World Tech News: UAE Leads Innovation in World’s “Smart Cities” Market
The global urban population is increasing, but cities are experiencing challenges trying to cope with an expanding population. Technology has been transforming and developing our world for centuries, and now, as urbanization grows, it is being used to build smarter cities and better handle the increasing demand.
Approximately 4 billion people live in urban areas worldwide today, increasing six times since the 1950s – nearly half of all humans. More than 2.5 billion people are expected to live in cities in the next 30 years. Urban planning and public services are under immense strain in the face of the constant migration of rural people to cities.
Urban areas are eliminating the problem by taking advantage of the benefits of data-driven, technology-based solutions. The United Arab Emirates is exemplary in this regard.
The UAE is the world’s leader in innovation in smart cities, with Dubai leading the way. The emirate aims to become a top global destination for investors and entrepreneurs, focusing on tech innovations.
In fact, the UAE is one of only a handful of nations that has a comprehensive roadmap for integrating technology into their development goals. UAE has consolidated its position as one of the most serious and robust jurisdictions for global technological advances and innovation since the launch of its Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the creation of its Ministry for Artificial Intelligence.
According to industry experts at GITEX Technology Week in 2020, the UAE sets the world standard for innovation in Smart Cities, a market that is expected to reach $546 billion by 2027.
Globally, Smart Cities will reach $546 billion by 2027 at a 23% CAGR, according to meticulous research. Due to the government’s Digital Transformation and Smart Dubai initiatives, Abu Dhabi and Dubai rank in the top 50 most smart cities globally. Expo 2020 Dubai is regarded as one of the most connected events globally.
However, they are not the only area of the Emirates making a great effort to become a smart city – such is reflective of the ambition around the UAE. The end of 2021 will see Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) achieve 100% digital and 90% smart government services. According to Ahmad Saeed Al Sayah, the Director-General of the RAK eGovernment, 755 services went digital in 2020.
The leader of RAK has continued with his relentless but impressive pursuit to ensure RAK will soon become on the same standing as the most prominent cities in the middle eastern nation.
His continuous support of innovation, technology, and the use of services that enhance the quality of life for people in RAK has alerted the Emirates and some other parts of the world to the prospect that RAK will soon be considered one of the leading cities in the UAE.
According to Al Syaah, 108 smart services were digitized in collaboration with 11 government entities and made available as smart applications (mRAK).
As part of the RAK government’s digitization drive, he explained, the public prosecution, courts, municipalities, customs, economic development, police, environmental protection, and the Sheikh’s Government Excellence program were all involved.
Technology in smart cities promotes the well-being of citizens and empowers economic growth. Smartworld technologies are guiding private and government organizations to establish infrastructures in the UAE.
Condo Protego COO Savitha Bhaskar said that the UAE’s global Smart Cities rankings reflect the government’s focus on digital transformation.
Condo Protego, a consultancy and solutions provider specializing in IT infrastructure and information management in the UAE, advises and supports both public and private sector clients on digital transformation to support Smart Cities.
According to Savitha Bhaskar, with the expansion of the economy and society, GITEX establishes the framework for five Smart Cities megatrends in 2021: cloud computing, artificial intelligence, 5G, cybersecurity, and digital economy. Channel partners with the right expertise and experience can assist Smart Cities with meeting business objectives by providing solutions and KPIs for Smart Cities.
Let’s discuss the mega-trend for Smart Cities according to GITEX:
Resilience and Cybersecurity
As the UAE moves towards a smart, connected society, there is also a risk of cyber-threats increasing due to increased connectivity.
Cyber threats can affect cloud, endpoints, and networks, from the traditional business email compromise (BEC) attacks and URL threats to malware and ransomware, which can compromise customer trust. Advanced threat intelligence helps secure cloud, endpoints, and networks against these threats.
Digital Economies
The banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), retail, and education sector are undergoing rapid digital transformation amid the pandemic. Businesses in the financial industry can work remotely, offer secure digital services to clients, and lower risk and comply with regulations.
Online learning, collaboration, and personalized coursework are among the methods schools and universities use to support e-learning. Delivery routes are being re-oriented by retailers and restaurants, and marketing strategies are tailored to specific customers.
Artificial Intelligence and Analytics
Artificial intelligence is used to detect disease outbreaks in hospitals and airports, predict utility spikes, and detect facial recognition in airports. With AI and machine learning algorithms, businesses can optimize insights through real-time analytics.
5G and Future Mobility
The 4th Industrial Revolution is a result of ultra-fast 5G mobile broadband networks. Smart factories, autonomous vehicles, and mega-events can be created with 5G.
Cloud and Edge Computing
Cloud and Edge Computing can help businesses achieve the most outstanding value from their digital transformation by combining data storage, analytics, and hybrid clouds.
As the cost of data storage decreases and the efficiency of high-performance storage infrastructure increases, businesses can take advantage of affordable, flexible, and scalable infrastructure. Remote/hybrid learning and work can be enabled by data storage plus virtualization.
The UAE is indeed a technological leader in the region and abroad, thanks to the government’s support and a global pool of human resources. In addition to its ambition of attracting more foreign direct investment, the strong marketing and branding of the country intensify efforts to promote its potential as a leader in the world’s Smart Cities Market.