Smart City Innovation and Sustainability: A Comparative Study in GCC Countries

Abstract

Moving into digital transformation, the development and implementation of smart cities have gained global attention, including in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The aim of this chapter primarily rests on the innovation and sustainability of the implemented smart cities, considering the advantages and benefits gained from the utilization of the latest technologies. It also tackles the challenges faced by these countries in managing smart cities and the processes involved in addressing these challenges toward their resolution. The main contribution of this chapter is to highlight the innovative platforms initiated by Gulf nations on smart cities by modeling transformation and development toward Vision 2040. In the form of a narrative account, the contribution extends to assessing the present status of innovativeness and development through smart cities as a baseline for future development directions in the Gulf region. Documentary evidence was solicited from government reports, private agency documents and files, journals, and newspapers to address the chapter’s objectives. Findings revealed that sustainability issues are prevalent and may impact future management and control of its operations. Key recommendations include the intensification of policies and regulations toward smart cities through information and communication technology maximization in the areas of transportation, education, healthcare, government services, infrastructure, and urban planning. Heightened laws and policies to address privacy and security, water, energy, technological infrastructure, overcrowding and traffic congestion, and funding. More collaborative efforts should be made by the different stakeholders, such as the government, private companies, non-government organizations, and individual experts, to ensure the smart city’s sustainable operations.

Citation

Jalagat, R.C., Du, E.C., Bation, N.D. and Aquino, P.G. (2024), "Smart City Innovation and Sustainability: A Comparative Study in GCC Countries", Lytras, M.D., Alkhaldi, A. and Malik, S. (Ed.) The Emerald Handbook of Smart Cities in the Gulf Region: Innovation, Development, Transformation, and Prosperity for Vision 2040, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 13-34. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83608-292-720241001