- Address pressing issues such as disaster preparedness, traffic and transportation safety, energy efficiency and resource management, and community security through innovative technologies.
Startups in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region are leveraging technologies such as AI and IoT to transform the outdated infrastructure and turn the region into a hub for smart city development.
“They are addressing pressing issues such as disaster preparedness, traffic and transportation safety, energy efficiency and resource management, and community security through innovative technologies,” Tejal Hartalkar, Senior Disruptive Tech Analyst at GlobalData, said.
Moroever, he said that the rising number of smart city projects is fueled by strong government backing and the need for innovative urban solutions, especially in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation and secure infrastructure.
Startups are tackling urban challenges through advanced solutions such as intelligent traffic systems, smart water management, and community crime reporting.
“These innovations optimise resource usage, enhance urban safety, and promote sustainable practices, supporting MEA cities in their transition to resilient, future-ready smart environments,” Hartalkar said.
By integrating digital solutions, he said that they [startups] enable cities to operate more efficiently, ensuring real-time data insights for better urban management.
Despite facing obstacles like cybersecurity threats, funding limitations, and challenges in scaling AI and IoT infrastructure, he added that they are finding ways to drive meaningful progress.
“From enhancing urban infrastructure to building smart grids and improving transportation systems, these innovations aim to provide scalable and adaptable solutions to the growing urbanisation needs in the region.”
Key startups offering smart solutions:
Sadeem Technology: The Saudi Arabia-based startup offers real-time flood and stormwater monitoring solutions. Its AI-powered platform integrates data from sensors to help cities manage infrastructure more efficiently and enhance disaster preparedness.
Cognitive Technologies: The UAE-based startup provides IoT-based automation solutions for community development, specialising in AI-driven cybersecurity, fraud detection, and compliance.
NoTraffic: The Israeli startup provides AI-powered traffic management systems that optimise traffic flow in real-time. Its platform integrates with the existing traffic signals and uses AI to prioritize emergency vehicles and manage congestion, contributing to smoother city transportation systems.
Hazen.ai: The Saudi Arabia-based startup offers AI and computer vision solutions for traffic enforcement and management, focusing on the real-time detection of dangerous driving behaviors to reduce accidents.
Sensgreen: The UAE-based startup offers an IoT-enabled platform for smart building management, optimizing indoor environments to reduce energy consumption and improve air quality.
AION Innovations: The Egyptian startup offers IoT systems and sensor technologies to automate and control home appliances based on schedules, weather conditions and location.
Brightmerge: The Israeli startup provides an AI-based platform to optimise renewable energy microgrids. Its solutions offer real-time data analytics, facilitating efficient energy management and the integration of renewable sources.
Hydrologistics Africa: The South African startup offers smart water management solutions for real-time monitoring of water flow, quality, and distribution through IoT devices.