IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

Smart cities built on digital technologies are having a profound effect on the real estate world and buildings as we know them are changing. And there is good reason to: according to the UN, by 2030 two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities, and Dubai has the opportunity to lead the way through state-of-the-art smart city initiatives. So, what has changed already and what further changes can we expect to see?

I envision a world where homes and workplaces will become tailored to the way we now live and our digitally-empowered daily routines. In Dubai, the smart cities initiative has already seen city infrastructure begin to transform, using digital solutions and tools to address civic issues like public services, parking, street lighting, utilities and resource management via smart meters and we are now even seeing plans for autonomous vehicles for mass public transport. But in real estate, residential housing and commercial offices, developers are going to see growing demand for smart homes and offices - for developers this is an opportunity to add value through smart solutions and services.

The city is already 57% of the way toward its goal of going paperless, with plans to issue its final paper transaction in 2021.

Dubai is more than halfway toward its goal of going completely paperless and cashless by December 2021, and is looking to emerging technologies like blockchain to help it reach its goal.

The UAE has set impressive milestones that stand as inspiration to other countries

Celebrating 46 years of unification initiated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE continues to march towards excellence. From improving infrastructure to introducing stringent laws for animal welfare, the UAE is truly a nation that sets inspiring goals.

The council, which was hosted by businessman Ahmed Al Sha’far at his house in Dubai, stressed that the United Arab Emirates, with a wise initiative from its leadership, is forging ahead strongly to achieve this efficient and rapid transition to this type of modern government.

The portal developed by Sharjah's Department of Information and e-government, in cooperation with various government entities, provides comprehensive information on the emirate. It also provides a unified window though which transactions with different government departments could be made.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and Microsoft have announced a new collaboration with Microsoft-UAE during GITEX 2021 Technology Week, around the SMART City framework, to facilitate several key initiatives in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) enables DMT and Microsoft to work together to realise the Department's ambition to make Abu Dhabi one of the world smartest cities by leveraging Microsoft’s local data centres, which offer enterprise-class performance, agility, security and privacy measures. Microsoft is bringing its extensive global knowledge and experience with its wide selection of innovative solutions to continue its overall contribution to the UAE’s digitisation journey.

The Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi announced on Sunday that Kuwaiti Emir Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah received Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of DoT, to honour the department for its smart application ‘Darb’, which was ranked among the five top smart applications in the Arab World at the 14th Annual Shaikh Salem Al Ali Al Sabah Informatics Award.

From April 1, 2015, commercial customers will be able to avail some of Dewa’s key services through its website or smart app only. These services are move-in, final bill request, updating customer information, and customer enquiries.

Abu Dhabi Digital Authority will host a one-day event featuring industry experts discussing the role of governments in shaping the future of data

The role of governments worldwide in shaping the future of data will be the key discussion point when the third virtual session of the ‘Digital Next Leadership Series’ is held with global industry experts and leaders getting together on Wednesday, 8th September.

Smart Dubai is at the forefront of bringing digitisation

Dubai has taken the challenge to build a smart city head on and it is laying the foundation of happiness for future generations. This is evident from the projects and initiatives Smart Dubai is currently working on.

Speaking at the Gitex Technology Week on Monday, Dr Aisha bint Butti bin Bishr, director-general of Smart Dubai Office, said the government would go all out to ensure the happiness of residents.

Applicants of new driving licence and renewal of old ones need not visit the Traffic Department of the Fujairah Police anymore to collect the licences. They will get them at their respective places of work.

A slew of measures and strategic projects have been instrumental in attracting enterprises to Dubai, going back as far as 1999 when Dubai Internet City was established.

There is no denying that actions of the government have made Dubai a success as it ranks high on a number of factors, including ease of doing business, access to talent, ability to attract talent from abroad to relocate to the Emirate, access to capital, competitive tax incentives, and quality of life. All of this, coupled with Dubai's attractive geographic location and proximity to many of the world's top cities, makes it a perfect hotspot for companies to set up shop and pursue their global ambitions.

Powered by du, Dubai Pulse platform is a key facilitator in Dubai's shift towards smart technologies

du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), won the Smart Cities Award at the Telecoms World Middle East 2018 for its role in developing Dubai Pulse-a platform owned by Smart Dubai office. As a strategic partner of Smart Dubai, du established Dubai Pulse platform in 2017- the digital backbone of the city that offers the means of sharing data in order to be utilized by decision makers encouraging innovation. Jihad Tayara, Vice President ICT Commercial - Business Development in du, received the award on behalf of the company.

The Dubai Courts Department on Wednesday launched a special counter to provide litigants and other customers with swift and easier access to its electronic services.

The counter, located in Naif Hall — the DCD’s central hall, provides customers and litigants, including lawyers and legal representatives, with advanced and effective access to most of the department’s e-services, according to Dr Ahmad Bin Hazim Al Suwaidi, the DCD’s director-general. The e-services are available on www.dc.gov.ae.

The redesigned website (www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae) enables users to easily access all Dubai Customs e-services and update themselves on the department’s latest news and activities.

According to a senior official, the move serves decision-makers, economic experts and the media by providing detailed statistics on Dubai international trade and other important figures.

Ahmad bin Humaidan, Director-General of Dubai eGovernment, announced the department's commitment to the instructions of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council.

Don't be surprised if all government service centres are closed on Thursday, October 26. This day has been set as 'A Day Without Service Centres' by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

But, government services are still in full swing, albeit only online. This means that more than 950 government services from 33 public entities and a number of private sector entities, in more than 100 governmental service centres, will be delivered on October 26 through smart channels only (see box for participating entities).

Revenues from online payments across the government entities in Dubai jumped 21 per cent generating Dh2 billion in the first half of 2012 compared to Dh1.7 billion in the same period in 2011, Dubai eGovernment announced yesterday.

The increase in the number of transactions from 1,396,973 in the first nine months of 2011 to 1,641,556 in the same period in 2012 reflects a shift in payment trends among Dubai residents, Ahmad Bin Humaidan, Director-General of Dubai eGovernment said.

Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum on Saturday issued the Dubai Data Law which will allow the private sector to share government data.

"Dubai Data Law will create opportunities for collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship between government and non-government entities," tweeted Sheikh Mohammed.

The law intends to progress Dubai's plans to become a "smart city," said Sheikh Mohammed who is also the vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Xinhua news agency reported.

The Indian “InterTales” website confirmed that Dubai’s proactive adoption of artificial intelligence sets an example for other cities around the world, by launching technological advancement initiatives and the digital ecosystem.

The website said in a report: «Dubai is at the forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution, as emerging companies and existing institutions alike benefit from the capabilities of artificial intelligence, and promote innovation and growth in various industries, as it works to change the smart city landscape in Dubai, shaping the entertainment industry, and enhancing the overall urban experience, through personalized content, AI-driven creativity and improved infrastructure.”