'Smart Dubai' Initiative Receives a Boost as DAG Platform Comes On Board

A DAG blockchain platform that can operate as the IT infrastructure for smart cities has announced a partnership with the private office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum - paving the way for an operational presence in Dubai.

The Fantom Foundation says its protocol is designed to operate as the information technology infrastructure for smart cities that will make the lives of people living in urban areas easier - enhancing everything from health care and education to traffic management and environmental sustainability.

The Smart Dubai initiative was founded following the vision of Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to collaborate with the private and government sectors.

The partnership, formalized at a signing ceremony in Dubai, follows Fantom's initial trip to the city back in April.

Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of Private Office, said of Fantom: "Given their extensive experience in technology R&D and working with partners, we look forward to seeing how this will significantly benefit the Smart Dubai initiative strategy."

Ashton Hettiarachi, Fantom's head of innovation lab, was equally enthusiastic and said the company looked forward to helping Dubai "Create new economic opportunities and deliver a better user experience for UAE residents."

Fantom is available hereTackling blockchain's shortcomingsFantom says its ambition has been to create an open-source, scalable platform that paves the way for new, highly reliable infrastructure with real-time transactions and data sharing.

The team notes that blockchain-powered smart cities will require data sharing in real time across diverse use cases to provide greater efficiency while also creating new economic opportunity.

While Fantom plans to offer its foundation's expertise to smart city initiatives across the globe, it is currently focus on the UAE because of the sheer number of opportunities there are in the region, and how proactive and supporting the government is toward blockchain adoption.

The organization hopes this role will act as a bridge between governments and industry as smart city solutions are explored in further detail.