Are Proprietary Solutions Delaying Smart Cities’ Development?

In this insightful discussion filmed at the Smart City Expo in Barcelona, Abdulrahman Ibrahim, the Chief Data and Innovation Officer at Al-Madinah Region Development Authority, engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Louis-Frederic Robin, the Chairman of the uCIFI Alliance and Head of Cities & Public Lighting at Engie. This dialogue centers around the implementation and impact of proprietary solutions within the context of smart city development.

Madinah City, a prominent figure in the IMD Smart City Index 2021, holds the notable position of being the second-ranked smart city in Saudi Arabia, just behind the capital city of Riyadh. This achievement is a testament to the innovative strides made by the Al-Madinah Region Development Authority in the realm of urban development and technology integration.

The focal point of this conversation is the Raseel platform, a pioneering initiative of the Al-Madinah Region Development Authority’s Smart City Program. The Raseel platform stands out as the first smart city platform implemented in Saudi Arabia. This platform, which is a product of meticulous design, development, and implementation by the Authority, is also an asset they hold intellectual property rights over.

A notable aspect of the Raseel platform is its integration with FIWARE technology. This choice reflects a commitment to adopting open standards and embracing open data concepts, positioning the platform as a flexible and adaptable solution in the evolving landscape of smart city technologies.

Through this video, viewers gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategic decisions behind smart city implementations and the role proprietary solutions play in shaping the future of urban living. Join Abdulrahman Ibrahim and Louis-Frederic Robin as they delve into these topics, offering valuable insights and expert perspectives on the development of smart cities, particularly focusing on the pioneering efforts of Madinah City within this dynamic field.