Global Scans · Smart Cities · Weekly Summary

• [New] Singapore and China have signed a memorandum of understanding for a new smart city twinning initiative that also opens several opportunities for communications industries to collaborate in various sectors including intelligent transport, smart education and smart environment management. ITS International
• [New] Gulf Cooperation Council countries are expected to accelerate the adoption of IoT driven by smart city projects, 5G connectivity, and a strong focus on operating stores with fewer resources. Precedence Research
• [New] Middle East & Africa is a rapidly expanding region with considerable growth potential through the implementation of smart city initiatives, digital tourism, and immersive training programs. Precedence Research
• [New] The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading digital transformation; Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 includes a $20 billion investment in AI and big data for smart cities and healthcare. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Integration with Multimodal Mobility and Smart City Plans Air taxi services are increasingly being envisioned as components of broader multimodal urban mobility plans integrated with metro, bus, rail, and micro-mobility networks in UK. Mobility Foresights
• [New] In the Smart Mobility space, combining Clever Devices' fleet management technology with Hitachi Rail's Operation Control Centers will enable real time multimodal solutions for urban public transport systems. GlobeNewswire
• [New] The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the fastest CAGR of 25.67% during the forecast period, driven by factors such as rapid urbanization, increased investment in electric aircraft, and the rise of smart cities. GlobeNewswire
• [New] Smart city initiatives and the digitization of industries (e.g., automobile and manufacturing), which are occurring globally, will increase the activities associated with deploying IoT solutions for areas such as traffic control, energy consumption, public safety, and public utility. MarketGenics
• Dubai's next phase of smart city evolution will be defined by autonomy and interoperability. WDCS Technology
• On a broader scale, global connected devices are estimated to reach 39 billion by 2030, with smart cities representing a significant share of adoption. WDCS Technology
• Digital solutions have the potential to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15% by 2030 through optimized logistics, smart grids, and energy-efficient building management. Market Data Forecast
• The UAE leads adoption of medical drones through advanced healthcare systems and smart city initiatives, while Saudi Arabia is expanding usage as part of its Vision 2030 healthcare transformation programs. Precedence Research
• India has huge potential in IoT across sectors like utilities, healthcare, and smart infrastructure. ETTelecom
• Artificial intelligence spending across the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa is expected to grow from approximately USD 4.5 billion in 2024 to USD 14.6 billion by 2028, highlighting strong regional momentum in digital infrastructure and smart city deployment. Techtime News
• By 2026, the solar industry is anticipated to become central to the renewable energy sector, with nations enhancing clean energy strategies and investing in solar infrastructure and innovations such as energy storage and smart grid systems. Soleos Solar Energy Private Limited
• By 2026, Masdar City will continue to integrate sustainable mobility solutions, smart grids, renewable energy systems, and international collaborations, making it one of the most significant examples in the region of futuristic UAE projects 2026 urban planning grounded in environmental realities. Go Dubai Desert Safari
• For reference, the EU Horizon Mission Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 has earmarked USD 107 million for systemic smart city transition projects across more than 100 European cities, helping to scale digital infrastructures and urban data platforms. MarkNtel Advisors

Last updated: 13 April 2026