Abstract

The United Arab Emirates has an aim to develop smart cities incorporating advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), to enhance urban sustainability, mobility, and improve citizens quality of life. However, based on the significant funds invested by the government, there exists an important gap within the government systems in measuring the effectiveness of such activities given the lack of data quantifying the benefits gained from such smart initiatives. To address this gap, this study delivers the benefits gained from smart initiatives by using a mixed-methods approach combining both quantitative and qualitative data. The research is based on a time-limited before and after an analysis where the time periods (2018   2021) constitutes the before phase and (2022   2024) is the after phase which is the period of large-scale IoT implementation at the start of 2022. The results show that the key performance indicators have increased significantly after the introduction of these solutions. The indoor PM2.5 concentration decreased by 43%. Journey time decreased by 48% and citizen satisfaction increased by 57%. Even though the disclosure of data sources was limited by the need to maintain confidentiality, the general tendencies are quite convincing of the positive effect caused by the process of IoT-based smart cities. All in all, this study can emphasize the advantages of smart cities and IoT applications in the UAE as well as the obstacles to their implementation. The research provides useful information to aid policymakers and city planners, as well as advance the scientific knowledge on technology-based urban development.

Publication Date

1-14-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Engineering Management (ME)

Department, Program, or Center

Mechanical Engineering

Advisor

Muhammad Imran

Advisor/Committee Member

Dua Weraikat

Advisor/Committee Member

Ghalib Kahwaji

Comments

This thesis has been embargoed. The full-text will be available on or around 1/17/2027.

Campus

RIT Dubai

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