Getting to Know Dubai’s Tech Landscape

Dubai is often seen as a glittering skyline, but underneath that sparkle lies a fast‑moving tech ecosystem that’s turning the city into a living laboratory.

When the city first started dreaming of a connected future, the focus was on infrastructure: roads that could talk to each other, traffic lights that adapt in real time, utilities that sense when you need them. Today, those elements have grown into a sophisticated web of data, sensors, and software – and the pieces are woven together by powerful forces like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain.

If you’re curious about how this digital pulse works, read Dubai’s Tech Pulse – How Smart Cities, AI, and Blockchain Are Shaping Tomorrow (Part 2) for a deep dive into the city’s foundations.

From Concept to Reality: The Smart City Dream

The Early Vision

Back in the early 2000s, Dubai’s leaders envisioned a city that would streamline living, working, and playing by harnessing technology. The plan included:

• Nationwide fibre‑optic coverage.
• Real‑time traffic monitoring.
• E‑governance platforms for everything from payments to permits.

These were simple ideas, but they laid the groundwork for what would become a global tech hub.

Building the Infrastructure

Today, over 2,500 kilometres of fibre cover a vast majority of the city’s buildings. The “Dubai Smart Services” platform links transportation, water, energy, and security into a single, cloud‑based system.

Think of it as a nervous system – nerves that carry information, and a brain that decides what actions to take.

Artificial Intelligence: The City’s Decision Maker

Traffic and Mobility

AI algorithms analyze data from cameras, GPS, and sensors to predict traffic patterns. The result is smoother commutes, fewer congestion points, and reduced emissions.

For instance, Dubai’s autonomous bus system uses AI to adjust routes in real time, ensuring passengers arrive on schedule even during unexpected traffic jams.

Public Safety and Healthcare

AI also powers predictive policing, where crime hotspots are identified before incidents happen. In healthcare, AI‑driven diagnostic tools scan medical images faster and with higher accuracy than many human experts.

Case in Point: AI‑Enabled Smart Grid

• Energy consumption patterns are mapped every minute.
• AI optimises distribution, cutting wastage.
• A virtual power plant balances supply and demand.

Thanks to these systems, Dubai has cut its electricity use during peak hours by more than 15%, saving millions of dollars and reducing the city’s carbon footprint.

Blockchain: Securing the Digital Fabric

Transparent Governance

A blockchain ledger records all governmental transactions in a tamper‑proof way, ensuring accountability.

From land titles to traffic fines, each step is logged, making corruption hard to hide.

Cross‑Border Payment Solutions

Dubai’s blockchain network allows merchants to handle multi‑currency payments instantly, cutting transaction times from days to seconds.

This speed is key for international trade, especially for the city’s booming shipping and logistics sectors.

The Dubai Blockchain Strategy

• Investments in research and development.
• Partnerships with leading universities.
• Launch of a public, private test‑net for pilot projects.

This strategy has attracted dozens of startups, all pivotal in building a resilient, secure ecosystem.

Digital Twins: A Virtual Mirror of Reality

Dubai has a digital twin that simulates city operations. Using real data, city planners can test ideas before implementing them.

For example, before opening a new metro line, planners run simulations to predict passenger flow, maintenance needs, and environmental impact.

Impact on Developers

Real‑time data enables developers to craft smarter, eco‑friendly building designs that respond to climate, traffic, and community needs.

Smart Living: From Apartments to Parking

Home Automation

AI-driven house systems learn your habits, adjusting lighting, temperature, and security based on your routines.

Ubiquitous sensors detect humidity, air quality, and even plant health, sending notifications straight to your phone.

Parking Management

AI manages parking spaces in real time. A driver can find an open spot within seconds, while sensors relay data to city traffic servers.

Plenty of parking makes city life smoother – no more circling the block endlessly.

The Workforce of the Future

Digital Skills Training

Educational institutions now offer AI, data science, and blockchain courses, preparing students for high‑skill jobs.

Dubai’s “Dubai Future Accelerators” program hosts hackathons that allow participants to build solutions for real city problems.

Case Study: Robotics in Healthcare

• Robots assist in surgery, delivering precise instruments.
• AI pathways reduce diagnosis times.
• Telemedicine extends specialist care to remote areas.

These technologies create a workforce that is both tech‑savvy and human‑centric.

Environmental Sustainability Through Technology

Renewable Energy Integration

Dubai’s commitment to clean energy is evident in projects like the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

AI manages solar output, predicting weather fluctuations so energy storage can be optimised.

Water Management

Smart water meters track consumption in real time, flagging leaks early and saving resources.

AI clusters data from various sensors to model water flow across the district, forecast shortages, and advise on conservation measures.

The Startup Ecosystem

Funding Landscape

Dubai’s Economic Development team, with private investors, funds startups that align with the city’s vision.

In 2023 alone, over 400 startups raised more than $1.5 billion in capital.

High‑Impact Sectors

• Fintech – AI‑driven risk assessment and smart contracts.
• Healthtech – wearable diagnostics and remote care.
• Smart‑Mobility – autonomous vehicles and predictive routing.

These sectors demonstrate that technology isn’t just an add‑on; it’s integral to Dubai’s future.

What This Means for Residents and Visitors

Seamless Connectivity

With 5G coverage in every major district, you can stream high‑definition content, participate in virtual meetings, and download large data sets in seconds.

Enhanced Safety

Smart cameras, AI alerts, and blockchain‑verified emergency alerts create a safer urban environment.

Better Quality of Life

From personalized health care to AI‑guided city tours, technology tailors experiences to individual preferences.

Future Directions and Global Implications

Dubai’s Role as a Knowledge Hub

By continuing to invest in AI and blockchain, Dubai positions itself as a stage for ideas that could ripple worldwide.

International conferences draw top minds, fostering collaborations that push the boundaries of what a city can achieve.

Challenges Ahead

While the tech stack grows robust, concerns about data privacy, digital inequality, and job displacement remain.

Dubai’s approach is to integrate ethical guidelines, public consultation, and lifelong learning programmes to address these issues.

Take the Next Step

If you want to experience Dubai’s tech culture first‑hand, you can:

• Visit the Dubai Digital Journey showcase to see live demonstrations.
• Attend hackathons hosted by the Dubai Future Accelerators.
• Explore the city using the integrated navigation app that optimises routes in real time.

Dubai’s tech scene invites curiosity and innovation. Step into the future today.

Dubai has long been known for its iconic skyline, vibrant culture, and world‑class hospitality. In recent years it has taken its ambition a step further, turning into a living laboratory where artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, and green technology coexist and thrive. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to walk through a city where digital infrastructure runs beneath every building and future‑ready solutions are already shaping daily life, you’re in the right place.

In this post we’ll explore how Dubai is turning its city‑wide vision into tangible projects, how the local ecosystem fuels innovation, and what the next decade could look like. Along the way, you’ll see real examples of cutting‑edge tech and practical insights on how you can follow the flow of this transformation.

Dubai’s Smart‑City Blueprint

The city’s smart‑city strategy does not rely on a single technology; it joins several strands into a single narrative. The foundational goal is simple: use data and connectivity to make residents’ lives smoother, businesses more efficient, and the environment cleaner.

• Connectivity: Hyper‑fast fibre networks and 5G hubs spread across the city provide the bandwidth needed for all other innovations.
• Data Harmony: A unified data platform stitches citizen, business, and infrastructure data together so the city can respond in real time.
• Public‑Private Partnership: Government initiatives partner with tech firms, start‑ups, and universities, allowing ideas to move from labs to streets quickly.

This approach creates a virtuous cycle—new data sources feed new services, which generate further data, and so on.

From Data to Action

Think of how the traffic lights in Dubai have evolved. In 2017 a new system was launched that used live cameras, AI and predictive analytics to adjust signal timing by the minute, shaving average congestion times by up to 30 %. In the same city a water‑management platform reads sensor data in every building to auto‑tune water pressure, cutting waste by millions of litres annually.

Artificial Intelligence: The Heartbeat of Innovation

AI is at the core of many of Dubai’s flagship projects. From government services to non‑profits, machine learning models help uncover patterns in massive datasets that no human could spot.

• Smart Governance: The Dubai Police use AI to analyse crime hotspots, allowing officers to deploy resources more strategically.
• Health Forecasting: During summer heat waves the health department runs predictive models that flag vulnerable neighbourhoods, enabling targeted cooling interventions.
• Customer Experience: Shops in the Dubai Mall now use AI to recommend clothing styles based on a shopper’s phone data. The result? Higher engagement and sales.

Seamless integration of AI into daily services means residents rarely see the technology behind the scenes—they simply enjoy smoother, faster experiences.

Ethics and Trust

With power comes responsibility. Dubai’s authors recently published a set of guidelines on ethical AI use that stress transparency, fairness, and accountability. By publicly sharing these principles the city builds trust among citizens and investors alike.

Blockchain: Building a Trustworthy Ecosystem

Blockchain finds use far beyond cryptocurrency. Dubai has embedded it into supply‑chain verification, land registration, and even health‑care records.

1. Trade & Logistics: The Dubai Customs platform uses blockchain to slash paperwork, cutting clearance times through the port and airport from days to hours.
2. Property and Land: The Land Department now issues immutable digital titles, reducing fraud and speeding up property purchases for expatriates.
3. Healthcare Data: Patients can store their records on a private blockchain that ensures only their doctors can access the data.

When institutions trust the data they share, the overall reliability of public services rises—this is the tangible benefit robotics paper discussed in detail in a recent post.

Blockchain for Social Impact

Dubai’s Women’s Council launched a blockchain‑based platform that tracks the progress of women entrepreneurs across the city, ensuring equal access to grants and mentorship. The platform’s record‑keeping provides an evidence base that helps policy makers fine‑tune support policies.

The Internet of Things: A Connected Neighborhood

The city’s physical space is now a network of sensors. From smart streetlights that dim during low traffic to subterranean sensors that monitor underground tunnels for structural shifts, IoT amplifies city resilience.

• Smart Lighting: Light intensity adjusts to pedestrian movement, lowering energy consumption by 20 %.
• Safety Sensors: Automatic fire detection and suppression systems trigger before flames reach a critical stage.
• Public Wi‑Fi: Kiosks across the city offer free internet that collects anonymised traffic data, helping city planners forecast peak times.

All these devices report back to a central data lake, where AI can swiftly analyze and act.

Citizen‑Driven Projects

Dubai’s “Guess Who?” app harnesses IoT devices installed in schools, inviting students to solve real‑world puzzles about climate and traffic. The campaigns increase digital literacy and make participants feel part of the city’s future.

Green Tech: Sustainable Growth in the Desert

Developing a tech hub and maintaining a healthy ecosystem are not mutually exclusive. Dubai’s clean‑energy projects, such as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Solar Park, power significant sections of the city grid.

1. Desert Farming: Smart irrigation systems, guided by AI and weather data, reduce water usage for agriculture by 35 %.
2. Carbon‑Neutral Buildings: Solar panels, photovoltaic windows and energy‑saving HVAC systems allow new developments to earn “Zero‑Energy” certification.
3. Waste Digitization: Smart bins alert collection trucks when they’re half full, cutting fuel consumption.

With structured incentives, the technology sector helps Dubai reach its carbon‑neutrality milestone by 2050.

Startup Ecosystem: A Fertile Ground for Trailblazers

Dubai Tech 2025 hosts an annual summit that attracts over 2,000 innovators, investors and senior policymakers. The event is a showcase for entrepreneurial solutions ranging from AI‑driven fintech to blockchain real‑estate.

• Investment flow: Between 2018‑2024, the city attracted more than $6 billion in seed‑to‑Series C funding.
• In‑city accelerators: Startup@Dubai accommodates 100 new companies each year, offering capital, mentorship and regulatory facilitation.
• Talent exchange: The City of Innovation created a digital talent exchange where professionals could upskill in AI, cybersecurity or Data Science.

These initiatives produce a pipeline of tech companies that grow local jobs and drive global exports.

Women in Tech

Dubai’s “Women In Innovation” network hosts hackathons that focus on gender‑inclusive design. The program’s results have produced beta apps that track menstrual cycles and mental‑health data with privacy safeguards.

Investment Landscape: Funding the Future

Dubai’s public policy environment encourages venture capital and strategic fund flows. The Dubai Future Foundation, for example, offers grants for “mega‑projects” that plan to deploy 5G, AI, or blockchain on a large scale.

1. Co‑Funding Models: Public agencies partner with European or American universities for cost‑sharing and knowledge transfer.
2. Tax Incentives: Companies that create AI or blockchain intellectual property receive a 50 % tax credit for the first five years.
3. Regulatory Sandbox: A 12‑month test bed lets firms test autonomous vehicles without the usual approval headaches.

The combination of infrastructural readiness and funding support accelerates the rollout of new tech across the city.

Challenges You Might Not Notice

Although the city’s agenda sounds shiny, several hurdles linger behind the scenes:

• Data Privacy: Citizens often see the benefits of data collection yet are wary about who owns their information.
• Talent Gap: Despite attracting global talent, local universities still lag in advanced AI curricula.
• Seamless Interoperability: Integrating legacy systems with new tech requires careful project planning and cross‑sector collaboration.
• Economic Diversification: While tourism fuels economies, high‑tech growth needs to be sustained beyond the tourist season.

When problems appear, Dubai’s agile bureaucracy often spins cooperative task forces to tackle them head‑on.

What Are the People Doing?

Community groups are increasingly nudging public officials. A group of teenagers developed a civic‑tech platform that crowdsources pothole spots. The platform directly feeds a municipal database, and city crews respond faster than ever before.

Future Outlook: 2030 and Beyond

Dubai has charted a 5‑year plan that outlines the evolution of infrastructure, urban planning, and innovation ecosystems. Here’s what’s on the radar:

1. Full 5G Deployment: Every district will have cut‑ting‑edge wireless coverage, paving the way for autonomous vehicles and remote surgeries.
2. Mixed Reality Experiences: Pairing AR overlays with physical streets will enhance tourism—think real‑time language translation and historic reconstructions.
3. Energy Independence: Grid‑scale battery storage and micro‑grids powered by renewables will put Dubai on self‑sufficiency footing.
4. AI‑Powered Governance: Nationwide AI policy framework will streamline public services across all emirates.

In short, Dubai is not just chasing progress: it is building a roadmap for a city where technology directly improves everyone’s lives.

Personal Engagement

Are you a developer, entrepreneur or citizen curious how to get involved? There are several avenues:

• Enroll in the Dubai Future Foundation’s “Adoption Sprint” for 5G or blockchain prototypes.
• Apply to the Startup@Dubai accelerator to scale your tech solution.
• Join community hackathons that tackle real urban problems.

Being part of Dubai’s tech ecosystem means you’ll work on projects that change how millions interact with their city.

Takeaway

Dubai’s 2025 vision is no longer an exciting headline; it’s a concrete roadmap that’s already unfolding. From AI‑driven traffic lights to blockchain‑paved land titles, the city demonstrates that technology can be woven into the fabric of everyday life. The key takeaway for residents, investors, and innovators is this: the future is happening now, and the doors are open to anyone who wants to build a smarter, more inclusive, and sustainable city.

Want more details on how Dubai’s technology moves from corridors to the street? Check out the full guide on the city’s tech revolution and dive deeper into the Dubai 2025 tech pulse. For a look at the ambitious triple‑layered technology revolution, take a closer look at the bold initiatives that underline Dubai’s bold future.

Dubai isn’t just a glittering metropolis with skyscrapers that touch the clouds; it’s also a thriving hub where technology transforms everyday life and redefines what it means to live in a city. From smart traffic lights to AI‑driven utilities, the transformation is happening at a breakneck pace. In this post we’ll walk through the key forces driving Dubai’s tech revolution, show how the city’s infrastructure and policies play a pivotal role, and highlight opportunities for innovators, entrepreneurs, and curious visitors who want to be part of this digital future.

Why Dubai is a Hotspot for Tech Innovators

Dubai’s vision is set on becoming a global city of the future. The blend of an open‑air economy, a business‑friendly regulatory environment, and a high concentration of skilled talent makes it a natural magnet for tech ventures. The government’s emphasis on “one‑stop” licensing, low corporate tax rates, and strategic partnerships with leading global corporations gives newcomers a clear advantage.

Beyond the financial perks, there is an ingrained culture of embracing change. Unlike many capitals that cling to tradition, Dubai’s leadership actively encourages trial and error. Smart pilots, like the autonomous drones that deliver parcels across the city, usually start with small pilot projects that can quickly scale if they prove successful. This iterative mindset keeps the ecosystem dynamic and responsive.

Tech Entrepreneurs’ Hot Corners

Industry clusters, such as Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City, host thousands of startups. Incubators and accelerators such as Explore Dubai: A Guide to the City’s Tech Revolution provide office space, mentorship, and access to investors who are eager to tap into the region’s burgeoning potential.

Beyond guitars and keyboards, we see a surge in “green tech” startups tackling climate resilience, along with “health tech” ventures providing remote diagnostics and AI‑enabled predictive care. This diversity means there is always a niche waiting to be explored.

Smart City Architecture: From Vision to Reality

Dubai’s “Smart City” blueprint is a comprehensive asset management system that ties together everything from energy consumption to traffic flows. The goal is to create a city where data drives smart decisions.

Connected Streetlights and Real‑Time Analytics

One of the most visible examples is the city’s network of connected streetlights. Each lamp is a sensor that measures air quality, moisture levels, and light intensity. Data from these sensors is routed to a central platform where city planners can quickly spot issues, for instance, a sudden rise in pollutants in a particular sector or a pothole forming under a vacant parking spot.

Mobility as a Service (MaaS)

Dubai’s transportation ecosystem is shifting from ride‑hailing to integrated MaaS solutions. A single app now lets you book a bike, switch to a bus, or hail a self‑driving taxi. Hardware such as e‑infrastructure charging stations for electric vehicles seamlessly become part of this ecosystem. The smart infrastructure not only boosts convenience but also helps reduce emissions.

Waste Management and Circular Economy

Smart bins equipped with weight sensors and voice alerts make recycling efficient. Residents receive notifications to schedule pickups when bins are full, eliminating half‑filled rubbish. On a larger scale, businesses are using AI to optimize waste segregation, leading to higher recycling rates and lower landfill use.

The Rise of AI and Blockchain in Everyday Life

Artificial Intelligence and blockchain technology have woven themselves into the fabric of everyday Dubai life, offering new tools for service delivery, security, and transparency.

AI‑Enabled Customer Service

Many government services now use chatbots powered by natural language processing. Residents can ask about utility usage, apply for a permit, or report a municipal issue without ever stepping into a government office. These AI assistants are available 24/7 and adapt to local dialects, ensuring smooth communication.

Blockchain for Transparency

Dubai’s approach to blockchain isn’t limited to cryptocurrency. The city’s “Dubai Blockchain Strategy” uses distributed ledger technology to record everything from property titles to health records. When a new building is constructed, its information is logged on a blockchain, guaranteeing permanent record integrity and eliminating fraud.

Predictive Maintenance for Infrastructure

AI algorithms analyze sensor data to forecast equipment failures in real‑time. For example, in the transportation network, predictive maintenance can alert engineers before a traffic light malfunctions, saving mobilised repair costs and ensuring minimal disruption to commuters.

Take a Closer Look With These Resources

To dig deeper into how AI and blockchain reshape Dubai’s daily life, Dubai’s Tech Revolution: AI and Blockchain offers a detailed exploration of these technologies. For a broader perspective on the city’s technology evolution, see Dubai Tech Pulse: Building Tomorrow with Tech Today.

Tech Infrastructure: Connectivity, Data, and Innovation Hubs

High‑speed connectivity is a static pillar of Dubai’s tech readiness. With a fiber‑optic backbone laid across the city, data transfer rates are amongst the fastest worldwide.

5G Rollout and Edge Computing

While 5G promises low‑latency, high‑throughput for smartphones and IoT devices, edge nodes are being set up strategically across the city to reduce data transmission time. This is crucial for real‑time applications in autonomous vehicles, drone deliveries, and smart factories.

Data Centers and Cloud Platforms

Dubai houses several Tier‑4 data centers that comply with the highest security standards. Cloud services are now easily accessible, enabling startups and enterprises to deploy applications globally with low latency and high reliability.

Cybersecurity Measures

The rapid pace of digital transformation requires robust security. Dubai’s cybersecurity policy adopts multi‑layered defense with encryption, identity management, and continuous monitoring. The city also encourages the development of local cybersecurity talent through partnerships with academic institutions.

Startups and Incubators Lighting the Way

Dubai’s startup scene is not only growing in numbers but also in maturity. Today, a startup can scale from a home office using a shared co‑working space to securing multi‑million‑dollar funding within a year.

MoMo8 and Dubai Future Accelerators

MoMo8, for example, hosts 100+ startups that solve real‑world challenges. Dubai Future Accelerators partners with the government to provide focused pitch sessions, mentorship, and direct access to senior decision makers.

Industry Focus: FinTech, HealthTech, CleanTech

FinTech firms are pioneering open banking, while HealthTech startups integrate AI diagnostics into telemedicine. CleanTech ventures, often backed by municipal funds, look into renewable energy storage solutions and carbon footprint reduction technologies.

Success Stories

A local app that guides users to the nearest charging station for electric vehicles has raised $3 million in Series A funding and partnered with +20% of the UAE’s fleet. These stories demonstrate that Dubai’s innovation ecosystem rewards practical, locally relevant solutions.

Government Support and Policies That Build the Future

Dubai’s government mantra is simple: “innovation for all.” Therefore, public‑private partnerships are designed to test new ideas, lean on pilot projects, and incorporate citizen feedback.

Regulatory Sandboxes

These allow companies to experiment with regulated products in controlled environments. For instance, a blockchain‑based property registration tool can be ironed out behind a sandbox before a full rollout.

Incentivized Grants and Tax Benefits

Firms that develop AI or clean energy technologies can receive grants up to 40% of their R&D costs and qualify for zero corporate tax for five years.

Digital Residency

Dubai’s e‑Residency program, giving foreigners a digital passport to do business online, encourages startups and freelance professionals to base themselves in Dubai and tap into its connected economy.

Real‑World Applications You’re Already Using

Many of the city’s residents and visitors get to experience these technologies daily, often without realizing it.

Smart Parking System

Next‑door notifications let drivers know if a parking spot is free, updated in real time. When a spot suddenly becomes available, the system automatically assigns it to the nearest driver’s app.

Operation BEE (Building Energy Efficiency)

Buildings in Dubai use smart sensors to dim lights, close blinds, and adjust HVAC based on occupancy and daylight. Furthermore, performance data is shared with an Energy Management Center that directs future upgrades.

Dubai’s All‑In‑One App: Umm Al Qirā’ (or simply “Q”)

Residents can request city services, pay bills, and access public transport schedules from one interface. Because the app knows your home location, it can schedule trash pickups for you or recommend nearby electric bike rentals.

What the Next Decade Holds for Dubai’s Tech Scene

Over the next ten years, Dubai envisions a fully autonomous city where vehicles move without drivers, home appliances monitor health metrics, and the city can self‑repair through predictive maintenance.

Energy Independence & Solar Ambitions

Dubai aims to power 75% of its electricity from renewable sources like solar. Coupled with AI‑managed micro‑grids and battery storage, the city will reduce its carbon footprint significantly.

Metaverse and Digital Twins

Digital twins of Dubai’s infrastructure will allow planners to test changes before executing them in the real world, reducing costs and increasing accuracy.

AI Governance and Ethics

Dubai is working on transparent AI governance frameworks to ensure decisions align with societal values and protect user privacy.

Getting Involved: How You Can Be Part of the Movement

Whether you’re a developer, an investor, an academic, or a curious traveler, you can engage with Dubai’s tech ecosystem. Here are several ways to get involved:

1. Attend Hackathons and Meetups – Events such as “Dubai Hackathon 2025” bring together talent to solve challenges in health, mobility, and sustainability.
2. Apply for accelerators – Programs like the Dubai Future Accelerators or MoMo8 provide mentorship and funding.
3. Volunteer in Tech Education – Help teach coding to youth in community centers to build a local talent pipeline.
4. Invest in Early‑Stage Startups – Participate in syndicate deals or angel networks focused on UAE technology companies.
5. Explore Career Opportunities – Tech companies offering AI, cloud, IoT, and cybersecurity roles are hiring groups of talent. Dubai’s immigration program also makes relocating easier.

By putting your skills and resources into these channels, you are not just contributing a solution, you’re shaping a city that clicks to the rhythm of its own digital heartbeat.

Dubai’s technology pulse is relentless and inclusive. It invites you to explore, learn, and innovate. Dive deeper into Dubai’s mission with this guide to the city’s tech revolution, or continue reading through the subsequent articles to understand how each piece of the puzzle fits together. The future is here – it’s just waiting for your next step.