The Dubai Economic Council (DEC) said it has signed an MOU with Tech Mahindra, a leader in providing innovative and customer-centric information technology services.

“We strongly believe in strategic partnerships and alliances to achieve a nation’s strategic initiatives and Tech Mahindra makes an excellent partner to collaborate with in catering to the smart city initiative," said Hani Rashid Al Hamli, the secretary general of DEC after signing the deal with CP Gurnani, the CEO of Tech Mahindra.

"Our collaboration with Tech Mahindra would find ways and solutions to support Dubai’s complete conversion to a smart city," he noted.

The DEC, he stated, seeks to benefit from the private sectors’ spectacular experience in smart technologies to help connect not only Dubai’s community but also the UAE and the world.

"This is just a beginning, the MoU will pave the way of enhanced collaboration between the two parties including exchange of knowledge, expertise and advice in innovation and smart solutions which would be converts to real engines such as the city’s connectivity through different utilities connection via smart solutions," he remarked.

Gurnani said: "Dubai is committed to create the vision of a 'Connected World, Connected Solutions, Connected City' and more importantly a secure city into a reality and I am happy that DEC has chosen us as a partner."

"The establishment of a joint Centre of Excellence will surely drive in an influx of new Proof of Concepts and solutions that can be utilized by various government departments in the efforts to shift to Smart City status. Tech Mahindra’s expertise across various technology based verticals is expected to reinforce the shift - like helping streamline services in healthcare, education, security, energy, logistics, financial services, hospitality and real estate," noted Gurnani.

"Additionally, Citizen Benefit Value Analysis will be a key value driver in ensuring the success of this Centre of Excellence; acting as a performance benchmark measured by the Steering Committee of the centre itself," he added.

Gurnani said Dubai remained a world leader in urban planning and "the way it shows us how diversity can co-exist in a city and also as a country is truly amazing."

"Dubai is truly an ideal example to the slogan ‘Connected World’--proving itself as a model 'Smart City' not just for the Middle East but for the rest of the whole world as well," he stated.

"We are widely known for our expertise in building technologies for connected hospitals, connected hotels, and smart stadiums, and we are looking forward to working closely with the DEC as this will be the first time Tech Mahindra is offering a wholesome package of building technologies, creating innovations, proof of concepts and the like to build a complete ‘Connected City," he added.-TradeArabia News Service