Leading IT solution providers are experimenting with cloud-based computing solutions to help governments deliver smart city projects in the Arab world and across the globe, said experts ahead of an industry event in Dubai.

The second annual Arab Future Cities Summit is being organised by Expotrade Middle East from November 2 to 3 at Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa.

Industry reports indicate that there has been a steady year-on-year increase in government spending on cloud computing facilities.

Many governments have embraced the cloud-based platform to interconnect the various facets of a city’s services - infrastructure, public services, government bodies educational and health institutions, that will enable ensure seamless communication, said the event organisers.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been a key enabler to drive productivity, improve collaboration and accelerate innovation.

"Governments across the globe are harnessing the power of technology to develop solutions that will enable them to introduce platforms and applications to significantly improve and increase effectiveness of the citizen-oriented government programs and also help align existing city initiatives," remarked Brad Hariharan, the regional director at Expotrade Middle East.

Large-scale infrastructure-driven developments have been the key growth drivers for cloud computing, big data and analytics, he stated.  

Armed with a colossal amount of data, governments and private organizations alike are investing heavily in data centers to store data in a centralized platform that will help in more effective knowledge sharing and provide support for better planning and governance in the city, he added.

Moreover, it will also help improve efficiency, reduce cost and complexity of building smart city IT infrastructure by efficiently and effectively integrating and supporting the various city operations such as healthcare, traffic, police, fire, citizen services, electricity, water and municipal operations, said the organisers.

Adoption of ICT to improve the efficiency and sustainability of cities will be discussed at the event, they added.

To deliver smart city solutions, companies are unleashing the full potential of innovation, and developing tools, infrastructure platforms and integrated solutions using cloud computing and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies such as sensors and smartphones, that generate maximum city-specific data and help in better city planning and management, said Hariharan.

According to an industry report, 10 per cent of China’s total IT spending is directly related to smart city projects.

Additionally, the report also pointed out that the Middle East was one of the fastest-growing IT markets in the world.-TradeArabia News Service