Smart Dubai — towards becoming thehappiest city on Earth

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Happiness Metrics
    • A Happiness Meter measures satisfaction at over 4,000 touchpoints, achieving a 90% happiness rating by 2018.
  6. 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.