Reportage
There is no doubt that transforming Dubai into a ‘Smart City’, where
facilities and services are operated via smart and connected electronic
systems, where high speed internet is provided in public places, and
sensors are spread in streets to offer information and services, would
contribute to offering a new and different lifestyle for its residents and
visitors.
Smart Cities are the Future
60% of the region’s population will live in them by 2030
History of Smart Cities
The expression “Digital City” or
“Smart City” first appeared during the
European Digital Cities Conference
in 1994. The year 1996 witnessed
the launch of the European Digital
City project in a number of European
cities. However, it did not achieve the
anticipated success. Later, the Euro-
pean authorities adopted Amsterdam
as a digital city followed by Helsinki.
Several major cities around the world
have launched smart cities projects,
such as Seoul, New York, Tokyo,
Shanghai, Singapore, Amsterdam,
Kochi, Malaga, and of course Dubai.
What is meant by ‘Smart City’?
Specialists have given various defini-
tions for the expression ‘Smart city’.
Some call it the “City of Knowledge”,
“Digital City”, “Cyber City”, or “Eco-
logical City”, depending on the aims
set by those in charge of planning
the city.
The city is described as smart when
it invests in humans as the primary
objective on which it is based. It in-
vests in traditional means of trans-
portation, communication networks,
modern technologies as
well as sustainable energy
and living standards. It
combines this investment
with wise management
of natural resources de-
pending on smart man-
agement, technological
integration and effective
participation of citizens.
Smart cities do not only
rely on technological
infrastructure,
tele-
communications, and
speed and ease of ac-
cess, but also on the
social structure, and
creating competitive
environments. They
reflect the high importance of ICT in
contemporary life.
Smart cities provide wireless com-
munication to allow people to as-
sess levels of services provided and
