The future vision of smart cities in the Sultanate of Oman Case study: A comparison with the Qatari model

الملخص

The study aims to evaluate the future of smart cities in the Sultanate of Oman and explore the drivers and objectives required to achieve a smart city in the Sultanate, comparing it with the Qatari model due to the similarity of conditions between the two countries in the region. The study also addresses the concept of smart cities and the related concepts, in addition to their dimensions, characteristics, and various models. Furthermore, the study highlights the challenges that hinder the transformation of Oman's cities into smart cities. In light of technological and knowledge advancements, it has become essential to adopt these technologies to solve urban problems faced by cities due to rapid population growth, which puts pressure on infrastructure and the natural environment. The study relied on information derived from interviews conducted with experts involved in smart city projects at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in the Sultanate of Oman. The researchers followed the quantitative analytical approach, where a questionnaire was distributed and analyzed to reveal the level of Omani awareness regarding smart cities. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite images, and thematic maps prepared by the researchers were also used to produce the results using scientific methods and modern techniques. The researchers conducted a comparison between Qatar and Oman to identify the common features in the development of smart cities. The results showed that smart cities in Qatar have contributed to solving existing planning problems and in building a knowledge-based economy. The study concluded by identifying and assessing the challenges facing urban and regional planning in the Sultanate, the most significant of which is rapid urban growth and the increasing demand for housing in Muscat Governorate, which requires accelerating the establishment of smart cities. The study also pointed to Oman's high capability to adopt the smart city concept due to its excellent infrastructure and an aware society.

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