Dubai Boosts Smart City Credentials with Initiative

As part of the Smart Cities Global Network (SCGN) initiative and in collaboration with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), Smart Dubai has hosted the second in a series of networking events titled ‘SCGN Talks’ at its headquarters in the Dubai Design District (d3).

Bearing the theme ‘Data for Better Cities’, the session explored various approaches to delivering data science that benefits cities, supports the digital transition towards smart cities of the future, and enables public-private partnerships to build a data marketplace that wields a positive impact on the community.

The event follows a successful inaugural ‘SCGN Talks’, which took place in March 2019 in collaboration with the Swedish Trade and Invest Council – Business Sweden, and explored the concept and prospects of a cashless society.

Smart Dubai’s Director General Her Excellency Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr said: “As the government entity tasked with transforming Dubai into the world’s happiest and smartest city, Smart Dubai is committed to organising events that bring together international experts and decision makers to focus on and explore key elements in smart-city building.

“With that in mind, we launched the Smart Cities Global Network to be the largest international network of smart-city stakeholders.”

H.E. Ian Halliday, Consul General of Australia to Dubai, and General Manager of Austrade for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, followed and said, “It was great to showcase Australian smart cities and data capability at the Smart Dubai Global Smart Cities Network, a platform that will further enhance collaboration across our two countries.”

“Australian experts from the government, education and private sector shared their experience in the design and implementation of data-centric technology solutions to improve the productivity, efficiency and liveability of future cities.

“As Australian cities and Dubai continue to grow a vibrant smart cities ecosystem in a digital economy, there is a strong need to foster greater partnerships with key players in urban transformation and promote digital innovation to ensure smart cities are citizen-centric.

“There is a great opportunity for the UAE and Australia to complement each other, leveraging on each other's strengths to co-develop smart urban solutions.”

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