Dubai Municipality and DSO launch lab for sustainable projects
Dubai Municipality and Dubai Silicon Oasis have launched a lab to develop and test the former’s sustainability initiatives and projects.
The laboratory, which is the first of its kind in Dubai Silicon Oasis, will see the development and implementation of geospatial infrastructure and enhance cooperation frameworks when it comes to sustainability.
Talking about the importance of the lab, Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said "The use of advanced technologies in the study and development of various projects enhances their achievement of the desired objectives, which contributes to the availability of sustainability standards and competitiveness in these projects, and it also emphasizes Dubai’s stature as a city unique for its exceptional projects and technological development.”
Sustainability is a key pillar in Dubai’s smart city visions. The UAE has overall been making immense progress in the sector through building some of the largest solar power plants, and the development of Masdar and sustainable city. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce too has a strong focus on sustainable businesses and regularly organises talks and networking events to support the community.
The future of our cities needs to be green, not only for the environment but also for the safety and good health of its residents.
“Smart Future Cities will rely primarily on big data analysis technologies, AI applications, geographic and spatial information systems with open sources and real-time data. This will achieve the best levels of management and control in terms of public services, smart mobility, waste treatment, or infrastructure development, not only to meet the needs of the population, but also to anticipate their requirements and keep up with their future aspirations,” said Dr Mohammed Ahmed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA).
He further added, “Our collaboration with Dubai Municipality in launching the first laboratory for sustainability initiatives and projects and in the development and implementation of Dubai's geospatial infrastructure is an important step towards the realization of the DSOA's Smart City Strategy, supporting Dubai and the UAE sustainability agenda, and contributing to the development a geo-economic map of Dubai in accordance with the second item of the 50 Year Charter, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, earlier this year.”
The MoU for the lab was signed by Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality and Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DSOA, to improve cooperation in the development of smart irrigation networks using modern technology, waste collection and recycling, and the field of sewage systems and infrastructure. It will also provide training on the concepts of innovation for the Municipality employees and specialised programmes aimed at developing the competencies and skills of the employees of Dubai Municipality as well as those of DSOA.
Dubai Silicon Oasis is also home to the Smart City accelerator powered by Startupbootcamp, which is currently running its third cohort and recruiting startups for its fourth.
