Smart Cities in the GCC

This panel discussion highlights the experiences of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in developing smart cities and their role in supporting sustainable housing goals and building safe and resilient cities and communities. The session focuses on how digital technologies, big data, and urban innovation are leveraged to improve quality of life, enhance service efficiency, and support sustainable urban planning. The session also examines the role of smart cities in addressing rapidly evolving urban challenges, including population growth, climate change, and infrastructure pressures, through smart solutions that enhance safety, sustainability, and urban resilience. It showcases leading models and initiatives from GCC countries that demonstrate the integration of government policies, the private sector, and technology to achieve inclusive and balanced urban development. The panel aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and best practices, and to generate practical insights and recommendations that support smart city strategies as a key enabler for achieving the objectives of the World Urban Forum in housing the world and building sustainable, resilient urban communities.