Mr. Mohamad AlZuhlof, Sales Manager at INTERRA, emphasized the crucial role of strong public-private partnerships in accelerating the development and implementation of smart city initiatives.
“To encourage investment in smart city solutions, it is imperative to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors,” stated Mr. AlZuhlof. “This can be achieved by providing incentives and facilities to companies and individuals, such as customs and tax exemptions, streamlined infrastructure access, simplified ownership and licensing procedures, and financial and regulatory support.”
Mr. AlZuhlof highlighted that these measures would create a stimulating investment ecosystem, driving the rapid expansion of smart city projects, and also note that such partnerships would contribute to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
This was stated place during event hosted by NGN, a leading Bahrain IT and IoT integration and Managed Cyber Security firm. The event, themed “Smart Buildings: Navigating the Future,” was part of NGN’s ongoing Majlis initiative, aimed at fostering awareness and understanding of the Internet of Things (IoT).
Industry leaders and experts convened to delve into the multifaceted challenges and promising opportunities facing smart cities. Key topics included investment prospects, essential technologies driving smart building innovation, the tangible benefits they offer, and the strategic steps required for successful urban transformation.
During the event Mr. AlZuhlof emphasized the critical importance of effective collaboration between the public and private sectors in achieving successful smart city development during a recent seminar.
“Both sectors play distinct yet complementary roles in the creation of thriving smart cities. The public sector provides the policy and regulatory framework, as well as financing, while the private sector contributes innovative technologies, solutions, services, and project implementation expertise.”
This collaborative approach maximizes shared benefits and ensures the efficient use of resources, ultimately creating sustainable smart city ecosystems.
“Building secure smart cities presents unique challenges, including the need to expand opportunities,” Mr. AlZuhlof explained. “Collaborative partnerships between the public and private sectors are essential to capitalize on these opportunities and develop sustainable smart city models.”
INTERRA’s sales manager highlighted the importance of investing in advanced encryption technologies, proactive cyber threat detection measures, and robust cybersecurity training to ensure the safe and secure use of technologies within smart cities.
Moreover, Mr. AlZuhlof emphasized the significance of investing in cutting-edge technologies and intelligent systems to foster a brighter future for both smart cities and the environment. This entails ensuring the provision of region-specific services tailored to residents’ needs.
“Every Arabian Gulf citizen, for instance, anticipates a smart city equipped with specific infrastructure features and services. Achieving this necessitates technology that aligns with these expectations and addresses challenges such as extreme heat and water scarcity. Such goals can only be realized through city planning and systems that keep pace with the latest advancements in smart technology. This requires enhanced collaboration among governments, engineers, designers, urban development firms, and local communities.” Mr. AlZuhlof concluded.
