A quick search online and you’ll see varying descriptions of smart or sustainable cities. It’s honestly pretty simple, but the interchanging use of city and community, smart and sustainable can be confusing. So, we’re breaking it down for you.
What is a smart city?
Smart cities use information and communication technologies to create more sustainable and efficient ways of living. These, in turn, improve the quality of life of those living within the city and reduce the impact of urban infrastructure on the environment.
Is Dubai a Smart city?
Dubai is on its way to becoming a smart city – already topping the list along with Abu Dhabi of smartest cities in the Middle East!
Dubai is taking several initiatives in order to get closer to being a smart city:
Optimizing energy resources
More and easier access to public transport
Consolidating government entities that can be accessed online
Paperless government pledge
Building smart communities within the city
If you’re wondering what a smart community is, there are a few already functioning in Dubai that you can experience yourself. But what are smart communities like? And is living in a smart community a smart move?
Smart communities in Dubai
The Sustainable City
As the name suggests the goal of this community is to be an example of sustainable living. Situated in Dubailand, it incorporates several innovative ways to create sustainable living. For example, the parking lots are shaded by solar panels that provide energy for street lights, electric car charging stations, grey water treatment, and the community urban farm. Even the schools situated within this community are taking an innovative approach to their curriculum, advocating for healthier living practices and creative problem-solving.
This smart community is the first in Dubai and has a bustling community that is great for families, being named the ‘happiest city in the GCC’ for the third year in a row by Gulf Real Estate Awards. The project has been so successful the developers are launching a Sustainable City in Sharjah and Oman.
Huspy Property Consultant Eddie Mbaye said, “Sustainable City is a great investment and a great place to live. It’s especially good for families as it provides a safe space for kids with car-free areas and green spaces.”
Location: Dubailand
Developer: Diamond developers
Launch date: 2014
Property types: apartments, villas (3,4,5 bedrooms)
Dubai South District
Dubai South District is more commonly known as the site of Expo 2020. If you were lucky enough to attend, you would have seen a smart community in action firsthand. Half of the energy used at the Expo was generated by reusable resources and half of that came from within the site itself.
Now the Expo is over, the site is being repurposed as a Freezone area with both residential and industrial properties. The city boasts the world's largest airport with the goal of creating an impressive logistics ecosystem. If Expo 2020 is anything to go by, this community is set to raise the bar for smart living.
Eddie comments, “The location is great with easy access to main roads, the metro, and the airport. I believe it will have longevity as it's built around the sustainable model that was proven to be successful by Sustainable City.”
Location: Dubai South
Developer: Dubai Aviation City Corporation
Launch date: 2022 (some projects still under construction)
Property types: Apartments, townhouses, and villas
These smart communities in Dubai are great examples of smart living and just one way Dubai is on its way to becoming a smart city. If you’re interested in finding out more about these or any other communities in Dubai you can reach out to our property consultants who can support you on all your questions at +971 (4) 581 3616