DSO ‘Dtec Forum’ to explore future of smart cities

Dubai Silicon Oasis, DSO, the integrated free zone technology park, will explore the future of smart cities and their success factors at its third quarterly Dtec Forum of 2018.

Set to run on 18th September at the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre (Dtec), the largest technology incubation hub in the region that is wholly owned by Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, DSOA, the forum will bring together industry leaders to discuss the journey of data in smart cities, role of telecoms in smart city transformation among other topics.

Expected to draw the participation of entrepreneurs and specialists, as well as stakeholders in technology, smart solutions, the Internet of Things, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, AI, digital information services, energy, and infrastructure, the open-to-public event will examine the current challenges and potential solutions related to building thriving smart cities around the world.

The forum will also outline the latest developments on the Silicon Park project, the first integrated smart city in Dubai. Spanning more than 150,000 square metres and built at a cost of AED1.3 billion, the project is scheduled for completion in Q1, 2019.

Speaking on smart cities, Shahla Abdul Razak, Deputy CEO of DSOA, said, "Integrating policies and legislations that regulate the process of building sustainable smart cities, qualified digital technology specialists, and public-private partnerships are vital to the success of future smart cities.

"With Silicon Park, we have leveraged these very elements via cutting-edge, smart solutions to ensure a game-changing impact on energy and sustainability, lifestyle, sporting activities, mobility and transportation, business offerings and operations."

Continuing her focus on Silicon Park that is nearing scheduled completion, Shahla Abdul Razak said, "With the enabling environment available to entrepreneurs in the communications, IoT, automation, AI, and sustainability sectors, Silicon Park will become a role model for smart city projects in the region. It will also contribute to achieving the Smart Dubai vision, and enhance Dubai’s and the wider UAE’s rankings on global innovation, competitiveness, and entrepreneurship indices."

She highlighted the importance of Dtec Forum as a periodic event that convenes global experts to discuss pressing issues, challenges, and opportunities in the tech and AI sectors, noting that Dtec, located within Dubai Silicon Oasis, today hosts more than 980 startups from 72 countries.

She also reiterated DSOA’s commitment to providing a dynamic environment for tech- and AI-focused companies that empowers entrepreneurs and startups and attracts professionals in various fields of technological innovation and entrepreneurship.