Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, DEWA, has participated in a panel discussion under the theme, ‘Knowledge...and Future Cities,’ during the 3rd Knowledge Summit, 2016.

DEWA is a main sponsor of the summit. The panel included Dr. Aisha bin Bishr, Director-General of the Smart Dubai Office, Vivek Wadhwa, Academic, Researcher, Writer and Entrepreneur, Bibop G. Gresta, Chairman and Co-Founder of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, and Dirk Ahlborn, CEO of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies.

During a session held at the summit, Al Tayer spoke about the components, challenges, and pros of Future Cities.

Al Tayer also highlighted the efforts of Dubai Government to predict the future, in addition to discussing the Smart Dubai initiative, smart cities, and the progress of knowledge in technology.

Al Tayer said, "The UAE’s wise leadership has a vision to predict the future, and to make the UAE the smartest and most sustainable country in the world, which falls in line with the UAE Vision 2021. We strive to achieve the vision of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the National Innovation Strategy and the Dubai Innovation Strategy to transform Dubai into a smart, innovative, integrated, connected and sustainable city."

"According to the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a smart city is one that enables the management of all its facilities and services using integrated and connected electronic systems. Technology is a key element for transforming cities into smart ones. Used effectively and efficiently, technological innovation promotes a happy lifestyle for UAE citizens and residents. A smart city becomes the best place to live and work, attracts investments, and is a tourist destination," he added.

The Knowledge Summit is the most important knowledge event in the region, and is organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, under the patronage of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation.

The summit is taking place in Dubai from 5th to 7th December.