Insights What is a smart city and how are they emerging in the UAE?
Technology is advancing at an incredibly fast rate, changing the way we as humans go about our daily lives. However, technology is only as useful as the data it provides. The Internet of Things (IoT), refers to the global network of ‘smart’ physical objects or things that constantly collect and share data across the internet. It is shaping modern engineering, and paving way for smart cities, capturing how we live, work, and move through urban areas. Modern methods of construction (MMC) are constantly improved by advancements in data and technology, helping to develop the industry.
At AtkinsRéalis , and our brands Atkins and Faithful+Gould, we are committed to building truly smart cities, because we know data and real-time connectivity help us plan for long-term management. But what is a smart city, and why are they becoming so prominent in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?
What is a smart city?
As McKinsey put it, a smart city is one that puts data and digital technology to work to make better decisions and improve the quality of life. For example, with a smart city, it is possible to use technology to improve traffic safety, optimised emergency responses, dynamic mobility options, air quality monitoring and energy-use optimisation, amongst other benefits.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) go a step further, defining them as smart sustainable cities which not only improve quality of life but also ensure the needs of present and future generations are met, with respect to economic, social, environmental as well as cultural aspects.
At AtkinsRéalis , our vision for smart cities utilises technologies to improve services for local communities. We want to enhance efficiency, safety, wellbeing, and access to information, harnessing the power of data and technology to optimise asset design, construction, and management. As a country that exhibits some of the most creative and architectural feats, our architects in the UAE are using their expertise to tackle climate change and the growing population. They ensure their designs are not only smart and innovative but also capable of withstanding the effects of the transforming world.
The emergence of smart cities in the UAE
In the UAE, the government are aiming to deliver sustainable development whilst preserving the environment, in an effort to provide for future generations. Large cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai are planning and developing smart sustainable cities which will address economic and social challenges, whilst also unlocking potential long-term benefits.
As set out in Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030, efforts are being made to shift the core of its economy to knowledge, innovation, and the export of cutting-edge technologies, and finding new economic alternatives such as smart cities. Masdar City is one example of this, following its launch in 2008 as the worlds first sustainable smart district. As the ‘greenprint’ for future cities, it offers the region a template for sustainable urban development. Buildings consume 40% less energy in Masdar City, and power demand is offset by the use of rooftop solar panels and an on-site solar power plant, an impressive feat.
However, it’s important to remember that cities are built for people, and for them to be able to interact and connect with other people, places, and things. With this in mind, it raises the question of what is it that people actually want from a smart city?
Mastercard, Smart Dubai and Expo 2020 Dubai jointly launched the Building the cities of the future report, in which a survey revealed that the top three resident expectations of a smart city were ‘environmentally friendly business practices, paperless government services, and fast, affordable, city-wide internet connectivity'.
The UAE still has some way to go before classifying all their cities as ‘smart’, but innovative architects, engineers and project managers have created a solid foundation to build upon.
Establish a smart career at AtkinsRéalis
At AtkinsRéalis , we factor sustainability into everything we do. As cities and development is one of our core markets, the rise of smart cities in the UAE represents a significant growth opportunity for our diversified engineering and design service offering, in conjunction with our drive to Net Zero Carbon.
We’re excited about where our future is heading, so join us for an exciting
journey. Browse
available job opportunities in the Middle East
and help us provide for a sustainable future.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/26/2024
Summary
By implementing reforms in the public sector and wider society, the KSA’s Vision 2030 has greatly improved government efficiency, bringing about new growth and investment opportunities. What is Visio
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional endeavours, finding a workplace that feels like your safe space is a rare gem. AtkinsRealis stands as a beacon in this regard, where talents not only
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
In the ever-evolving landscape of urban drainage modelling, AtkinsRéalis stands as the leaders with large highly skilled urban drainage modellers. Our focus on serving our clients around urban dra
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the skill of managing constantly changing environments has become more and more important. New construction project management software offers innovativ
Preview
AustraliaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/24/2024
Summary
In a momentous shift, SNC-Lavalin has transitioned to AtkinsRéalis, marking a new era of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in engineering consultancy. With this rebrand comes a fresh persp
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/23/2024
Summary
As Mumbai continues to evolve and expand, the demand for sustainable infrastructure and cutting-edge technology has never been more pressing. At the forefront of this transformative journey is Atk
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/22/2024
Summary
Hi there! I'm Paul, a civil engineer with over 25 years of experience specializing in networks and drainage engineering. My role at AtkinsRéalis spans managing projects, directing major initia
by
Shailaja Mantha
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/22/2024
Summary
Meet Paul, a talented civil engineer in water management whose career journey is as inspiring as impressive. Starting at AtkinsRéalis, fresh out of university in 1997, Paul quickly distinguish
by
Shailaja Mantha
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/18/2024
Summary
In the vast expanse of the Saudi Arabian landscape, you’ll find a beacon of innovation, a vision for a better, greener tomorrow. NEOM sits in the heart of the Tabuk province and isn’t just anothe
Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/18/2024
Summary
As a global metropolis, Hong Kong has long been a fantastic place to be a civil engineer. With world-class infrastructure all around, effective civil engineers have many opportunities to be a
Preview
AustraliaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/18/2024
Summary
In January 2024, Srijana embarked on a new chapter in her engineering career, joining AtkinsRealis as a Chartered Structural Engineer. With six years of experience on a wide variety of projects, Sr
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/17/2024
Summary
I'm Dean, Regional Director at AtkinsRéalis since July 2023. I'm a Chartered Quantity Surveyor in the Projects & Programme Services team with director-level experience across various sectors,
by
Shailaja Mantha
AtkinsRéalis
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more