IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

Estonian capital’s 2026 budget and master plan aims to create a high-quality living environment with everyday services conveniently accessible to residents.

At a glance:

• Who: Tallinn City Planning Department; Tallinn City Council.
• What: Tallinn is prioritising the creation of a clear planning framework in its 2026 urban planning budget and the development of a high-quality living environment.
• Why: It wants everyday services to be conveniently accessible to residents and the development of urban space to supports a human-centred environment.
• Where: Activities focus on a number of areas across the city, including Pae tn 1 and Pikaliiva tn 69 and surrounding areas, as well as the Kakumäe coastal area.

The UAE continues to consolidate its advanced model for building smart cities, underpinned by wide-ranging strategic investments, most notably in data centres, which form the operational backbone of smart urban systems and the knowledge- and innovation-based digital economy.

With the rapid expansion in the use of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and digital government services, data has become the main driver of urban life, while data centres have evolved into the infrastructure through which smart cities are managed in real time.

Our cities are evolving at a pace never seen before. Right now, in 2026, technology is reshaping how we live, work, and move through urban spaces. The most forward-thinking cities on the planet aren’t just installing a few sensors or launching apps – they’re reimagining entire urban ecosystems from the ground up.

Think about it. We’re standing at a turning point where roughly two thirds of humanity will soon call cities home, according to UN projections showing urban residents reaching about 68% of the world’s population by 2050. That shift brings massive challenges, from traffic snarls to energy demands to keeping everyone safe. Smart cities are the answer, integrating AI, IoT, big data, and renewable energy to tackle these problems head-on.

Tokayev is committed to making Kazakhstan “fully digital within the next three years,” but what exactly does that mean, and are the government and people of Kazakhstan ready?

Artificial Intelligence is en vogue in Kazakhstan. This year, 2026, has been named the Year of Development of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in the Central Asian nation. Moreover, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev repeated what he had said in a recent interview with the newspaper Turkistan that he plans to turn Kazakhstan into a digital country within three years. The implications of these ambitions, while perhaps admirable, are vaguely stated; therefore, further analysis is required to evaluate the extent to which artificial intelligence and technological advances are critical to Astana’s policymaking, as well as the factors that either aid or obstruct these objectives.

Highlights

• Smart city technology uses IoT sensors and real-time data to improve urban efficiency, sustainability, and public services.
• Data governance and cybersecurity are essential to protect infrastructure and ensure ethical use of urban data.
• Balancing innovation with citizen privacy is critical for trustworthy and inclusive smart city development.

Across the world, cities are increasingly using smart technologies to manage rapid urban growth, limited resources, and rising citizen expectations. Smart cities rely on digital technologies, particularly sensors, data analysis, and connected systems, to improve efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life. From managing traffic and distributing energy to ensuring public safety and handling waste, smart city projects aim to create more responsive and resilient urban environments. However, these benefits come with important challenges related to data management, cybersecurity, and protecting citizens’ privacy.

Amid rapid urbanisation and mounting population pressures, Ha Noi is facing numerous challenges, including traffic congestion, flooding, environmental pollution, infrastructure overload, and issues related to public security and order. These problems not only affect quality of life but also hinder the sustainable development of the capital.

Accelerating smart city development with a focus on putting people at the centre has therefore become an urgent requirement for realising the goal of turning Ha Noi into a smart city by 2030, with a vision to 2045.

The MoU aims to establish a long term strategic partnership supporting the OPAZ’s efforts to adopt modern technologies

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) signed on January 12, 2026 a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the field of smart cities and digital innovation applications with the Ibn Firnas Drone Centre, as part of the OPAZ’s efforts to build a prosperous, technology driven economy.

The MoU was signed by Eng Ahmed bin Hassan al Dheeb, Deputy Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, with Mohammed bin Abdullah al Harthy, CEO of the Ibn Firnas Drone Centre.

With science and innovation as core growth drivers, Da Nang aims to rank among the world’s top 50 smart cities within three years.

Da Nang has set an ambitious goal to become one of the world’s top 50 smart cities within the next three years, with science and technology positioned as key growth engines expected to contribute 35–40% of the city’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP).

The gleaming concept of the "smart city" has become a universal urban anthem. From Singapore to Barcelona, city leaders tout visions of seamless traffic, predictive governance, and hyper-efficient energy grids, all powered by sensors and data.

The recent academic findings presented at the 2024 Conference on Renewable Energy Technologies and Modern Communications Systems, however, cast a necessary and sobering light on this global movement.

Deputy CM Vijay Sinha Meets Gujarat Minister Kannubhai Desai in Gandhinagar to Study Smart City Planning, Sustainable Infrastructure, and Digital Governance Strategies

Bihar is set to adopt the successful urban development model of Gujarat to accelerate modernization and infrastructure growth in its cities. Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and Minister of Mines and Urban Development, Vijay Kumar Sinha, visited Gandhinagar on Thursday to study Gujarat’s city planning strategies and governance framework. During his visit, he held detailed discussions with Gujarat’s Urban Development Minister, Kannubhai Mohanlal Desai, focusing on initiatives that have enabled Gujarat’s cities to grow rapidly and sustainably.

The federal government, in collaboration with the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, has reaffirmed its commitment to driving digital innovation to transform the civil service in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

This landmark digital transformation is reshaping how the civil service delivers public value inthe sector.

At the digital upskilling workshop held in Abuja yesterday, a deputy director at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Hamza, acknowledged a reality that many civil servants quietly accept.

Establishes Great Plains as a Global Model for Next-Generation Infrastructure, Industry, and Investment as a new Intelligent Innovation Hub

Smart City Labs (SCL), an emerging global leader in intelligent infrastructure and AI-enabled urban operating systems, and partner Resilience Studios (RS), a pioneer in the development of Cognitive City Twins, today announced the signing of an agreement to deploy its Cognitive City Twin and Digital Alpha Urban OS at Great Plains Industrial Park (GPIP) and Kansas Proving Grounds (KPG).

End-to-end (E2E) online delivery of government services reached 80 per cent as of last year, the Digital Ministry said in a statement today.

The ministry attributed the achievement to continuous monitoring by the National Digital Department (JDN), which ensures efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with established digitalisation standards across all government agencies.

It said the government aims to have 95 per cent of federal government services delivered online by 2030.

The government of Barbados says it will accelerate efforts aimed at digitizing more public sector services in 2026 within the framework of its digital transformation push.

Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology Minister, Senator Jonathan Reid, disclosed the information at the end of December, as he addressed the country’s digital transformation priorities, Barbados Today reports.

Zambian authorities have assured that citizens will begin receiving their national digital ID cards by the close of the current year.

The information was disclosed recently by Percy Chinyama, National Coordinator of the SMART Zambia Institute, the government agency overseeing the country’s digital transformation journey. A press release was issued during a working visit to the United States.

The concept of a "smart city" has evolved significantly over the past two decades. What began around 2005 as a tech-focused display of digital infrastructure, IoT, and urban data has matured into a multidimensional, systemic vision. This early approach, while innovative, sparked criticism for its technocratic view, treating cities as collections of technical problems rather than living, complex systems. It also threatened to become invasive regarding mass surveillance and data privacy. Many pilot projects failed to scale, lacking context and integration with legacy systems, and often excluded citizens from planning.

As a result, emphasis has now shifted from technology as the driver to technology as an enabler of more livable, resilient and just urban environments. This reimagined "smart" approach necessitates system-thinking, moving beyond isolated technological fixes to integrated strategies that harness real-time data for adaptive governance, enhanced climate resilience in urban planning, inclusive growth, and collaborative policymaking. It also demands human-centered innovation, ensuring that technology serves human needs by designing systems that are inclusive, ethical and responsive to the complex realities of urban life, rather than imposing top-down solutions.

The study identifies responsible AI as being most visible in conceptual and policy-oriented research, addressing issues such as algorithmic transparency, accountability, bias, and trust. These discussions emphasize the need for explainable decision-making, inclusive design, and ethical oversight. However, they are often disconnected from the technical architectures that drive real-world circular economy applications.

Cities are rapidly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into sustainability and efficiency strategies, betting on data-driven systems to modernize urban infrastructure. The pressure now is to ensure those systems strengthen trust and equity rather than trade accountability for performance as cities pursue circular economy goals.

HCMC is poised to establish itself as a global mega-city in the digital era with bold ambitions.

With more than 14 million residents and accounting for nearly 25 per cent of national GDP, Ho Chi Minh City remains Vietnam’s economic locomotive and a major center of commerce, finance, industry, education, healthcare, and international trade. But the stature of an “international metropolis” is defined not only by population size or economic weight but also by the quality of growth, connectivity, governance, innovation, and the overall living and working environment.

Proposed to be developed on the outskirts of Hyderabad, the ‘Future City’ will be a newly carved-out entity that is expected to focus on upcoming urban expansions and smart city initiatives in the Greater Hyderabad region.

With the creation of a new police Commissionerate in Hyderabad, the decks have been cleared for developing the proposed ‘Future City’, a brainchild of the Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.

There is no budgetary allocation under Smart City Mission for this financial year.

Maharashtra’s cities under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) are approaching the final stretch of implementation, with more than 94 per cent of sanctioned projects completed. However, projects worth over ₹1,555 crore remain unfinished, highlighting uneven progress across cities and sectors.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced that Islamabad will become Pakistan’s first Capital Smart City, with a comprehensive plan to transform the existing Safe City project into a modern, technology-driven model for urban management and public safety.

Speaking during his visit to the Safe City Headquarters alongside Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, Naqvi reviewed the city’s monitoring systems on the digital wall and inspected advanced security surveillance at the special Chinese desk in the control room. He emphasized that reforms and effective use of technology in Safe City are the need of the hour.

The Smart City project in Astana is becoming one of the key directions of the country’s digital transformation. It integrates the automation of municipal services, the development of transport infrastructure, increased energy efficiency, enhanced public safety, and environmental monitoring, El.kz reports.

Digitalization and security

The project includes the expansion of video surveillance systems using AI technologies. Authorities emphasize the importance of transparent and lawful use of data. The issue of personal data protection is actively discussed among residents, and the city administration notes that digital solutions will be implemented strictly within the legal framework.

Southeast Asia’s cities are approaching a defining decade. Rapid urbanisation continues across the region, and earlier projections from McKinsey Global Institute suggest that Southeast Asia’s urban areas could see around 90 million more residents by 2030. This growth drives economic opportunity but also heightens pressure on transport, energy, public safety, and municipal services. Even cities that have invested in digital tools struggle with rising complexity as climate risks and population demands increase.

The United Arab Emirates has established a pioneering, modern, and integrated transport ecosystem, supported by world-class infrastructure and an extensive network of roads, bridges, metro, and tram systems.

This has been further enhanced by the introduction of individual smart mobility solutions, including electric scooters and bicycles, which complement the country’s modern transport landscape and enable community members to reach their destinations in a fast and cost-effective manner.

A delegation comprising representatives of the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA), the Amman Chamber of Industry and associations specializing in communications, information technology and cybersecurity reviewed the Aqaba Special Economic Zone's experience and its strategic vision to transform into a fully integrated smart city through the adoption of digital solutions and modern technologies.

Deputy Chief Commissioner for Administrative Affairs at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Karimah Aldabet gave a briefing on the establishment of ASEZA and its future plans for digital transformation, noting the completion of the automation of about 161 services as part of a drive to build a digital authority that enhances performance efficiency and service quality.

Vietnam’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Law introduces one of the world’s first comprehensive AI regulatory frameworks, outlining risk-based classifications, compliance requirements, innovation incentives, and strategic opportunities for businesses investing in AI technologies.

Effective March 1, 2026, Vietnam’s newly-approved Law on Artificial Intelligence established a comprehensive legal framework governing the development, deployment, and management of AI.

A large-scale investment in artificial intelligence and robotics is set to accelerate the development of smart city technologies in Malaysia, reflecting broader regional efforts to integrate automation, digital infrastructure and human-centric services into urban environments.

It focuses on deploying robotics-as-a-service platforms and AI-driven systems to support smart living, city operations, seamless digital experiences and innovative urban services within a purpose-built urban development.

The central city earning top scores in three categories: smart governance, innovation and start-up attractiveness, and green environment.

Central Da Nang city was named Vietnam’s Smart City of 2025 at a ceremony held on December 23 by the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA), marking the sixth consecutive year the city has received the prestigious title.

Now available through the official website

King Hussein Business Park (KHBP) has announced the launch of an AI chatbot service, as part of its ongoing digital transformation and smart city strategy. Now available through the official website, the service was developed in partnership with SmartServe, following the signing of an agreement between the two parties.

The AI chatbot serves as an upgrade that complements the AI Interactive Voice Response (IVR) service launched earlier this year with SmartServe’s support. Together, these solutions reflect KHBP’s commitment to enhancing its communication channels and improving the overall service experience. This initiative enables businesses and investors to access information and services more efficiently, providing immediate, accurate, and smart responses around the clock, while supporting higher operational efficiency and quality.

As autonomous vehicles (AVs) pick up steam overseas with players like Waymo, Uber and Baidu deploying their fleets on public roads, Malaysians have already had the chance to ride aboard driverless electric buses being tested back home.

Some might even describe Malaysia as being ahead of the curve, due in part to local start-up eMooVit Technology – the autonomous driving company behind last year’s public AV bus trials in Putrajaya.

Egypt jumped 47 places in the World Bank’s Digital Government Maturity Index 2025, ranking 22nd globally after being classified among the top-performing countries in digital governance.

Egypt was placed in Category A—the highest tier of the index—with a maturity score of 0.911 out of 1, up from 0.751 and 69th place in the previous report issued in 2022.

The latest ranking reinforces Egypt’s position among global leaders in digital government.

Like many other modern innovations, it seems that Smart City is coming to Albania not to solve problems, but simply to make them more contemporary. The European world, of which we want to become a part, solves similar problems with work, while we want to manage them with terminology. This is also happening with Smart City, or in Albanian translation “smart city”, which the Prime Minister of the country is presenting as a vigilant city: always with eyes open, to monitor its citizens.

This is not the first time he has spoken about this. When a murder took place at the airport roundabout, he said that, if bureaucratic procedures had not hindered the installation of Smart City, the murderers would have been caught in record time. While yesterday, it seems that he had overcome bureaucratic obstacles, he came out and explained that the State Police was being equipped with a “magic eye”. He did not talk about laws, standards and institutional reforms, but about real-time surveillance cameras.

Egyptian experts are expected in Zimbabwe soon for preliminary works on the construction of a new smart city in Mt Hampden, The Sunday Mail has learnt.

Zimbabwe and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in July 2023 to collaborate on the planning, design, construction and management of the new smart city development in Mt Hampden, which is set to become the new capital.

Smart City Innovations Are Transforming How Urban Communities Live, Move, and Connect

Overview:

• Smart city projects in 2026 focus on leveraging technology to address real, everyday urban challenges.
• Sustainability, efficient transportation, and data-driven governance are at the heart of modern city planning.
• Citizen-centric design is shaping smarter, safer, and more livable urban environments worldwide.

The goal of developing a smart city is to address the daily challenges people face in urban areas, eventually growing in size and technology. As these populations grow, governments are taking proactive steps to improve day-to-day life. ‘Smart City’ projects are being implemented at a rapid pace, driven by innovative ideas.

Philadelphia ranked in the top 10 of the smartest cities in the nation, for its smart tech and sustainability efforts.

A new study ranking the smartest cities in the United States has Philadelphia ranked at number 10, according to Andreea Neculae for CoworkingCafe.

The rankings were heavily determined by how each city is doing in terms of technology-driven urban development. It uses 13 key metrics, which are then categorized in three weighted groups: Smart Infrastructure and Connectivity, Sustainability and Green Initiatives, and Tech Job Market.

Summary:

• JB achieved "leading smart city" status with its integrated operations control centre to monitor traffic, detect potholes, and bust crime via CCTV cameras placed around the city.
• Residents can access data on traffic, parking, floods and public toilet cleanliness through mobile apps, but awareness and usage remain low.
• Analysts say technology alone can't solve JB's congestion, pollution, and infrastructure issues, highlighting the need for better enforcement.

In a former multipurpose hall atop the Johor Bahru City Council building, a 12m screen displays live feeds from 555 CCTV cameras monitoring every corner of Malaysia’s southern capital.

The National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) has announced Zamfara state as the top performing in e-government in Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

The state has also emerged as the first Runner-Up in ICT Human Capital Development at the 13th National Council on Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy in Jos, Plateau State.

• USD 8.43 billion committed investments in data centres
• Expected GDV of USD 6.6 billion over a 20-year horizon

JLand Group (JLG), the real estate and infrastructure arm of Johor Corporation (JCorp) unveiled Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC) – a 7,290-acre integrated development township in Sedenak that is envisioned to become Asia’s sandbox for innovation – a live environment where industry, government and innovators can, over time, pilot new solutions in real operating conditions, then refine and scale them across the region.

Drone technology and the ongoing research is contributing significantly to national security, agricultural modernisation, and smart city development, said Dr. K. Krishna Naik, Department of ECE, Indian Institute Of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM) Kurnool, while delivering a lecture at national-level workshop on ‘Drone technology’ here on Monday (December 15, 2025).

Addressing the students, Dr. Naik said that crop health analysis, water resource mapping, traffic monitoring, and border surveillance can be carried out at lower cost and in less time using drones. He emphasised that the students acquiring skills in drone hardware design, embedded systems, and communication protocols would find excellent opportunities in the industry.

Limpopo village is set to receive a smart village micro-grid that will provide solar-powered electricity to rural communities through smart grids.

The project will be launched on Friday by electricity and energy minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa at Madimbo Primary School near Musina. It aims to provide sustainable, reliable and affordable energy to areas where connecting to the national grid is difficult or costly, says Eskom.

The UAE capital leverages AI, sustainability, and global partnerships to transform urban mobility and infrastructure

Abu Dhabi is rapidly establishing itself as a global leader in technology-driven urban development. Through platforms like LivAI and strategic initiatives spanning electric vehicles, autonomous transport, and smart infrastructure, the emirate has achieved a 70 percent reduction in building permit processing times while rising to fifth globally in the IMD Smart City Index.

As 2026 approaches, American cities are undergoing unprecedented digital transformations that promise to reshape urban living.

With major global events on the horizon—including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and billions in infrastructure investments—municipalities across the nation are racing to deploy cutting-edge smart city technologies.

China’s technology company Huawei plans to open a regional branch in Uzbekistan’s Namangan region and launch a number of digital initiatives, including smart city projects and an artificial intelligence laboratory, Trend reports via the Namangan Regional Administration.

The plans were outlined during a meeting between Shavkatjon Abdurazzoqov, Governor of Namangan Region, and a Huawei delegation led by Dilimulati Maimati, the company’s manager for China’s eastern region.

The P7.5 million Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-funded Internet of Things Research and Innovation for Smart Cities (IoTRILS) laboratory has been inaugurated at Bulacan State University (BulSU).

The laboratory is located on the 4th floor of the College of Industrial Technology building in BulSU’s main campus and is eyed to boost innovation and contribute to Malolos’ bid to become a Smart City.

The Government of India (GoI) on Thursday reported substantial progress under the Smart Cities Mission in Jammu and Srinagar, confirming that a total of 279 projects have been completed across the two cities, while nine more projects worth Rs 239 crore remain under execution.

According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Jammu currently has four projects underway with a cumulative cost of Rs 128 crore, whereas Srinagar is working on five ongoing projects estimated at Rs 111 crore.

Busan has been named one of the world’s leading smart cities, placing 8th globally, 2nd in Asia, and 1st in Korea in the latest Smart Centres Index (SCI) released by the UK-based Z/Yen Group.

The index evaluated 77 major cities using global data from OECD, the World Bank, and expert surveys.

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Industry and Construction, the state fund Alatau City Authority, and Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation (KIND) have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop the Alatau Smart City project, Trend reports via the Kazakh government.

The document was finalized following a meeting in Astana between Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev and KIND President and CEO Bokhwan Kim.

Vietnam must evolve from traditional management to real-time governance. Smart operation centers are the cornerstone of that transformation.

The explosion of data, the increasing pressure of modern urban management, and the rising expectations of citizens are forcing local governments to shift from traditional management to real-time, data-driven operations.

Digital ID systems deployed in public transit, air travel and banking

Vietnam is rapidly integrating biometrics and digital identity into everyday life, rolling out identity‑based systems across public transport, air travel and banking as part of an ambitious national digital transformation drive. New deployments in Hanoi’s metro, airports nationwide and the financial sector show how VNeID and biometric verification increasingly constitute Vietnam’s infrastructure.

India’s transition to paperless governance is no longer merely a goal—it is evolving into the foundation of citizen-state interactions. From verifying identities to delivering welfare, the move towards digital systems is revolutionizing public services, making them quicker, cleaner, and significantly more transparent.

The implementation of online platforms, electronic documents, and unified databases has drastically decreased the reliance on physical paperwork. Tasks that previously required numerous trips to government offices—such as updating certificates, applying for licenses, or retrieving land records—are now being streamlined through single-window digital solutions. This shift has minimized delays, reduced the involvement of intermediaries, and enhanced the user-friendliness of processes.

The extended agreement further ensures that government entities continue to benefit from secure, scalable, and innovative cloud services, with an enhanced focus on future-proofing public service delivery through generative AI and advanced data solutions.

Google Cloud and the State of Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) announced the formal renewal of their strategic Master Framework Agreement (MFA). Google Cloud and MCIT conducted the signing at MWC Doha, formalizing the reinforced, long-term alliance that provides the secure cloud and advanced AI foundation needed to accelerate the government sector’s digital transformation and realize the ambitious goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Digital transformation is advancing rapidly across the Sultanate of Oman, building an integrated digital ecosystem that enhances government efficiency, elevates service quality for citizens and residents and supports the nation’s vision for an innovative, interconnected and sustainable future.

Among all governorates, Muscat stands out as a model of excellence, achieving major milestones and pioneering projects that reflect strong investment in modern technologies and artificial intelligence.

Da Nang received top marks in three categories: smart governance, innovative start-up attractiveness and green environment – areas that judges said reflected the city’s broad push to centre services around residents while expanding the use of digital tools in urban management.

Da Nang has been named Vietnam’s Smart City of 2025, securing the top and only national title granted this year by the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA).

Dubrovnik has once again been crowned Croatia’s Best Smart City, securing the prestigious title at the “Days of Regional Development and EU Funds 2025” conference held in Šibenik. The award was presented to Mayor Mato Franković during a ceremony organised by the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, the Croatian County Association, and Jutarnji list. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković was among the officials in attendance.

This latest success cements Dubrovnik’s position as one of the most awarded and forward-thinking cities in the country. With five national awards and 16 finalist placements to date, Dubrovnik consistently ranks among Croatia’s top performers. It is also listed among the five best cities in the Economy and Quality of Life categories, and in the past eight years has twice been named the best large city to live in.

A crucial meeting of the Board of Directors (BoD) of the Aurangabad Smart City Development Corporation Limited (ASCDCL) was held at the Smart City Office recently. Several key proposals aimed at accelerating the city’s development and strengthening the corporation’s financial position were approved.

The meeting was attended by BoD including chairperson Vinita Singhal; directors police commissioner Pravin Pawar, municipal commissioner and Smart City CEO G Sreekanth; district collector Deelip Swami; independent directors Bhaskar Munde and Ulhas Gawli; Smart City deputy CEO Ravindra Jogdand; chief financial officer Uttam Chavan; and other officials.

The expansion of 5G coverage in Brazil is happening faster than predicted. The National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), linked to the Ministry of Communications, reports that 2019 municipalities are already covered by fifth-generation mobile communications, representing 64.94 per cent of Brazil's population. This result significantly exceeds the coverage level planned for 2027, demonstrating significant progress in the development of the 5G network.

Minister of Communications Frederico de Siqueira noted that the advancement of 5G in Brazil is the result of a targeted government policy aimed at the country's development. "Our goal is to provide quality connectivity to all regions, reduce inequality and promote opportunities through digital transformation," he stated.

The UAE accelerates its shift to smart, sustainable delivery through advanced autonomous systems

The UAE’s ambitions in autonomous mobility and future-ready logistics are materialising faster than most global markets, driven by strong regulatory frameworks, national digital strategies and a consistent push toward sustainable infrastructure. As the country accelerates toward a fully connected mobility ecosystem, autonomous delivery is becoming a central component of its next-generation logistics model. Two major players advancing this shift, talabat and noon Minutes, are now piloting and scaling solutions designed to integrate seamlessly with the UAE’s smart city vision.

In a major push toward digital inclusion, Mira-Bhayandar is set to become a ‘Free Wi-Fi City’ early next year. The announcement was made during a review meeting held at the MBMC headquarters, attended by Minister Pratap Sarnaik, MBMC Commissioner Radhabinod Sharma, and senior civic officials.

Minister Sarnaik said the initiative aligns with the state’s vision of promoting technology-driven development.

We live in an era of constant change, an era where accelerated urbanization and digital transformation are redefining urban life worldwide, an era in which more than 56% of the global population lives in cities, and it is estimated that by 2050 this figure will exceed 70%.

This scenario demands facing complex urban challenges, such as sustainability, public service efficiency, mobility, and social inclusion.

₹24.47-crore building to streamline municipal governance with integrated facilities and green features

In a major boost to Dharamsala’s civic infrastructure, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday inaugurated Samridhi Bhawan, the newly built office complex of Dharamsala Smart City Limited. Located near Charan Khad, the expansive facility has been developed by the Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority at a cost of Rs 24.47 crore. Spread across 2,511 sq metres, the structure aims to bring key municipal and Smart City functions under one roof to improve coordination and public services.

To further strengthen security and streamline traffic management in Patna, 650 new CCTV cameras will be installed across the city.

Patna Smart City Limited has already identified 197 locations where these cameras will be placed, particularly in areas that currently have no surveillance coverage.

A University of Waikato Tauranga graduate has received international recognition for research exploring how communities can co-design smart city technology.

Developed in partnership with Tauranga City Council and the community, the study has been published as an Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) long paper and would be presented at the OzCHI 2025 conference in Sydney on December 3, one of Australasia’s leading forums on human–computer interaction and design.

Intentional planning, low-risk pilots and getting the community involved are the first steps, a data scientist writes.

Artificial intelligence is arriving fast in public life, and cities like Philadelphia are at a crossroads: Deploy these tools to automate the status quo or to reimagine how the government listens, responds and serves.

When done well, AI can make services more accessible, consistent and responsive. When done poorly, it widens the gaps and obscures accountability. The challenge isn’t just technical — it’s civic. Now is the time to face it.

The Spanish company CLERHP inaugurated the first phase of the Larimar City & Resort real estate and tourism complex, the first “Smart City” in the Dominican Republic.

More than 300 guests, including Government officials, representatives from the business and social sectors, company investors, and strategic partners, gathered for the inauguration ceremony marking the institutional launch of the most innovative urban developments in Latin America.

India’s Smart Cities Mission is entering the final stretch with 93% of 8,000+ projects completed across 100 cities and ₹1.5 lakh crore deployed. A state-wise performance ranking places Tamil Nadu at the top with 12 smart cities, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra with 10 each, driven by high fund utilisation and mobility-tech upgrades. India's Smart Cities Mission (SCM), launched in 2015, nears its March 2025 completion with 93% of 8,000+ projects done across 100 cities, utilizing ₹1.5 lakh crore. Boosting urban GDP to 63% (despite 31% population). Read along to know more about the complete state-wise ranking followed by top achievers analysis.

The centre was built with a total investment of 10 million USD, including 9 million USD funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and 1 million USD in counterpart capital allocated for the 2021–2025 period.

A smart city operation centre, part of the smart city development project in Quang Nam, was inaugurated in Tam Ky ward of Da Nang city on November 27.

Carlisle is no longer just a historic Cumbrian city with Roman roots and charming period homes—it is steadily emerging as a forward-thinking “smart city” that blends heritage with innovation. As local authorities push for improved digital connectivity, greener transport, and data-driven urban planning, homeowners, landlords, and long-term investors are beginning to recognise how these upgrades could shape the area’s property market.

Below, we explore how Carlisle’s smart city ambitions are transforming real estate trends, the opportunities this creates for investors, and why working closely with experienced Estate Agents in Carlisle is more essential than ever.

. . . showcases cutting-edge environmental technologies and expanding cooperation in sustainable urban development

In a clear reflection of the strong and evolving partnership between Kuwait and the Republic of Korea, the South Korean Embassy — working alongside Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment — organized the 8th Korean Smart Cities Forum on Wednesday at the Mövenpick Hotel Al Bida’a.

The momentum behind smart city initiatives is undeniable. This year's Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona doubled in size and mirrored trends at major shows like CES, which now dedicates entire areas to smart city innovation. Beyond the growing exhibition floors and enthusiastic crowds, something more significant is happening: cities worldwide are quietly getting smarter, deploying real solutions to address mounting urban pressures and climate challenges.

At the heart of many of these success stories? LoRaWAN connectivity and the global ecosystem of LoRa Alliance members making it possible.

Can you imagine living in a city without incidents, without pollution, with efficient public transport, where we could manage all the services we need to live well through simple platforms? That and much more is what Digital Cities or Smart Cities are all about.

The origins

The concept of the Smart City began to emerge at the end of the last century. Since then, it has evolved considerably. Initially, it only covered issues related to universal access to the internet and telecommunications. Gradually, it was adapted to the business and academic spheres and used to improve the efficiency of transport, water, energy, etc.

AI infrastructure is being repurposed to provide real-time ecological data – and changing the structure of urban environmental management.

Hangzhou has become one of China’s most active test sites for integrating artificial intelligence into public administration. The city, home to West Lake and the tech giant Alibaba, now ranks among China’s top innovation hubs and attracts significant AI investment and talent. In the nearby Xixi Wetlands, conference halls sit beside canals and protected reed beds. When Alibaba built its global headquarter there, the company promoted the site as proof that rapid technological growth could coexist with ecological harmony.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to implement reforms aimed at providing faster and more efficient service through digital transformation, setting up an action center and revamping its workforce.

The FDA, in a statement, announced the implementation of efforts aimed at "easing the burden of applicants, strengthening service delivery, and ultimately improving consumer access."

Plans to make Pasig and Caloocan into “smart and sustainable” cities were turned over by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to their respective local governments on Monday.

The plans were created by technical working groups in collaboration with the Pasig and Caloocan governments to focus on science, technology and innovation (STI), DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said in his keynote address at the 2025 celebration of National Capital Region (NCR) Science, Technology and Innovation Week in Quezon City.

Digital transformation has become a cornerstone of modern economic growth, driving efficiency, productivity, and innovation across sectors. The integration of digital tools, automation, and AI has optimised operations in manufacturing, services, and public administration while enabling new business models, startups, fintech solutions, e-commerce platforms, and digital services.

Digital payment system has facilitated seamless financial transactions for millions of small businesses, significantly boosting economic activity. Similarly, countries like South Korea and Singapore have leveraged AI and robust digital infrastructure to enhance global competitiveness, while China’s digital governance platforms demonstrate how technology can improve transparency, accountability, and public service delivery on a massive scale.

China has established 2027 and 2035 as crucial milestones to reshape its urban landscapes into more efficient, livable and economically vibrant hubs.

The recently released action plan to deepen smart city development and advance citywide digital transformation is a detailed roadmap for harnessing data to revolutionize urban management, services and economic growth.