Page 27 - 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

The data collected by Dubai was reviewed during an onsite visit in December 2015 by an
1
independent auditor accredited to a number of global management systems and indicator
standards. The objective of the verification process was to validate the data reported by Dubai
entities and analysed during the assessment phase. This independent review aimed to examine
the data submitted by Dubai, provide feedback on suitability of the KPIs and provide inputs into
the process for future revisions, based on the Dubai’s ability to collect data that is verifiable.

The process included:
(a) in-person interviews with senior management at the various Dubai entities,
(b) review of KPI data submitted, and
(c) review of the underlying data sources.

The verification process revealed the following findings:
(i) 19% of KPIs require further analysis and evaluation prior to their reporting,
(ii) 10% were not applicable for Dubai in the 2014 collection period,
(iii) 14% were not reported by the city
(iv) 57% were reported.

The independent verifier was able to completely verify 62% of the 57% of KPIs that were
reported.

The complete verification and data collection were determined to be possible only when the
definitions of the KPIs are improved and the data required to be collected is also better defined.
This suggests that future pilot projects conducted on similar lines should be conducted
preferably after there is more clarity provided on the KPIs and the required data to be collected.
As the Dubai pilot project moves towards the second year of its implementation, it is important
to understand that the results and findings from the first phase will be considerably updated
and enhanced. Therefore, these results from the first year ideally should not be used for
comparison purposes with other cities. In effect, the findings of the first year of Dubai’s pilot
project can be considered the stepping stone for consolidating a methodology, KPI framework
and suggestions which will serve the smart city community for decades to come.

Following the completion of the first year of the pilot project, Dubai’s efforts in collecting and
reporting the data based on the preliminary versions of the KPIs are to be commended for not
only making a significant contribution to the KPI improvement process, but also in
demonstrating global leadership in this field.

Overview of Dubai’s smart sustainable city activities: A sneak peek at Dubai’s
evolution
Dubai’s pathway to becoming a smart sustainable city has been shaped by a clear vision and an
efficient governance model. This is complemented by Dubai’s six strategic dimensions, which
reinforce the delivery of the smart city strategy across specific vertical sectors in the city.

1 Mr. John Smiciklas served as the Auditor for the verification process in Dubai.

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