A research by the University of Dubai has led to the creation of a framework  based on information and communications technology, to support Smart City initiatives worldwide.

The research conducted by Mahmoud El Hendy, Lecturer at College of Information Technology, University of Dubai, with contributions from Dr  Sami Miniaoui, Director of UD Centre for Research & Consultancy, and Dr  Hussein Fakhry, Associate Professor of Zayed University, was held over a period of six months during which the team studied 62 Smart Cities around the world.

“The Smart City concept is significant for billions of people around the world considering that estimates show that more than 50 per cent of the world’s population resides in urban areas,” a researcher said.

The study looked at the Smart City framework in terms of Technology View, Systems View, and Strategic View.

Technologies include Cloud Computing, RFID Technology, Near Field Communication, Wireless Technology and the likes.

System View comprises   capturing of real-time data from different sources using techniques such as Mash-ups, Widgets, and portals. It further provides apps to     citizens as a means to get the required information.

Strategic View features Smart City Governance and Analytics, which is the higher-level layer of the framework wherein the collected data is processed and presented to the public as well as policy makers.

Dubai has launched a strategy to transform itself into a ‘Smart City’ featuring six key pillars and 100 initiatives on transport, communications, infrastructure, electricity, economic services and urban planning.

Under the strategy, 1,000 government services are set to go smart by 2017.