DEC and Tech Mahindra sign Dubai smart city MoU

Dubai Economic Council (DEC) has signed an MoU with Tech Mahindra, to focus on the development of Dubai's smart city vision.
The MoU, which was signed by Hani Al Hamli, DEC Secretary General and CP Gurnani, CEO, Tech Mahindra, in Dubai. As part of the MoU, DEC and Tech Mahindra will develop a joint Centre of Excellence in Dubai, which will develop smart city technologies and concepts.
"We strongly believe in strategic partnerships and alliances to achieve a nation's strategic initiatives ...Tech Mahindra makes an excellent partner to collaborate with in catering to the smart city initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai," said Al Hamli. "Our collaboration with Tech Mahindra would find ways and solutions to support Dubai's complete conversion to a smart city." Gurnani said: "We are proud of this new partnership with the Dubai Economic Council, which strongly demonstrates Tech Mahindra's eagerness to play a key role in the vision set forth by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to transform the emirate into one of the world's premier Smart Cities. Dubai is committed to create the vision of a 'Connected World, Connected Solutions, Connected City' and more importantly a secure city into a reality and I am happy that DEC has chosen us as a partner-- and I am deeply grateful.
"The establishment of a joint Centre of Excellence will surely drive in an influx of new Proof of Concepts and solutions that can be utilized by various government departments in the efforts to shift to Smart City status. Tech Mahindra's expertise across various technology based verticals is expected to reinforce the shift-like helping streamline services in healthcare, education, security, energy, logistics, financial services, hospitality and real estate. Additionally, Citizen Benefit Value Analysis will be a key value driver in ensuring the success of this Centre of Excellence; acting as a performance benchmark measured by the Steering Committee of the centre itself." Gurnani further added: "Dubai remains a world leader in urban planning and the way it shows us how diversity can co-exist in a city and also as a country is truly amazing. Dubai is truly an ideal example to the slogan ‘Connected World'--proving itself as a model 'Smart City' not just for the Middle East but for the rest of the whole world as well. We are widely known for our expertise in building technologies for connected hospitals, connected hotels, and smart stadiums, and we are looking forward to working closely with the DEC as this will be the first time Tech Mahindra is offering a wholesome package of building technologies, creating innovations, proof of concepts and the like to build a complete ‘Connected City'."