How data centers and urban planning are powering the UAE’s smart city leadership
Data centers now serve as the brains that manage smart cities, processing vast volumes of data instantaneously
The UAE continues to strengthen its advanced approach to smart city development, supported by broad strategic investments, particularly in data centers, which form the operational backbone of smart urban systems and the knowledge- and innovation-based digital economy.
PH: Mindanao: `Smarter cities’ to rise in Soccsksargen region
“Smart local government units (LGUs)” will soon rise in Region 12 or Soccsksargen following the rollout of the SMART Automated Response and Tracking for Emergency Reporting (SMARTER) project, a joint initiative of the Department of Science and Technology-12 (DOST-12) and the University of the Philippines (UP).
Soccsksargen is the first region in Mindanao where the project is being rolled out.
DOST-12 and UP signed the memorandum of agreement for the SMARTER Soccsksargen project here on Monday.
South Africa’s R84-billion smart city looks nothing like the promised “New York of Africa”
Chinese developer Zendai Developments had high hopes of building a new R84-billion city in Modderfontein on the East Rand of Gauteng, touting it as the “New York of Africa”.
However, the plan, which dates back to 2014, failed due to funding issues and disagreements with the City of Johannesburg over affordable housing.
The land was sold to South African developer M&T Development in 2017, and the plan for the land shifted from a futuristic smart city to a more traditional suburb.
ZA: Western Cape: Stellenbosch smart city taking shape
A planned smart city in Stellenbosch is already taking shape, with a major industrial customer opening a new warehouse and offices at the project, while bulk infrastructure work is underway.
Plans for The Bridge at Stellenbosch were first announced in late 2024. It is backed by the Stellenbosch Municipality and the Western Cape’s tourism trade and investment promotion agency, Wesgro.
US: Florida: West Palm Beach joins national $3M AI initiative to enhance city services
West Palm Beach was chosen as one of 10 U.S. cities to participate in a three-year, $3 million program aimed at helping local governments develop guidelines and practical uses for generative artificial intelligence.
The initiative, led by Harvard Kennedy School’s DataSmart City Solutions and funded by the Knight Foundation, will focus on how cities can use AI to improve public services while also addressing ethical concerns and potential risks. The program will provide participating cities with technical support, research, and opportunities to collaborate with one another.