Page 20 - Implementing ITU-T International Standards to Shape Smart Sustainable Cities: The Case of Dubai

Implementing ITU-T International Standards to Shape Smart Sustainable Cities – The Case of Dubai

national priorities represent the key focus areas of government action for the coming years (See
Figure 2).

Figure 2 – United Arab Emirates National Priorities under the UAE Vision 2021

1. United in Responsibility: promoting a cohesive society and preserving identity
2. United in Destiny: offering a safe public and fair judiciary
3. United in Knowledge: creating a competitive knowledge economy
4. United in Prosperity: build a first-rate education system, a world-class healthcare system, a
sustainable environment, and infrastructure

The priorities given in Figure 2 are built on a set of national indicators related to education,
healthcare, economy, police and security, housing, infrastructure and government services.
These long-term indicators measure performance outcomes of each of the national priorities
and are periodically monitored by Government leadership across the UAE, with a goal of
achieving set targets by 2021 (UAE, 2016).

Owing to the foresight of Dubai’s ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
and in view of the UAE Vision 2021, Dubai has adopted a new approach to urban planning that
combines modern city elements with traditional culture. The Ruler of Dubai equates technology
to a building block which can provide an extraordinary quality of life. In this regard, technology
is not considered Dubai’s end goal. (Smart Dubai, 2016) This new approach has made Dubai a
centre of international trade and tourism.
While aligning its city vision with the UAE Vision 2021, the Emirate of Dubai has established a
group of objectives that focus on happiness and quality of life, as defined by the overarching
Dubai Plan 2021. The vision of the Dubai smart city initiative also aims “to make Dubai the
smartest and happiest city on Earth”. (Smart Dubai, 2016)
The Dubai Plan 2021 also addresses the urban environment and examines the interaction of
Dubai’s residents with their environment and the economic and social services provided
(Government of Dubai, 2016). Overall, Dubai’s urban strategy also includes public commitment
through a communications strategy to create a “city of happy, creative & empowered people”,
within an “inclusive and cohesive society” in a “smart and sustainable city” (Dubai Plan 2021).
The objectives set forth within the Dubai Plan 2021, are divided into 6 themes, each highlighting
a group of the strategic developmental aims for Dubai as described in Figure 3.

Figure 3 – Dubai Strategic Goals (Government of Dubai, 2016)

▪ The People: “City of happy, creative & empowered people”
▪ The Society: “An inclusive & cohesive society”
▪ The Experience: “The preferred place to live, work & visit”
▪ The Place: “A smart & sustainable city”
▪ The Economy: “A pivotal hub in the global economy”
▪ The Government: “A pioneering and excellent government”

As part of Dubai’s vision to become a smart sustainable city, their governance model brings
together multiple stakeholders to drive growth and promote the use of smart services. Active
participation by citizens and establishing private–public partnerships are also elements of the
City’s governance strategy.

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