A framework for transforming Dubai into a smart city

Abstract

Smart City is a solution to the increased globalization of cities by managing and applying ICT to all the aspects of the city such as mobility, electricity, water, energy, economy, environment, governance, health, and education to increase the quality of life for city dwellers and the future sustainability. As people started to move from rural areas into cities, cities started to have congestion, traffic, crimes, increased carbon emissions, illiteracy, and unemployment. Cities have to manage these complexities by finding smart solutions. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched the strategy to transform Dubai into a smart city and to be ready for expo 2020 that could result in road traffic and increased tourism. Other reasons for Dubai to become a smart city are that are the business and real estate boom, because foreign investments are pouring in and many populations are coming to Dubai, so it needs to have sustainability. Dubai is in a state where it requires having sustainable energies and buildings to accept many populations. A framework is a set of principles and guidelines to prepare the right components and people, and taking the right steps and stages to achieve the outcomes. A roadmap is a vision done by stakeholders, of the final outcome of the desired project, and it takes from 10 to 50 years. A roadmap is a plan or strategy intended to achieve a particular goal. This research has studied various smart city initiatives in the world and the numerous frameworks on smart cities. An adaptive framework specifically for Dubai City has been proposed and a roadmap for its implementation has been suggested. This outcome can be used by the Government of Dubai to plan their smart city strategies.