Etisalat has joined haands with Tata Communications and Cisco to launch the UAE’s first public telePresence room at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Centrally located at the DWTC, opposite Hall number 3, the Etisalat Public TelePresence room will provide high definition virtual conferencing capabilities to businesses across a robust global video network, said a company statement.

The network includes a unique network of 23 other Public TelePresence rooms, deployed by Tata Communications, in prime business capitals of the world, such as New York, London, Mumbai and Shanghai.

Etisalat has developed a 24x7 e-booking system (www.etisalat.ae/telepresence ) that will enable businesses to book the Public TelePresence room for their meetings in advance, the statement said.

Commenting on the launch, Abdulla Hashim, senior VP, Business Solutions at Etisalat said, "This deployment underscores our commitment to bring leading technologies to the UAE and offering enhanced value through innovative services to our business customers."

"Public TelePresence is a transformational tool that has changed the way business meetings are conducted globally, especially in an era where physical realities are paving way for virtual readiness and businesses are trying to extend their reach while aiming to reduce operational costs," he noted.

"With an unmatched flexibility of connecting with up to six participants on either side of a call, and calls possible to multiple TelePresence centres worldwide, powered by Tata Communications network, the Public TelePresence room will offer an affordable and efficient alternative to attendees traveling for global meetings," Hashim added.

The room is built on Cisco’s Public TelePresence infrastructure that enables groups to meet and collaborate in multiple locations worldwide in real time.

By combining high-definition video, real time audio and interior design for Virtual Meetings business executives feel as if they are actually gathered together in the same room across a virtual table, Etisalat said in a statement.

Apart from providing an agile connectivity option to traveling business executives, the  facility will enable enterprises in the UAE to access the TelePresence communications, on a pay-as-use basis, eliminating the need for them to up their own facilities.

Wayne Hull, director and general manager, Cisco UAE said: "The potential of video to change the way we do business is significant. Public TelePresence rooms provide global organizations with a cost effective way to connect in virtual 'in person' meetings with key customers, partners and suppliers around the globe."

"The TelePresence solution is innovative, yet reliable and cost effective for businesses whatever their size. We look forward to roll out this solution in many more locations throughout the UAE," he added.

Radwan Moussalli, managing director, Mena, Tata Communications, said as the first public TelePresence room in the UAE, this launch marks another milestone for Tata Communications in the Middle East.

With this new facility, executives in the UAE will be able to easily collaborate with colleagues, partners and customers around the globe, he remarked.

"As part of our extensive business ecosystem, the Dubai room will connect to public and private rooms throughout our network and partner networks, spanning 23 locations across 5 continents, making this a truly global collaboration tool," he added.

Tata Communications now operates rooms in the US, Canada, UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Kuwait, S. Africa, India, Philippines, Singapore and Australia.

Issam Kazim, director commercial venues, DWTC said the TelePresence room will provide added value to the 1.2 million annual global business visitors to DWTC, and offer the business community in the UAE with a unique opportunity to connect to their global business partners.-TradeArabia News Service