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Figure 11.1 By utilizing digital innovation to become a smart city, Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, has been improving public safety, energy efficiency, sustainability, and overall quality of life. (credit: modification of work “High High ... High Enough to Dream” by Maher Najm/Flickr, Public Domain)

Introduction

With digital innovation and advancements in global information systems, the world has become more tech savvy and interconnected. An example is the rise of smart cities, such as Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. In partnership with government agencies and private-sector organizations, the Digital Dubai Office has over 130 initiatives intended to digitalize daily life in Dubai, making the city a better place to live as it becomes more efficient and competitive in the world marketplace. This even includes an initiative to make Dubai the happiest city on earth.1 Through this initiative, the city discovers what Dubai citizens need and want to be happy and then uses technology to meet those needs. As a result, there have been robust changes in the city’s housing, transportation system, and health-care services to promote Dubai citizens’ well-being.

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