Doha, March 29 (QNA) - Under the patronage of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, Smart City Expo Doha 2022, the region's exclusive smart city world congress organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) in partnership with Fira de Barcelona, opened to wide acclaim at Msheireb Downtown Doha on Tuesday.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, HE Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai commented, "We are pleased to hold the Smart City Expo Doha in Qatar for the second time, where we will connect with local and international stakeholders, experts, and specialists in the field, to explore the latest trends and exchange ideas and experiences, as we work to ensure accelerating digital transformation, achieving a knowledge-based economy, and transitioning towards smart cities, with the aim of improving the quality of life in Qatar in various sectors."
His Excellency also added: "I would like to thank Msheireb Properties and Fira de Barcelona for their cooperation and efforts. We look forward that Smart City Expo Doha will be beneficial for all participants, wishing for all success towards a sustainable future that is more economically, socially, and environmentally prosperous," His Excellency added.
Chief Executive Officer, Msheireb Properties, Nasser Matar Al Kawari said in his welcoming speech: "A smart city became a real need to cope with the rapid change of today's world. Technology is now an integral part of today's construction projects and urban developments, which is keen to leverage the digital revolution to offer people more benefits in their daily life and work. Based on that, Msheireb Properties envisioned a new smart city which been smart since its inception and planning. Msheireb Downtown Doha became one of the world's smartest and most sustainable city districts, and an ideal example of what modern urban planning should be, to meet the demands of the future with resilience and flexibility."
"This city we gather in today is the result of our vision a decade ago, to become a futuristic hub for the next generations. It relies on advanced and modern-day technology, but at the same time, carries the heritage and legacy of our country's rich history. Our mission and vision to expand knowledge sharing and promote smart and green building trends. In this context, Msheireb Properties is ready to share its expertise and knowledge in this field with entities wishing to implement such amenities in their future projects. This is part of our belief and contribution to our country's progress and prosperity. Our conference today is a very important platform to exchange our vision and experience to define fruitful outcomes and results that enhance our capabilities and promote smartness and sustainability."
Following the official opening speeches, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, accompanied by distinguished guests, toured the exhibition organized on the sidelines of the event. They visited the Sponsors area, Solution Provider area, Innovation Hub and Start-up area, government area, countries and embassies area, and the MCIT pavilion.
Ricard Zapatero Camps, CEO of Fira Barcelona International told the opening ceremony: "We at Fira de Barcelona and the Smart City Expo World Congress are very proud of our partnership with Qatar's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to organize our second edition of Smart City Expo Doha. On March 29, Doha and the Msheireb district will become the capital of innovative smart city policies, bringing together representatives from all over the world to share projects, experiences and best ideas to maintain a future of resilience and a better life for all of us."
Under the theme "Sustainable Future of Resilience", Smart City Expo Doha 2022 brings together +70 world-renowned smart city experts representing +60 countries, +90 sponsors and exhibitors, 3 keynote sessions to share ideas and solutions on how to create a better, more sustainable future for cities and their citizens.
Key topics under discussion at Smart City Expo Doha include Sustainable Cities, Reshaping Digital Public Services, Global Economy and Digital Readiness, and Sport Events in a Connected Society.
Explaining the wider impact of Smart City Expo Doha 2022, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Society Development at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori said, "As cities across the world change rapidly, adopting smart city solutions like those presented during Smart City Expo Doha will be crucial as we transform our urban environments into sustainable spaces where the living, working and staying experience of people is enhanced by innovation." (QNA)