Sustainability and Innovation Spotlighted at Abu Dhabi’s 3rd Smart City Summit

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport has commenced its third Smart City Summit (ADSCS) with the theme “Smart Cities for a Sustainable World.” This influential event, running from October 31 to November 1, 2023, is hosted at the prestigious Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Hotel.

The ADSCS serves as a premier gathering in the region, attracting a diverse assembly of experts, government officials, industry leaders, strategists, and decision-makers from both the public and private sectors. Its core objective is to facilitate insightful discussions regarding best practices and challenges associated with smart city development.

Under the overarching theme of “Smart Cities for a Sustainable World,” this year’s summit is focused on exploring how smart city technologies can address pressing global issues, including climate change, urbanization, and inequality. The event underscores smart city technologies as innovative solutions to tackle these global challenges, especially in the realms of sustainability and climate.

The summit also functions as a catalyst for innovation and progress in smart cities and artificial intelligence. It unites global and local leaders, decision-makers, and private sector companies in Abu Dhabi, promoting idea exchange, collaboration, and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s global leadership in smart cities and AI. Discussions revolve around the latest global applications and practices in the field of smart and sustainable cities, spanning smart mobility, smart energy, smart buildings, and healthcare.

A significant highlight of the summit was the introduction of Hyundai UAE’s groundbreaking innovation, the Hyundai Sonata Smart Taxi, which boasts advanced AI technology and streaming services aimed at enhancing safety, operational efficiency, and the overall customer experience. This unveiling occurred in the presence of DMT’s Chairman, H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa.

DMT has forged partnerships with three major city service and technology providers, including e&, and Huawei, to bolster smart city projects, implement AI solutions, and stay at the forefront of technological trends in smart city development. Moreover, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between DMT and key entities such as Huawei and Etisalat, highlighting their commitment to collaborative efforts and technological advancement.

Another notable aspect of the event involves the presentation of key projects relevant to smart cities in Abu Dhabi. These projects encompass the Smart City Platform, which leverages artificial intelligence technologies for enhanced city decision-making, smart parks designed to improve the quality of life and city service efficiency through sustainable Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and Hala Wifi, a free Wi-Fi service provided jointly by DMT in collaboration with UAE service providers. This service aims to strengthen the UAE’s digital infrastructure and offer extensive public Wi-Fi coverage across the emirate, encompassing various locations, including public parks and beaches.

H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, DMT Chairman, underscored Abu Dhabi’s global recognition as a smart city, reaffirming the commitment to openness, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. He highlighted the alignment of the summit with DMT’s strategic plan and the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031, emphasizing their dedication to smart city development and sustainability. Abu Dhabi’s consistent recognition as the MENA region’s smartest city for three years underscores its leadership in the evolving landscape of smart and sustainable cities.

Jung Sook Park, Secretary General of WeGo, commended the UAE’s visionary approach and Abu Dhabi’s leadership in advocating for sustainable and smart city development. She also noted Abu Dhabi’s mention in the IMD Smart City Index 2023 in partnership with WeGo. Park announced the establishment of the WeGo Middle East regional office in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant advancement in the smart city approach and collaboration. She highlighted that the summit aligns with WeGo’s goals as a platform for sharing knowledge, experience, and best practices.

H.E. Director General of Abu Dhabi Police Major General Maktoum Ali Al Sharifi emphasized the significance of the Abu Dhabi Smart City Summit and its alignment with the visionary leadership’s proactive approach to planning for the future and adopting the latest artificial intelligence technologies for sustainability. The summit offers exceptional global experiences and results, in conjunction with Abu Dhabi’s accomplishments in adopting artificial intelligence technologies. These achievements have not only improved efforts and streamlined processes but have also yielded fruitful outcomes in law enforcement and security, leading to a positive impact on community well-being and happiness.

Brigadier General Salem Abdullah bin Barak Al Dhaheri, Acting Director-General of Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA), highlighted the importance of this event as a platform for sharing ideas and knowledge on smart cities and artificial intelligence. The ADCDA firmly believes in the significance of embracing technologies and cities as tools to ensure safety in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and their participation in this summit reflects their ongoing dedication to the advancement of cities and exchanging expertise in this field.

The UAE has made significant strides in scientific research and the development of artificial intelligence, enhancing its capabilities to address global challenges. This year’s ADSCS aims to engage more experts and visionaries in shaping a clear framework and vision for making cities more adaptable and responsive to challenges, while supporting sustainable economic development with local skills, community institutions, and cutting-edge technologies.