Abu Dhabi, Singapore expand ties to advance smart city move

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and IPI Singapore, a subsidiary of ESG, have jointly launched an innovation call to advance the smart city agenda. Eligible companies from Singapore are invited to submit solutions to address individual challenge statements outlined by Abu Dhabi entities.

Through this innovation call, Abu Dhabi and Singapore aim to accelerate smart city development to sustainably improve quality of life, operational efficiency and competitiveness. Singapore ranks first globally on the Institute for Management Development (IMD) Smart City Index 2020 while Abu Dhabi is the highest ranking in the Middle East. The innovation call will increase collaboration, connect innovation ecosystems and promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise between both sides.

Dr. Tariq Bin Hendi, Director General of ADIO, the government hub supporting private sector investment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi is committed to continuing the already strong economic cooperation with Singapore and to advancing innovation for long-term, sustainable growth. The innovation call with Enterprise Singapore strengthens existing partnerships and bridges new collaboration opportunities between Abu Dhabi and Singapore.

We look forward to uncovering viable solutions that are not only locally relevant but also exportable worldwide. This will contribute to the development of knowledge economies as well as smart cities in our regions and beyond.”

The innovation call provides a platform for companies to co-innovate and develop targeted solutions that may be considered for city-wide implementation in Abu Dhabi. ADIO has worked closely with Abu Dhabi entities Adnoc, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and Masdar to identify six smart city challenges and commit to a pilot with the winning solution providers. Eligible companies will be able to receive funding support from Enterprise Singapore.

Tan Soon Kim, ESG Assistant Chief Executive Officer said, “The smart city joint innovation call will deepen collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Singapore. Singapore companies with the capabilities and experience in smart solutions would be able to partner established entities in Abu Dhabi to co-create and pilot tech-enabled solutions for a range of urban challenges, including energy and water sustainability, transport efficiency and dense communities. As partners, we can work together to drive social transformation and enhance the lives of our citizens.”

Wong Lup Wai, Chief Executive Officer of IPI said, “We are glad to be part of this joint innovation call, together with participants of Singapore’s innovation ecosystem network such as the local trade associations. IPI is committed and looks forward to presenting solutions that could create more liveable and sustainable urban areas for the region.”

The innovation call is open for submissions from now until 29 July 2021. ADIO, ESG and IPI, will conduct a virtual challenge briefing on 10 June 2021 for interested companies to find out more about the challenges. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is encouraging residents to start planning their summer getaway with the launch of its latest sale. Date or destination changes can be made for free.

An Eid gift for UAE residents, travellers can jet off with never seen before summer prices of up to 50% off. Lay back on sun-drenched beaches in the Seychelles or explore ancient ruins in Athens. The sale ends on 12 May 2021 and is valid for travel until 20 November 2021.

Fares from Abu Dhabi to Casablanca start from just Dhs 995, Moscow from Dhs 1,495 and Zurich from Dhs 1,895. The sale extends across all of Etihad’s cabins, with return Business fares starting from AED 2,495 from Abu Dhabi to Colombo.  Travellers can even enjoy quarantine free travel on arrival into Casablanca, Geneva, Zurich and Moscow, and back into Abu Dhabi. For vaccinated residents and citizens returning to the capital from countries not on Abu Dhabi’s green list, the quarantine period has been reduced to five days.

As part of the airline’s ‘Year of the 50th’ programme, three lucky guests will win 50 times their flight fare in Etihad Credit. This can be used to pay for flights, upgrades and extras any time within two years.

That means, if a guest buys a ticket for AED 1,000 during the Summer Sale, they could win AED 50,000 to spend on flights in the future. To win, travellers need to book a flight between now and 12 May from Abu Dhabi to any destination on Etihad’s worldwide network and fly before 20 November 2021. Visit etihad.com for full terms and conditions. Flying to, from, and via Abu Dhabi is supported by the airline’s fully redesigned sanitisation and safety programme, Etihad Wellness, which ensures the highest standards of hygiene are maintained at every stage of the customer journey.