Public plays a role in Dubai’s development into smart city

The involvement of residents in Dubai’s transformation into a smart city was the highlight at the first Dubai Smart Cities Forum, which took place today at the World Trade Centre.

Decision-makers, experts and specialists gathered at the forum to discuss the different approaches that need to be factored into future urban planning for the development of smart city projects.

“Smart city projects, in general, revolve around people more than anything. We measure the smartness of a city by what it offers to residents and visitors in terms of improving their efficiency and productivity or enriching their quality of life,” said Ahmad Bin Byat, CEO of Dubai Holding and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Mohammad Bin Rashid School of Government.

Referring to the Dubai Smart City initiative, which was launched in February, speakers addressed challenges related to facilitating collaboration among government authorities, service and communication providers to achieve the goal of Dubai becoming a smart city by 2021.

“Our goal is not just to make Dubai a smart city but to make it the smartest city,” said Bin Byat.