Dubai launches first World Council on City Data Local Data Hub

Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has said that Dubai is steadily moving towards becoming a global centre for sustainable infrastructure in line with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which seeks to create a healthy environment that ensures the happiness and safety of citizens, residents and visitors.

The comments came during the launch of the first global network of World Council on City Data (WCCD) Local Data Hub, covering the Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and South Asia regions, in line with an agreement signed with the WCCD in May 2019.

The hub aims to achieve the United Nations (UN) sustainable objectives of the 2030 Agenda as well as strengthen the role of the cities and communities.

Commenting on the occasion, Sheikh Hamdan, said: “The newly launched Local Data Hub cements Dubai’s position in sustainable planning, as data is critical for planning and developing sustainable cities and projects. This is a great opportunity to boost economic growth and encourage the adoption of more sustainable solutions for a better future.”

Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairwoman National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, said: “There is always a direct relationship between data and sustainable smart cities. Urban development plans that aim to build sustainable communities contribute greatly to attracting investments and creating employment opportunities.”

“Dubai continues to invest in state-of-the-art smart tools that help in achieving social, environmental and economic goals. These tools are built on advanced technologies as well as the availability of accurate data. Data is what smart cities rely on to overcome social and economic obstacles that may stand in the way of achieving sustainable development for all,” added Al Hashimy.

Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai (TEC), Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, said that the initiative is in line with the vision to ensure economic growth and development through establishing the necessary foundations of a smart and sustainable city, instilling a mindset centred around sustainability, encouraging phenomenal environmental work, creating a platform to exchange expertise and best practices and building robust relationships with local, regional, and global stakeholders.

“The Government adopted a strategic planning methodology underpinned by data for its decision-making policy. Claiming the prestigious ISO 37120 certification was a testament to that – making Dubai the first city in the world to receive this certification. Today, and in partnership with WCCD, Dubai is a key player in the development of the Data Hub which comprises more than 60 cities from five continents,” he said.

The WCCD is said to be engaging with more cities from different continents to take part in this initiative, including Los Angeles in the U.S. and The Hague in the Netherlands.

Commenting on the event, WCCD President and CEO Dr. Patricia McCarney, said: “We highly appreciate the role of The Executive Council and the city of Dubai in promoting normative data, which in turn is critical to achieving the United Nation’s sustainability objectives, particularly in improving sustainable planning for cities as well as identifying visions and requirements for future demands. Dubai’s success in strategic planning and sustainability was the main reason behind our collaboration, which is built on knowledge, best practices, and knowledge exchange. The collaboration will elevate Dubai’s competitiveness in various safety and happiness international indices.”