UAE Residents Express Strong Preference for Smart City Living In New Mastercard Survey
In a world rapidly urbanizing, the concept of smart cities is gaining momentum, especially in the Middle East. A recent report by Mastercard highlights the growing inclination towards urban ecosystems that are not only technologically advanced but also secure, sustainable, and inclusive. By the year 2050, an expected two-thirds of the global population will reside in urban areas, spotlighting the critical need for cities that can accommodate such growth efficiently.
The Mastercard Cities of the Future Report 2024 indicates a strong preference for smart cities in the UAE, with 68% of respondents expressing that such an environment would significantly increase their happiness. This sentiment aligns with the UAE's visionary leadership which aims to transform the country into a futuristic hub for living and working.
J.K. Khalil, Cluster General Manager, MENA East, Mastercard, emphasized the company's commitment to the UAE's ambitious goals. "The UAE's forward-looking leadership is championing a futuristic vision for the country's development. To support these ambitions, Mastercard is working closely with our government partners to support their vision as we collectively fuel economic growth, job creation, and overall happiness through our digital city partnerships. Through this report, we are gaining deeper insights in the needs and expectations of our communities, allowing us to better serve the UAE through our technology, insights, and expertise," he stated.
When it comes to innovations, respondents showed a keen interest in smart and connected buildings and homes, alongside smart travel services, each garnering 61% of the preference. Despite the enthusiasm for technological advancements, there remains an underlying concern about reduced human interaction and potential decreases in physical activity. Furthermore, AI and machine learning technologies stand out as critical for the development of future cities, as highlighted by 58% of the participants.
Sustainability: A Core Aspiration
The UAE's focus on sustainability is particularly notable, especially with the country hosting COP28 and extending its Year of Sustainability. An impressive 60% of respondents are looking forward to smart solutions that transition to clean and renewable energy. Additionally, 85% believe their cities are evolving or already mature enough in terms of sustainability efforts.
Desire for Digital Convenience
The demand for digital access to various services, including utilities, licensing, banking, and transportation, is strong among UAE residents, with 57% prioritizing this aspect. This digital inclination is coupled with a significant emphasis on privacy and data security, deemed crucial by 58% for enhancing daily city life. Furthermore, the push for environmental sustainability remains a priority for 52% of the people.
Partnerships Driving Innovation
Mastercard's collaborative efforts with both public and private sector entities are instrumental in fostering urban innovation across various domains such as sustainability, small business growth, digital transformation, tourism, education, and urban mobility. A notable partnership in 2023 involved the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai and Mastercard, aiming to boost the emirate's economic growth in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. Additionally, Mastercard's collaboration with the UAE government to establish a global Centre for Advanced AI and Cyber Technology in Dubai underscores the commitment to advancing generative AI research.
The report from Mastercard underscores a clear trend towards the adoption of smart cities in the UAE, driven by technological innovations, sustainability efforts, and digital convenience. Through strategic partnerships, the UAE is well on its way to realizing its vision of becoming a leading smart city of the future.
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