How Dubai is Building the City of the Future (Future Cities by Skift and MasterCard)

Emerging as the modern day crossroads of the world, Dubai’s has become a leader in smart city design.

Imaginative structures have risen to form a futuristic skyline, including the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

By 2020, Dubai plans to double its visitors from 10 million to 20 million people.

Along the way, the city is becoming even better connected, with initiatives like Dubai 2021 evolving transit, communications and infrastructure.

Driverless cars, electric busses and the expansion of Dubai’s fully-automated metro system are set to clear up traffic congestion.

Public spaces and taxis are being equipped with free Wi-Fi, along with the latest payment technology.

A 5-D control room is being constructed to monitor projects like these, and provide residents with real-time city updates. In turn, residents can communicate directly with all sectors of Dubai’s government through a single virtual portal.

With mobile tech and smart city design fueling seamless interactions, Dubai is building the city of the future.