The third edition of the Abu Dhabi Smart City Summit (ADSCS) has launched under the name “Smart Cities for a Sustainable World”. The summit is organised by The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi and will run between 31 October and 1 November 2023.
Taking place at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Hotel, the two-day event is considered to be the region’s most prominent smart city development gathering.
It brings together a diverse array of experts, government officials, industry leaders, strategists, and decision-makers from both public and private sectors.
Its primary objective is to promote insightful discussions on the best practices and challenges related to the development of smart cities.
This year’s summit focuses on how smart city technologies can solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, urbanisation, and inequality.
The summit also serves as a promoter of innovation and progress in smart cities and AI, with global and local leaders, decision-makers, and private sector companies in the UAE’s capital attending.
This platform aims to foster idea exchange, collaboration, and boost Abu Dhabi’s global leadership in smart cities and AI. Topics discussed will revolve around the latest global applications and practices in the domain of smart and sustainable cities, including smart mobility, smart energy, smart buildings, and healthcare.
At the summit, the Hyundai Sonata Smart Taxi, was unveiled, which took place in the presence of DMT’s Chairman H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa.
This vehicle is equipped with advanced AI technology and streaming services, designed to elevate safety, operational efficiency, and the overall customer experience.
DMT also shared that it is partnering with three major city service and technology providers, namely e&, and Huawei, to enhance smart city projects, implement AI solutions, and capitalise on the latest technology trends in smart city development.
Additionally, the summit witnessed the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between DMT and key entities such as Huawei and Etisalat, reinforcing their dedication to collaborative efforts and technological progress.
Another significant milestone event will involve the presentation of several key projects relevant to smart cities in Abu Dhabi. These projects encompass the Smart City Platform, which leverages artificial intelligence technologies to enhance city decision-making, smart parks designed to enhance the quality of life and improve city service efficiency through sustainable Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and Hala Wifi, a free Wi-Fi service jointly provided by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in collaboration with UAE service providers.
The service aims to strengthen the UAE’s digital infrastructure and provide extensive public Wi-Fi coverage across the emirate, encompassing locations such as public parks (19 in Abu Dhabi, 11 in Al Ain, and 14 in Al Dhafra), as well as beaches (Abu Dhabi Cornich Beach and Al Bateen Beach) and buses.
Marking the occasion, DMT Chairman, H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, stated: “Abu Dhabi’s global ranking at 13 out of 141 cities in the IMD Smart City Index 2023 reaffirms our commitment to openness, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, validating our dedication to smart city development. This summit seamlessly aligns with DMT’s strategic plan and the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031, reinforcing our commitment to smart city development and sustainability.
“Moreover, the Abu Dhabi Smart Cities Summit reflects our continuous recognition as the MENA region’s smartest city for three years, underlining our leadership in the evolving landscape of smart and sustainable cities.”