Cities today are complex, dynamic systems - composed of interdependent assets, aging infrastructure, constrained resources and rising citizen expectations. As cities across the Middle East grow rapidly, public-sector leaders are under pressure to manage this growth in smarter, more sustainable ways. The question is no longer if cities need to adapt, but how they can do it with the speed and flexibility today’s challenges demand.
The answer lies not in isolated digital solutions, but in integrating systems, services and data into a single, interoperable intelligence layer, which we call the Living City.
Read more: The living city: reinventing urban governance in the Middle East
Interoperability is more than a boardroom buzzword — it’s a strategic advantage, enabling vendor flexibility, scalable infrastructure, and future-ready technology investments across the organization
If there’s one thing the last decade has taught us, it’s that the future rarely unfolds in a straight line. Technology changes, regulations shift, and yesterday’s cutting-edge platform becomes today’s legacy system.
Read more: Middle East: Future-proofing smart cities: Why interoperability is the next CEO priority
- Smart cities in the Middle East are becoming a model to the rest of the world thanks to the adoption of a range of green technologies
- Taking place from 1-3 October, the sixth edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia will take place at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC)
: The Middle East will be home to some of the most advanced smart cities in the next ten years, thanks to the leadership of countries in the region for their vision and focus on creating smart green cities, according to industry experts.
With 88% of transit agencies planning to deploy contactless ticketing within two years, cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha are leading the charge toward open-loop fare collection
A quiet revolution is unfolding across the Middle East’s transport networks. Gone are the days of fumbling for cash or queuing at ticket machines. Instead, commuters are increasingly tapping their way through metro gates, boarding buses with a wave of their smartphones, and using digital wallets to pay for their daily commutes. Contactless and open-loop ticketing systems are becoming the new standard, marking a significant shift in how transit agencies manage fare collection.
Read more: How contactless ticketing is changing public transport in the Middle East
The Middle East, renowned for its history, culture, and economic strength, is experiencing a pivotal moment where urban development converges with tech innovation.
Data-driven video technology, utilising AI and smart city infrastructure, is a crucial catalyst for this evolution. Analysing real-time video data from cameras and sensors enhances security, optimises traffic management, and informs urban planning. This technology drives the region towards a safer, more efficient, and interconnected future.
Read more: How is AI revolutionising urban development in the Middle East?