Smart Dubai — towards becoming thehappiest city on Earth
November 2021
Strategies and Action Plans
The Smart Dubai strategy, as detailed in the document, is a comprehensive approach aiming to transform Dubai into the ‘happiest city on Earth’ and the world’s smartest city.
Vision and Objectives
- Happiness-Centric: The overarching vision is to enhance the happiness of citizens, residents, and visitors through digital transformation and technological advancements.
- Sustainability: Includes reducing carbon emissions, promoting clean energy, and sustainable urbanisation.
- Efficiency and Innovation: Focuses on making city experiences seamless, safe, personalised, and efficient by leveraging emerging technologies.
Key Components
- Smart Dubai 2021 Strategy
- Six Dimensions: Living, governance, environment, economy, mobility, and people.
- Four Cross-Sectoral Initiatives:
- Seamless city experiences and a paperless city.
- Open and shared data as a strategic asset.
- Enhanced internal government efficiency.
- Creation of a global and inclusive ecosystem for smart city transformation.
- Data as a Strategic Asset
- Initiatives like Dubai Data and Dubai Pulse aim to govern and share data effectively.
- Open data is expected to contribute approximately $2.8 billion annually to Dubai’s economy.
- Emerging Technologies
- Blockchain: Dubai Blockchain Strategy intends to make Dubai the first government powered by blockchain.
- AI: Rashid, Dubai’s AI enablement layer, assists in government and business queries.
- IoT: Smart meters, waste management, and connected infrastructures enhance city resilience.
- Sustainability Initiatives
- Carbon Abatement Strategy: Aims to reduce emissions by 16% by 2021.
- Clean Energy Strategy: Targets 75% clean energy by 2050.
- Autonomous Mobility: 25% of all journeys to be driverless by 2030.
- Happiness Metrics
- A Happiness Meter measures satisfaction at over 4,000 touchpoints, achieving a 90% happiness rating by 2018.
- Global Network and Ecosystem
- Collaboration with global organisations to drive innovation.
- Support for startups through accelerators like the Global Blockchain Challenge.
Impact
- By leveraging digital transformation and emerging technologies, Dubai aims to redefine urban living with a significant focus on environmental sustainability, economic growth, and improved quality of life.
- Initiatives like the Dubai Paperless Strategy and Smart ICT services have generated substantial economic savings and operational efficiencies.