Africa: Digital transformation is not about tech but about people, purpose and precision
'We are not waiting for transformation to happen. We are building it.'
In the African context, digital transformation is often misunderstood as just a matter of adopting new tools or platforms.
But in my experience, it is far more than that. At its core, digital transformation is about using technology to simplify and speed up how we meet the needs of our customers — not just reactively, but proactively, precisely, and with purpose.
Saudi Arabia and UAE with their Futuristic Cities like NEOM and Masdar City will Mutate the Tourism Facilities and Create a New Topography Storming the Travel Phenomenon
Over the last decade, the Middle East has positioned itself as a global leader in innovative, sustainable urban development. With groundbreaking projects like Neom in Saudi Arabia and Masdar City in the UAE, the region is not just shaping the future of urban living but is also poised to redefine tourism and leisure travel on a global scale. These cities, which incorporate cutting-edge technology, sustainable living practices, and futuristic designs, are rapidly attracting the attention of travelers, investors, and businesses from around the world. The impact of these futuristic cities goes beyond architecture and infrastructure; they represent a broader vision for how urban spaces can serve as models of sustainability, technological advancement, and community-building. This vision of the future is creating new avenues for tourism, as travelers flock to see these awe-inspiring spaces and experience a new form of urban living. The Middle East’s ambitious urban plans are set to attract millions of tourists seeking not only leisure but also education, innovation, and inspiration. For the tourism industry, these cities are introducing new types of destinations that blend business, leisure, and culture in entirely novel ways.
IN: Odisha: Integrated command, control centre to beef up security watch in Bhubaneswar
The integration of display boards installed across various city locations with the Command and Control Centre (CCC) will help authorities effectively disseminate public messages and raise awareness on key issues.
As Odisha remains alert over India’s ongoing tension with Pakistan, the Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) has integrated its command and control centre (CCC) with police surveillance to make the capital’s security watch smarter and more effective.
IN: Delhi Buses Go Digital With Smart Card Ticketing
The Delhi Transport Corporation is set to launch a contactless smart card-based ticketing system for its vast city bus network.
The initiative, which is expected to go live within a month, is part of a larger agenda to eliminate paper-based passes and usher in a more efficient, eco-conscious fare collection system in India’s capital city. This development is being implemented under the guidance of the Delhi government, with the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) entrusted to oversee the rollout. DIMTS will also distribute the contactless cards to commuters for a nominal fee of ₹50. The original manufacturing and setup cost of each card is ₹71, but a significant portion of that will be subsidised to encourage widespread adoption. Once issued, the cards can be topped up or recharged easily, and pass renewals will cost ₹14.
AE: Abu Dhabi companies announce deals with Japan on sustainability and smart cities
Agreements were signed at Abu Dhabi Japan Economic Council event in Tokyo
Abu Dhabi entities announced the signing of deals on Friday that are expected to see private companies from Japan and the UAE develop smart solutions for areas including sustainability and digital integration for smart cities.
The focus of the Abu Dhabi-Japan Economic Council, where the deals were signed, placed great attention on non-oil industries and trade.