SAS, the leader in analytics, and Middlesex University Dubai have successfully organized the ‘SAS Forecasting Masterclass & Hackathon’. Middlesex University Dubai, an international branch campus of Middlesex University in London, is known for innovation and excellence in teaching and research. This three-day event, held at Middlesex University in Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) on May 12, 18, and 19, offered attendees a unique opportunity to explore the art and science of predictive analytics.
The SAS Forecasting Masterclass & Hackathon provided an in-depth look into large-scale forecasting. Participants learned about the ‘What,’ ‘Why,’ ‘How,’ and ‘What’s Next’ of generating actionable insights in various fields, including banking, oil and gas, government, retail, and healthcare.
Industry experts and SAS D Factory specialists led engaging sessions. These sessions covered successful SAS Forecasting deployments and offered guidance on time series and machine learning forecasting techniques. Additionally, the talks emphasized the strategic advantages of predictive analytics. A notable session featured Emirates Health Services (EHS), showcasing their achievements with SAS during the COVID pandemic and beyond.
Dr. Krishnadas Nanath, Deputy Head (CEI) & Founder of Insights Lab, stated, “It was an incredible platform for analytics enthusiasts. Esteemed experts like Prof. Ajit Karnik provided theoretical insights, while Badshah and his SAS team explored real-world applications. Subsequently, at the Middlesex Dubai Insights Lab, our mission is to enhance the skills of our students and the entire analytics community in the region. By organizing dynamic hackathons and workshops, we aim to stay ahead of market trends.”
The workshop also concluded with a forecasting hackathon, allowing attendees to practice their new skills with real datasets. Additionally, Viya, the high-performance AI and analytics platform, was an essential tool for participants. Badshah Mukherjee, DA Factory Technology Head, SAS Middle East, said, “The rise of advanced forecasting technologies demands new skills. It aims to help people skill up to leverage the capabilities of our Visual Forecasting Software.”