Dubai launches Internet of Things initiative in push towards smart lifestyle

DUBAI: The Dubai Internet of Things (IoT), Strategy, and the Data Wealth initiative was launched here Sunday evening by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum — the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the emirate's ruler — in a bid to bolster digital wealth and technology of the local industry.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the head office of Smart Dubai (SDO), located in Dubai Design District (d3), with numerous top officials — including Crown Prince and Dubai Executive Council Chairman Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum — in attendance.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid praised the development, noting that such milestones build and enhance "strategic national asset(s)", especially in light of the "Fourth Industrial Revolution", according to state news agency WAM.

The smart lifestyle has officially commenced with "Dubai Digital Certificates and the Dubai IoT Strategy", Dubai's ruler stressed, before adding that the projects are expected to reach completion as early as 2021 with federal support.

"It is a fortune that all stakeholders in the Dubai government must work together to preserve," he said.

Data wealth comprises storage and processing technologies, smart-tech transformation, paperless transaction policies and systems (for example, Blockchain), digital signature and identification, and clean energy.

With 121 smart initiatives, 200 databases, and 1,129 smart services, it is forecasted to generate AED 33.8 billion in three years, while the (IoT) is expected to reach a hefty AED 17.9 billion in value by 2020.

WAM further highlighted that the strategy aims to protect Dubai's digital wealth, encourage government departments to join the emirate's smart transformation, and achieve the objectives of the Smart Dubai Plan 2021.

"Dubai stands out as a preferred destination for business, work and tourism," SDO Director-General Aisha bint Butti bin Bishr said. This is "another step towards a better life and promising future for our people", she added.

Younus Al Nasser — the CEO of the Dubai Data Establishment — said that "smart solutions are a digital asset that cannot be fully utilised unless integrated into central data platforms that are consistently updated".

The Dubai Crowd initiative, which analyses real-time data and suggests plausible scenarios for decision makers, was also launched at the event.

Interestingly, it is the first technical project in the IoT strategy that looks to manage and organise crowds in the emirate during peak seasons to ensure safety and security.

Huge crowds — some of the largest in the world — flock to Dubai during special occasions and holidays, such as New Year’s Eve.