedEx, our past, present, and future is driven by innovation. We constantly look for new ways and ideas to meet our customers’ expectations and needs at the right time through the right channel, no matter where they are in the world.
With digital transformation accelerating rapidly, technologies and innovative services with a focus on sustainability are expected to drive the future of business. Technologies like Blockchain, IoT, Robotics, and Automation are emerging as crucial elements in helping to future-proof prominent economic sectors and helping ensure business success.”
The ‘Future is Now’ study focused on three main views: being dynamic, how the UAE is open to experimentation and innovation, and to what degree the country is sustainability conscious. The findings indicated that future success will likely rely on businesses structuring their approach around these three outlooks.
The Future is Dynamic
Regardless of the industry, companies must monitor the pulse of their consumers, anticipate their needs, and stay one step ahead of their rapidly evolving expectations. The pandemic accelerated change in almost every aspect of life, from how we live and work, to how businesses interact with their customers, and how customers purchase products and services.
The FedEx study shows that businesses are already working to keep pace with this change. Approximately 90% of respondents stated that over the past year, companies demonstrated their ability to understand ‘What’s next?’ and present possible solutions.
An openness to experimentation is indispensable to a future-ready mindset
The UAE ranked first in the Gulf region and 33rd globally in the Global Innovation Index2and is considered as one of the top innovative economies. In an increasingly dynamic environment, success for businesses hinges upon pushing the envelope and fostering a culture of experiment-led innovation. A majority of 95% of those polled in the FedEx survey believe that organizations, communities, or even individuals who experiment and adopt change are better equipped to navigate through future challenges.
A sustainable mindset isn’t a choice, but rather, a business imperative for success
Consumers today are growing more conscious of the impact their choices have on the world around them - whether it pertains to the environment or their communities. Even their purchasing decisions are increasingly influenced by their perception of an organization being sustainable and responsible. According to the FedEx study, over 88% of respondents agreed that individuals, communities, etc. that have a ‘futuristic’ outlook are more environmentally conscious. In fact, 93% claimed that, as decision-makers in a futuristic business, sustainability would be crucial and their top priority.
The response from the study participants is clear: organizations must continue to reevaluate and revamp their sustainability strategies to ensure relevance to their customers and resilience for the long term.
As the world keeps evolving, technology and trends will likely drive changes in lifestyle, behaviors, and attitude. For both businesses and individuals, embracing a future that offers endless possibilities and having a mindset that is dynamic, experimental, and sustainable will be imperative to staying one step ahead of the curve.
-Ends-
FedEx ‘Future is Now’ study* Methodology
The above findings are based on responses to online surveys conducted by IPSOS UAE with 750 respondents across Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Al Fujairah, Dubai, Ras El Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. Respondents included a representative sample of people from the above cities aged between 18-60 years.
About FedEx Express
FedEx Express is one of the world's largest express transportation companies, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, by a definite time and date.
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenue of $87 billion, the company offers integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively, operating collaboratively and innovating digitally under the respected FedEx brand.
Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its 560,000 team members to remain focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. FedEx is committed to connecting people and possibilities around the world responsibly and resourcefully, with a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040. To learn more, please visit www.about.fedex.com
2 https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/the-uae-government/government-of-future/innovation-in-the-uae
Contact:
Natali Fahmi
FedEx Express Middle East
natali.fahmi@fedex.com
© Press Release 2021
Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
