Our urban clusters need to be more liveable, resilient, and environmentally sustainable. As such is the urban paradigm of ‘smart cities’ platform that meets the aspirations and needs of the citizens.
Most countries in the world today have national visions for smart cities incorporated into their development plans, especially in view of the massive influx of people towards cities expected in the coming years.
Though definitions of “smart city,” are still evolving, the International Institute for Management Development defines it as “an urban setting that applies technology to enhance the benefits and diminish the shortcomings of urbanization for its citizens and residents.”
A smart city uses the so-called “internet of things” to gather and use data to provide citizens and residents with better healthcare, education, and public safety services. This means urban life becomes safer and convenient!
Oman is one among those forerunners to have signed a commitment to apply national plans and strategies to ensure universal access to safe and affordable basic services, sustainable transport systems, and green and public spaces for all.
Oman has already joined the race towards smart cities through its National Urban Development Strategy, aligning with its ambitious Oman Vision 2040, to speed up its journey towards urbanisation.
The National Strategy calls for the establishment of smart, sustainable and vibrant cities that will have a high quality of life through urban planning and sustainable world-class infrastructure.
Dr Khalfan bin Saeed Al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning while terming the strategy as “a basic component of Oman Vision 2040,” said in a speech earlier, “being the spatial framework enshrining all development programmes in an integrated, balanced and multifaceted manner.”
Several smart city projects are already in the pipeline, with the Omani government having signed agreements for master plan designs of various other smart cities across the country.
The projects aim to achieve integrated, balanced development in different regions while providing all citizens with employment opportunities that will contribute to the drive for economic diversification.
Sultan Haitham City is the first mega smart city project incorporating deployable technologies and sustainable strategies to expand the capital city of Muscat, and includes mixed-use developments in pace with global and regional changes.
With thorough attention to excellence in both architectural and design, the city aspires to become a true landmark and a cherished gift from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to help raise the standard of living of all segments of society, especially the youth.
Significantly, in the 2024 Smart City Index prepared by the International Institute for Management Development, Muscat has improved its performance by moving up eight points to 88 from 96 compared to the previous year.
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