The proliferation of technological advancements offers opportunities for both governments and businesses to upgrade their business models and find new ways to overcome their infrastructural and operational challenges. Where they used to double every couple of years, computing capabilities are now doubling every 3.4 months. This means that we're on track to outpace Moore's law soon—thanks to artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other quantum leaps in science and technology. But anytime there's talk about changes to the status quo, psychological and sociological resistance is to be expected.

Technology has become an important driver of economic growth and productivity improvements. That's why it's not surprising that smart cities appear to be at the top of the agenda for governments worldwide. Businesses are increasingly using technology to disrupt markets, governance and service delivery, so it is only natural that governments are paying more attention to how they can leverage technology to improve operational efficiencies and quality of life.

Egypt joining the global smart city revolution

Smart cities are the latest development sweeping the globe. Their underlying technologies and services are reshaping how we live and work. From Singapore to Silicon Valley, governments turn to innovative technologies to address urban problems, including traffic, pollution, and citizen engagement. Egypt is no different; in a move that will put the country on the global smart city map, the Egyptian government is now building a smart city from the ground up: the New Administrative Capital (NAC).

Through the construction of this new megacity, Egypt is seizing the opportunity to get ahead of the inevitable curve through Egypt's Vision 2030. The project aims to relieve congestion in Cairo, which is expected to double in population in the next 30 years. It introduces a golden opportunity to integrate new technologies seamlessly without the typical pushback and resistance that follows any change in established communities.

The New Administrative Capital isn't a remodel; it's a full construction project that promises a new future for the populace, industry, business, and government starting from the bottom up. Egypt is breaking ground on the world stage to use the innovative tools at our disposal to align our objectives in peace and prosperity for people and the planet with the

UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Albeit being an enormous endeavour, the New Administrative Capital of Egypt is modelled after the successful launch of smaller smart cities across the country that are already paving the way, including:

  • New Alamein City
  • Egypt International City for Olympic Games
  • Borg Al-Arab Technology Park

What Will the New Administrative Capital Look Like?

As a new smart metropolis, the New Administrative Capital will utilise smart city technologies and set the foundation for Egypt's smart, sustainable future. Moreover, it will help the country create new jobs, attract foreign investment, increase tourism, and market Egypt as a high-tech hub in the region—which is Egypt's chance to show the world its innovative side.

A smart city operations centre, or central command centre, will manage the city. It will connect IoT-based applications and use algorithms and artificial intelligence to maximise efficiency and minimise waste. For example, sensors embedded in roads will monitor traffic patterns and adjust lights accordingly. The water network will use smart pipes to detect leaks and burst pipes before they cause major damage.

Behind the Scenes: How Smart Cities Work

The basis of the smart city is one centred around the use of cutting-edge technology to improve infrastructure, preserve environmental integrity, upgrade public transportation for maximum efficiency, and enable everyone to live and work in the city structured around progressive city plans without reliance on outside resources. To achieve such an overarching initiative, there's much work going on behind the scenes, and it boils down to four primary steps:

  • Gathering as much data as possible using smart sensors
  • Analysing that data to gain powerful insights into daily operations of the city to improve efficiency with each passing day
  • Sharing data with both decision-makers and residents alike
  • Making ongoing changes as indicated by the detailed data continually pouring in

Beyond the Hype- Smart Cities Offer Efficiency in Problem Management

Sure, smart cities are cool. From significantly improved access to data and vehicle charging stations to plans of constructing what will become the tallest building in the world with the Oblisco Capitale, these attention-grabbing features often overshadow the inherent benefits and overall practicality of smart cities. Novelties aside, smart cities will solve a number of challenges we all struggle with every day.

Keeping Our carbon footprint low

Air, water and even noise pollution can be monitored in real-time and managed through an IoT-based unified operations centre. Sophisticated water management systems allow close tracking of soil moisture, so city parks and gardens experience consistently efficient irrigation. This saves money on waste and maintenance while improving air quality.

Taking the frustration out of parking

With smart parking management applications, wasting time and gas looking for a parking spot is a thing of the past. Parking patterns are identified to allow practical price adaptations to help parking managers improve efficiency. Best of all, emergency vehicles always have access to their designated parking areas.

Lowering crime rates

Residential and commercial security monitoring systems are highly advanced in smart cities. City operators can now receive real-time notifications of open doors and gates, smoke and fire detection, and customised conditional threshold violations far beyond security cameras.

Improving street lighting

Environmental efficiency doesn't have to require intensive effort and inconvenience. From power outage detection and notification of damaged lights to supply outages and more, the smart city concept keeps the roads and sidewalks safer for drivers and pedestrians during the day and night.

Waste management and pollution reduction

Waste management providers typically work on a schedule. Their routes are determined by the day of the week whether or not their customers have trash. In the smart city, a trip for trash collection is initiated by an alert indicating high fill levels. Trash cans aren't half-empty or overflowing when they're serviced. Rather, they're perfectly timed. This keeps the city clean while minimising pests and reducing unnecessary fuel costs and pollution.

Are you building a smart city? Connect with one of our IoT experts to discuss how we can help you manage your smart, sustainable city with Cervello Cities, our Smart City Operations Centre (SCOC).