Three areas GCC’s future cities should address

The new cities should create a “place” for living and not only for transactions.

The development of modern cities or the “metapolis” within the GCC is still on the rise to address the population growth and improve the living conditions in the region. But as they live by the “smart city” concept, technology should not be the only core of their expansion.

In a report, Ernst & Young (EY) said the framework for the development of these cities should evolve and prioritise “a more rounded, holistic framework that puts sociological factors” at its centre.

GCC urban planners before aim to facilitate transactions and create physical space for consumers, businesses and organisations–a space based on the establishment of physical infrastructures.

However, there is now an emphasis to modernise and establishing cities to create a “place” that will serve multiple facets of living, not only transactions, according to EY.

These connected cities should address the needs of the citizens, not just consumers, by providing a clean and sustainable environment, and efficient services. This place should be conducive to high-quality education and foster cultural and artistic enrichment.

The metapolis should also pave the way for convergence “enriched by the diversity of cultures, outlooks, skills, languages and cuisines.”

“Through their built environment, use of technologies, and the services they provide, the GCC’s smart cities must support both diversity and convergence. Without these, the cities will be unable to attract the types of talent, from the region and beyond. They need to be truly innovative,” EY said.

Urban planners are addressing this concern by prioritising sustainability in the new cities as there is a growing consciousness and consensus amongst the citizens for the need to decarbonise and save the environment, given that the region heavily relied on fossil fuels.

“The leaders should avoid making compromises on their low or no carbon strategies under the pressure of meeting ambitious deadlines,” it said.

Whilst technologies and connected infrastructure are crucial in building smart cities in GCC, they should not only improve efficiency but also boost economic growth.

These technologies should also aim to create a vibrant environment in these “places” to attract people from their region and other places, it said, adding that this is getting support from political leaders through labour market reforms that enable greater workforce mobility and migration of talents globally.

“Attracting such ingenuity gives the “metapolises,” taking shape in the Gulf, an opportunity to match or exceed the famous innovation hubs of North America and Europe,” EY said.