What Will Cities Look Like in 2035? The Future of Smart Urban Life – Egis

Urban Transformation in the Middle East and Africa: A 15-Year Outlook Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

1. Smart Mobility and Resilient Infrastructure

Over the next 10 to 15 years, urban mobility in the Middle East and Africa is projected to undergo a significant transformation, directly addressing several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This evolution will be characterized by the integration of advanced, sustainable transportation systems into AI-driven multimodal networks.

• Sustainable Transport Systems (SDG 11.2): The deployment of autonomous shuttles, electrified public transit, and hydrogen-powered vehicles will provide safer, more accessible, and environmentally friendly transportation options for all residents.
• Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9): The development of these sophisticated networks, including Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) urban air taxis, represents a leap in building resilient and innovative infrastructure.
• Climate Action (SDG 13): A large-scale shift to electric and hydrogen-powered mobility solutions will be crucial in reducing the carbon footprint of urban centers and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Predictive algorithms will manage these networks, optimizing routes in real-time to reduce congestion and seamlessly connect neighborhoods and regional corridors, fostering a personalized and efficient commuting experience.

2. Sustainable Urban Design and Environmental Management

Future urban design will prioritize sustainability and climate resilience, creating livable environments that support community well-being and environmental health.

1. Inclusive and Sustainable Cities (SDG 11): The full implementation of “15-minute city” principles will ensure residents can access essential services such as work, education, healthcare, and retail without relying on private vehicles. This approach promotes inclusive urbanization (SDG 11.3) and universal access to green public spaces (SDG 11.7).
2. Climate Adaptation (SDG 13): Widespread use of green infrastructure, including temperature-regulating street canopies, tree-lined corridors, and green rooftops, will be critical for mitigating urban heat island effects and adapting to a changing climate.
3. Resource Management (SDG 6, SDG 7): Integrated sensor networks will continuously monitor and manage key resources. This technology will enable real-time adjustments to water irrigation, public lighting, and building ventilation, optimizing consumption and contributing to goals for Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) and Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7).

3. Governance and Efficient Public Services

The efficiency and responsiveness of public services and governance structures are expected to improve dramatically through digitalization and data-driven decision-making.

• Integrated Service Delivery (SDG 11): Essential services like waste collection, water distribution, and energy management will be coordinated through unified digital platforms. These systems will anticipate demand, prevent disruptions, and enable rapid responses, making cities more resilient and sustainable.
• Effective and Accountable Institutions (SDG 16): The use of “digital twins” will revolutionize urban planning and governance. These virtual models will allow authorities to simulate infrastructure projects, assess environmental impacts, and test policy changes before implementation, fostering anticipatory and evidence-based governance.
• Citizen Engagement: Residents will interact with public services through intuitive digital interfaces such as apps and kiosks, promoting greater transparency and participation in local governance.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The article discusses optimizing energy consumption through real-time monitoring and adjustment of lighting and ventilation, which directly relates to energy efficiency.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The text heavily focuses on technological innovation and infrastructure development, including AI-driven transportation networks, digital twins for simulating infrastructure projects, and integrated platforms for public services.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: This is the most prominent SDG in the article. It covers sustainable transport, inclusive urban planning (15-minute cities), reducing the environmental impact of cities (monitoring air quality, waste management), and providing access to green public spaces.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: The article addresses climate adaptation and mitigation by mentioning strategies to mitigate urban heat islands through green rooftops and tree-lined corridors.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. The article implies this target through its description of sensor networks that “adjust irrigation, lighting and ventilation in real time to optimize… energy consumption.”
2. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being. This is addressed by the vision of “AI-driven multimodal transportation networks” and “integrated platforms” for coordinating public services like water and energy.
3. Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all. The article directly supports this with its vision of a future where “autonomous shuttles, electrified transit, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and… urban air taxis” create a “seamless and personalized” commuting experience.
4. Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for… integrated and sustainable human settlement planning. The concept of “15-minute city principles” where residents can access all essential services without private vehicles is a direct example of this target. The use of “digital twins that simulate infrastructure projects” also points to enhanced planning capacity.
5. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. This is reflected in the mention of “sensor networks continuously monitor air, water, and energy flows” and the coordination of “waste collection” through integrated platforms.
6. Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces. The article describes “tree-lined corridors and green rooftops” and neighborhoods where residents have access to “green spaces” as part of the 15-minute city concept.
7. Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. The article’s focus on using “canopies that regulate temperature” and “green rooftops” to “mitigate urban heat islands” is a direct strategy for adapting to the impacts of climate change.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Implied Indicator for Target 7.3: The level of energy efficiency improvement in urban infrastructure, measured by data from sensor networks monitoring energy consumption in buildings and public systems.
• Implied Indicator for Target 9.1: The degree of integration and operational efficiency of multimodal transportation networks and public service platforms.
• Implied Indicator for Target 11.2: The proportion of the population with access to an integrated, multimodal public transport system. The reduction in reliance on private vehicles, as suggested by the 15-minute city concept, could also serve as a key indicator.
• Mentioned Indicator for Target 11.6: The article explicitly mentions “sensor networks continuously monitor air, water, and energy flows.” This points directly to indicators such as real-time air quality data (e.g., levels of particulate matter) and the efficiency of waste collection and water distribution systems.
• Implied Indicator for Target 11.7: The percentage of urban land area dedicated to green spaces, including green rooftops, tree-lined corridors, and public parks.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: egis-group.com