The UAE has expanded investment towards strengthening its digital and technological infrastructure and it has proved to be a significant gamechanger in the country's efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, while the COVID-19 pandemic posed major challenges worldwide, the UAE government and relevant entities adopted smart technologies and effective solutions with the aim of containing the virus spread and ensuring business continuity.

Addressing the Abu Dhabi Smart Cities Summit on Tuesday, he underlined that communities around the world have shifted to remote working and online learning. In addition, businesses have been encouraged to innovate and foster digital transformation to ensure continuity.

“The UAE had invested a lot in smart technologies and artificial intelligence which helped in tackling the challenges of COVID-19," he highlighted.

Abu Dhabi was ranked 28 and Dubai 29 globally on the list of the Institute for Management Development (IMD) Smart City Index. He expressed hope for the two cities to emerge among the best smart cities in the years to come.

In addition, Falah Muhammad Al Ahbabi, chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport, affirmed that municipality is a pioneer in smart city innovation. He noted that the UAE has developed a realistic plan, tested other plans extensively while using data and technology to improve the standard of living of the Emirati community.

Josephine Teo, Singapore Minister for Communications and Information, underlined that building smart cities is about employing smart technologies to solve key problems of the transport sector and economy.

“A smart city should be able to solve the problems of its people in all areas, including transport, business, education, healthcare. And it should be sustainable,” she added.

Held under the theme “Shaping the Cities of the Future” this year, the two-day summit witnessed local and international experts discussing the best practices to develop smart cities, address challenges, contribute to the increasing knowledge of the participants. Developing stronger action plans will lead to smarter and more efficient solutions.