Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 20 | Page 76

EDITOR’S QUESTION HOW CAN THE DATA REQUIRED FOR SMART CITY INITIATIVES BE SECURELY AND EFFECTIVELY MANAGED? C ommunities across the Middle East are adopting the smart city innovation of connecting people with data. Dubai is an excellent case in point. Here the vision is for it to become the smartest and happiest city on earth and a benchmark for smart cities worldwide. This will see technology deeply integrated with infrastructure to create environmental and economic efficiency while improving the quality of life of its citizens. One of the aims of the project in Dubai is to celebrate the end of the era of paper government transactions - by issuing the last printed government document by 2021. The intention is that this will enable Dubai to become the first government in the world to conduct all its viable transactions using blockchain technology. In fact, paperless transactions have already started to be conducted in three major government entities: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the Department of Economic Development (DED). Overall, the strategy has the aim of creating a flexible city that offers its inhabitants smart lifestyles, easy and facilitated smart services and seamless smart mobility through shared and smart transport. INTELLIGENTCIO 76 76 INTELLIGENTCIO This will contribute to a clean and sustainable environment under a competitive global economy supported by cutting-edge technology and sponsored by a highly efficient, connected digital government. H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Smart Dubai Office (SDO), said: “In order to fulfil the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for Dubai to become the smartest and happiest city in the world and in a bid to support the emirate’s smart transformation, we are sparing no effort to implement the Smart Dubai Strategy 2021. “This was launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, and is regarded as an ambitious roadmap for all the city’s components including its government, businesses, society, individuals, resources and infrastructure. “To this effect, we are striving to consolidate Dubai’s position and bring its services to higher levels while providing a safer and more efficient and seamless life experience for its citizens, residents and visitors. “We will continue to work diligently and adopt the best solutions and technologies to keep up with the aspirations of our prudent leadership as embodied in providing real-time and seamless smart services at any time and from any place and consolidating the bases of creativity and innovation for the UAE to be always in the lead as an example to follow by the countries that place the happiness and wellbeing of their people at the top of their priorities.” H.E. Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, Director-General of SDO, added: “Dubai has succeeded in transforming itself into a world-class smart city of a pioneering position, thanks to the ambitious vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. “We look forward to having a delightful living experience for all Dubai inhabitants in all walks of life. The next few years will witness great achievements in terms of economy, environment, individuals, mobility and governance, which would provide a high-quality life in Dubai. “By having a clear vision supported by an ambitious leadership that seeks people’s happiness and by harnessing the latest cutting-edge technology to serve people, we can provide the smoothest high- quality life for Dubai inhabitants, enabling them to have an actual experience of the happiest life in Dubai.” But Smart Cities do not come without security risks. Among the main concerns are use of a large network of sensors and data collection platforms that have the potential to be attacked by cyber-criminals. ¡ www.intelligentcio.com www.intelligentcio.com