Msheireb Properties, subsidiary of Qatar Foundation, organised the first-of-its-kind virtual summit in the region - “Doha Smart Cities Summit,” recently.
The summit featured representatives of Msheireb Properties, the leading sustainable real estate development company in Qatar along with global smart cities leaders, innovators, and experts locally, regionally and internationally.
The speakers discussed the vital role of smart cities for current and future generations and its high capabilities to tackle different challenges during pandemic times, and its role in supporting sustainability and water and energy efficiency.
Engineer Ali Al Kuwari, Msheireb Properties Acting CEO, revealed that Msheireb Properties is conducting tests for autonomous vehicles at Msheireb Downtown Doha during the summit. The new autonomous vehicles will be offering their services once the tests are completed.
Al Kuwari said, “Since its inception, Msheireb Properties has taken the responsibility to build a fully sustainable smart city, which is Msheireb Downtown Doha, one of the smartest and most sustainable cities in the world.”
He added, “Smart cities are no longer a matter of choice but rather a global trend adopted by countries and corporates to cope with new societal demands, whether by individuals,companies, or governmental entities. Smart cities have proven their high capabilities to meet individual and companies’ needs better than conventional cities during the Corona pandemic, in the fields of remote learning, work from home, delivery servicesor unmanned equipment. “
“Msheireb Properties is adopting an “autonomous vehicle” concept, which can be used in many matters, especially in various delivery services, without the need for a driver. Further tests are being conducted on this vehicle in our city Msheireb Downtown Doha, and once they are completed, the vehicle will serve residents and tenants,” he stated.
The summit attendees also heard from, Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Society Development, Ministry of Transport and Communications; Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General, Chairman, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, CEO, Vodafone Qatar.
The summit included representatives from global leading smart cities, such as Amsterdam and Singapore. Leonie van den Beuken, Program Director at Amsterdam Smart City, and Tan Puay Hong, Principle Engineer at Land Transport Authority of Singapore, shared the experience of the two cities with the audience.
The summit included a series of panel discussions about a range of specialist areas. The first panel discussed cybersecurity in smart cities and the importance of implementing digital systems services. The second panel focused on mobility and autonomous vehicles and the presentation of a new transportation business model. The third session was held under the title of “Innovation and Sustainability From Lifestyle Shift to Climate Change.”
The summit ended with a special closing panel session on a pandemic-ready smart city model, outlining smart cities’ readiness and preparedness in the stages of lockdown.
Doha Smart Cities Summit is an important platform for experts, professionals, and a broader audience to share, inspire, and shape the Smart City industry’s future.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Fazeena Saleem
Quelle/Source: The Peninsula, 29.11.2020
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