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Smart Cities
Technologies that make smart cities safer Firas Jadalla, regional director for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa at Genetec explains how technological advancements are making smart cities safe and sustainable. ITIES ARE INHERENTLY dynamic. Over the past few years, government authorities all over the world have embraced the concept of smart cities. The market for smart cities has also seen consistent growth, and it is estimated to hit US$775bn in 2021, according to BCC Research. The concept of a ‘smart city’ is largely built upon the foundation of data gathering, analysis, and a collaboration of different stakeholders, for effective city management. Several countries in the Middle East are developing smart cities and improving the quality of the citizen’s life, besides transforming the urban landscape. Technological advancements such as Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning (ML), 5G networking, and cyber security has helped city leaders and decisionmakers upgrade the infrastructure and make the cities safer, smarter and sustainable. According to a recent research survey in the UAE, eight out of ten residents opted to live in a smart city since safer cities also attract business, foster innovation, and provide unmatched opportunities for stable and sustained growth. After recognising the potential of smart cities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia has incorporated the establishment of smart cities in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which includes plans such as the megacity, The Line. The Masdar City in the UAE, uses renewable energy and clean technology.
missing persons, and for emergencies in crowds and big gatherings or events. Additionally, deep learning acts as a forensic tool, for reviewing video footage or evidence.
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Technology trends Cities are looking for ways to use a growing network of connected sensors (cameras, license plate recognition (LPR) streetlights, dynamic information displays, GIS maps and others) to help reshape the urban experience and enhance public safety. Deep learning, IoT, crowd sourcing and 5G networking can fundamentally enhance law enforcement, emergency management, and city government operations.
Crowdsourcing This allows cities to tap into the collective intelligence of the public to complete a task and solve a problem, creating a means for collaboration between cities and citizens.
Cybersecurity To safeguard cybersecurity, the IoT sensors and applications must be secure themselves, from the sensor to the cloud, including all hardware and software.
Photo Credit: Genetec
5G technology
Firas Jadalla, regional director for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa, Genetec.
Deep learning and IoT Government authorities in the Middle East are deploying IoT technologies to create smart and digitally swift cities. According to a research report by the International Data Corporation (IDC), the market for IoT and related technology is expected to scale up to US$18bn by 2023. Deep learning, including optical sensors, DL inference, and VMS for incident management, visualisation, analytics, and search, further enhances the use of IoT in smart cities. The optical sensor technology can help public safety officials by generating positive response in multiple scenarios, such as crowd control, traffic and transportation, civil unrest, identification of
Technical Review Middle East - Annual Power Review 2021
The adoption of 5G networks in the GCC region is expected to reach 16% by 2025, according to a research report by GSMA. Compared to 4G, 5Gtransformed networks will deliver 10X less latency, 50X more speed and 1000X more capacity. Emergency services require a need to understand events and act upon them as they unfold. Using data gathered by sensors connected through citywide 5G networks, will allow the access of near realtime information, which is crucial for public safety. Emergency response leaders will be able to improve decision making and coordinate emergency services on the ground using augmented reality to enhance video, sensor and data feeds. 5G transformed networks with gigabit speeds and edge computing will make cities run smoother, safer, and smarter with near realtime, databacked insight. City leaders worldwide are adopting technologies and best practices to improve communications between departments, gain greater access to available data sources, monitor highcrime areas, and improve emergency preparedness. The goal is to make cities more efficient and resilient to unforeseen events— and safer for residents, visitors, and businesses. ■ www.technicalreview.me
