SAS, a leader in analytics, and Middlesex University Dubai, renowned for innovation and excellence, successfully organized the ‘SAS Forecasting Masterclass & Hackathon.’ This three-day event took place at the Middlesex University campus in Dubai Knowledge Park on May 12, 18, and 19. It offered attendees a unique chance to explore the intersection of art and science in predictive analytics.
The ‘Forecasting Masterclass & Hackathon’ focused on large-scale forecasting. It guided professionals in analytics, data science, demand planning, and postgraduate students. They learned about the ‘What,’ ‘Why,’ ‘How,’ and ‘What’s Next’ of generating actionable insights in various fields. From banking and oil & gas to retail and healthcare, participants explored real-world applications, each with its own challenges and opportunities.
Industry experts and SAS D[n]A Factory experts led engaging sessions. They also shared insights into successful forecasting deployments and provided guidance on time series and machine learning forecasting techniques. Additionally, these talks highlighted the strategic advantages of predictive analytics. Emirates Health Services (EHS) shared their remarkable achievements with SAS forecasting during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Dr Krishnadas Nanath, Deputy Head (CEI) & Founder of Insights Lab, said, “It was an incredible platform for analytics enthusiasts to experience a blend of theoretical insights and practical industry applications. Esteemed experts like Prof. Ajit Karnik elucidated theoretical foundations, while SAS offered an in-depth exploration of real-world industry applications. At the Middlesex Dubai Insights Lab, our mission is to enhance the skills of our students and the entire analytics community in the region. We are excited about collaborating with SAS to further strengthen this community.”
The event concluded with a forecasting hackathon. Attendees practised their new skills in a competitive environment, tackling real datasets and scenarios using SAS Viya, a high-performance AI and analytics platform.
Badshah Mukherjee, SAS D[n]A Factory Technology Head of the Middle East, said, “The rise of new forecasting technologies demands new skills. SAS helps people skill up to take advantage of the incredible capabilities of SAS Visual Forecasting Software. Together with Middlesex University Dubai, we created an experience that showcased how Viya can solve real-world business challenges.” Participants also connected with experts, industry peers, and leading professionals. They received a Digital Badge, strengthening their professional profiles within the data science community.
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