Doha, November 24 (QNA) - Msheireb Properties, a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation and a leading sustainable real estate development company in Qatar, organized on Tuesday the virtual "Doha Smart Cities Summit", with the participation of partners, global smart cities leaders, innovators and experts.
The speakers discussed the vital role of smart cities for current and future generations and its high capabilities to tackle different challenges during pandemic times, and its role in supporting sustainability and water and energy efficiency.
Msheireb Properties, in a speech by its Acting CEO Engineer Ali Al Kuwari, revealed that it is conducting tests for autonomous vehicles at Msheireb Downtown Doha during the summit. The new autonomous vehicles will be offering their services once the tests are completed.
Al Kuwari added in his speech: "Since its inception, Msheireb Properties has taken the responsibility to build a fully sustainable smart city, which is Msheireb Downtown Doha, one of the smartest and most sustainable cities in the world. Smart cities are no longer a matter of choice but rather a global trend adopted by countries and corporates to cope with new societal demands, whether by individuals,companies, or governmental entities. Smart cities have proven their high capabilities to meet individual and companies' needs better than conventional cities during the Corona pandemic, in the fields of remote learning, work from home, delivery services or unmanned equipment."
"Msheireb Properties is adopting an "autonomous vehicle" concept, which can be used in many matters, especially in various delivery services, without the need for a driver. Further tests are being conducted on this vehicle in our city Msheireb Downtown Doha, and once they are completed, the vehicle will serve residents and tenants," he stated.
For her part, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Society Development at the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori, said: "Qatar is working to accomplish sustainable development as per the pillars of 2030 Qatar National vision and change the economy from a natural based economy to a knowledge-based society, with Qatar being positioned at the forefront of digital innovations".
"The Ministry launched TASMU smart Qatar Program as the digital response to the national vision. TASMU harnesses advanced technology and innovation to deliver smart solutions and applications across priority sectors. For example, this year, to help reduce the strain on our health care facilities, during COVID-19, we accelerated implementing one of our existing smart solutions in the healthcare sector. We launched the service in collaboration with the Ministry of Public health virtual consultation services. We also launched EHTERAZ mobile application; the smart solution helped the country identify and manage disease transmission chains," she said.
Meanwhile, HE Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Hassan Al Thawadi said that Qatar succeeded through hard work and proper planning in overcoming the obstacles related to the international tournament.
"We work to ensure the provision of smart experience for visitors to Qatar 2022 from the moment they board a plane, arriving at Hamad International airport, using 5G network, commute through Doha Metro, booking their stay in Msheireb or any other destination, and moving to and from the stadiums and other locations," HE Al Thawadi added.
Reiterating the importance of sustainability in preserving the environment and resources, Al Thawadi stated that all stadiums are sustainable to serve all member of society.
HE Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, CEO of Vodafone Qatar, said: "The transformation to smart cities is no longer a luxury but a necessity that is required to solve some of the greatest challenges the world is facing. Smart cities were able to quickly and efficiently respond to fighting the virus, through processing algorithms and artificial intelligence applications that helped authorities set plans in place to trace suspect COVID-19 Cases."
"We have invested heavily in building the foundation of a smart digital city that enables integration, analysis, and sharing data. Our investments also include a 5G network. Vodafone Qatar was one of the first to launch a 5G network, which has a deep impact on how we live and work in Qatar. Vodafone Qatar partnership with Msheireb Downtown Doha reflects our commitment to accelerating Qatar's journey towards becoming one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world", he added.
The summit included a series of panel discussions about a range of specialist areas. The first panel discussed cybersecurity in smart cities and the importance of implementing digital systems services. The second panel focused on mobility and autonomous vehicles and the presentation of a new transportation business model.
The third session was held under the title of "Innovation and Sustainability From Lifestyle Shift to Climate Change." The summit ended with a special closing panel session on a pandemic-ready smart city model, outlining smart cities' readiness and preparedness in the stages of lockdown.
Doha Smart Cities Summit was an important platform for experts, professionals, and a broader audience to share, inspire, and shape the Smart City industry's future. (QNA)