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Sheikh Mohammed Unveils Dubai’s Digital Wealth Initiative and IoT Strategy

Business

Dubai Unveils Bold Digital Future with IoT Strategy and Digital Wealth Initiative

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched the groundbreaking Dubai Internet of Things (IoT) Strategy and the Data Wealth initiative. These pivotal programs aim to fortify Dubai’s digital assets, foster smart city development, and issue Dubai Digital Certificates to leading government and private entities, marking a significant leap towards a digitally advanced future.

Safeguarding Dubai’s Digital Wealth

At the core of these initiatives is the preservation of Dubai’s "digital wealth," recognized as a strategic national asset in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Data Wealth initiative encompasses:

  • Data and data processing technologies.
  • Smart-tech transformation.
  • Paperless transaction policies and systems (e.g., Blockchain, digital signature, ID).
  • Smart living and clean energy.

This comprehensive framework includes 121 smart initiatives, 200 databases, and 1,129 smart services, projected to generate AED 33.8 billion within three years. The IoT sector alone is expected to reach AED 17.9 billion by 2020, with open and shared data contributing an estimated AED 10.4 billion to the GDP by 2021.

The Dubai IoT Strategy: Building the World’s Smartest City

The Dubai IoT Strategy is designed to establish the world’s most advanced IoT ecosystem, enhancing the lives of its residents. Key objectives include:

  • Protecting Dubai’s digital wealth.
  • Encouraging government departments to embrace smart transformation.
  • Achieving a 100% paperless government by 2021.

The strategy will be implemented in four phases over three years:

  1. Coordination: Aligning efforts and activities for IoT policy implementation across government.
  2. Integration and Conversion: Harmonizing efforts towards the IoT Strategy.
  3. Optimization: Refining and enhancing the implemented strategies.
  4. Blockchain Journey: Full integration of IoT policies and realization of the strategy’s Return on Investment (ROI).

This strategy covers six strategic domains: governance, management, acceleration, deployment, monetization, and security.

Smart City Innovations and Future Vision

Dubai’s commitment to innovation extends to various sectors, including transportation and urban planning. The city is actively developing advanced solutions to improve efficiency and quality of life:

  • AI-Based Driver Evaluation: A pioneering AI-based driving hub has been launched to enhance driving skills and reduce accident risks. This system uses simulators, eye-tracking glasses, and biometric sensors to evaluate driver behavior and provide customized training. The goal is to achieve a "Zero-Accident Society" in line with UAE Vision 2021.
  • Dubai Now App: This smart application will serve as a single point of access for 2,000 government services from 19 entities, offering personalized updates and streamlining interactions for residents. It leverages big data analytics to tailor services to individual needs.
  • Future Cities Vision: Dubai Municipality’s "Cities’ Livability in the Age of Global Citizenship" report outlines a vision for sustainable, future-ready cities. The Dubai Urban Plan 2040 aims for 80% of the population to live within a 20-minute reach of essential services, protect 60% of the emirate’s land for nature conservation, and ensure 11 square meters of public green space per capita.

These initiatives underscore Dubai’s proactive approach to leveraging technology and strategic planning to create a leading global smart city.

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