Page 10 - U4SSC Case study: Circularity to promote local businesses and digitization, June 2020

Case Study 2 – Smart Dubai: Circular ICT services and infrastructure

Author:

Dr Okan Geray

Introduction

Background

Dubai is one of the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is a highly vibrant city with
a population of approximately 3 million people. Dubai has set itself on an ambitious course through a
rapid and successful transformation in the economic and social sectors. Over the last 40 years, Dubai
has witnessed a transformation from a sleepy pearl diving village into one of the most visited global
cities and home to the world’s busiest airport, the 9 largest port in the world and the world’s tallest
th
building.

Dubai has experienced significant economic growth over the years and the city acts as the leading
economic hub in the region, having undergone successful economic diversification. Sectors such as
trade and logistics, tourism, financial services, retail and real estate have played critical roles in Dubai’s
economic achievements and are complemented by a highly modernized urban infrastructure. Dubai
is currently undergoing its third generation of digital transformation and can be credited for inspiring
public acceptance and confidence in the use of ICTs in all spheres of life.

Figure 1: Digital Transformation Journey of Dubai

4 Case study: Circularity to promote local businesses and digitization, June 2020