Global Scans · Cities · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Smart cities are the talk of the town right now and so they should be to cope when over 60% of us will live in cities by 2030. E-bikes, Driverless- connected vehicles, buildings that talk to each other will help but many cities are susceptible to climate change and pandemics. Explore the issues faced by cities and the new ideas that will change the way urban dwellers live in the 21st century.

• [New] Cities are expected to see their populations grow by billions in the coming decades, and the need for new housing and infrastructure is becoming urgent. cachempo.org
• [New] With more than two-thirds of the world's population expected to live in cities by 2050, the importance of balancing development with the preservation of green spaces has never been more pressing. cachempo.org
• [New] Asia-Pacific leads with 36% share as AI-driven automation, sensor innovation, and sustainable smart city growth accelerate a 26.02% CAGR through 2032. The National Law Review
• [New] The Duqm Economic Forum 2025 underscores Oman's strategic pivot towards sustainable development and technology-driven growth, presenting robust opportunities in tourism, green manufacturing, and smart cities powered by AI. OMANET | Navigate Oman's Market
• [New] Tesla plans to launch a robotaxi service across multiple U.S. cities by 2025, leveraging its Model Y vehicles initially and eventually deploying the Cybercab, a radical new concept without traditional driving controls, slated for production in 2026. OpenTools
• [New] A new AI Hub data center in HCL located in Gomti Nagar and Starlink project will increase the property value of Sultanpur, Sushant Golf City and Alambagh. / India Trade Brains
• [New] The world will look to the Middle East as the place where leadership evolved from managing cities to shaping a new kind of civilization built on inclusion, purpose, and trust. ArabNews
• [New] The launch of RTFF & SDSS marks a transformative step in India's urban disaster preparedness, enhancing Chennai's ability to predict floods, minimize losses, and support data-driven urban planning, setting a benchmark for other Indian cities in climate resilience and smart infrastructure. Guidely
• [New] The European Commission's mobility strategy calls for large-scale autonomous integration by 2030, while cities such as Hamburg, Gothenburg, and Paris have established dedicated smart-driving corridors. ThinkChina - Big Reads, Opinions & Columns on China
• [New] As Amtrak cuts down on trips due to East River Tunnel repairs, the Metro-North Railroad will run its first-ever trains between Albany and New York City starting in the spring of 2026. Center for Economic Growth
• [New] Europe alone could see over 30 million autonomous vehicles on the road by 2040, with cities like London, Paris, and Berlin leading adoption. Carbon Credits
• [New] Etihad Rail's passenger service community will join 11 key cities and areas, forming the spine of the UAE's future transport infrastructure. GCC Railway
• [New] London will become the second city outside the U.S. in Waymo's international expansion, with testing in Tokyo having begun in April. Fortune
• [New] The strategic planting and management of oak trees in city plans highlights their growing importance for sustainable urban design in 2026. Farmonaut
• Within the Dubai Pavilion, Digital Dubai will highlight a portfolio of transformative initiatives and projects powered by advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, reaffirming Dubai's position as a global digital capital and a model for future-ready cities. Default
• Bristol City Council has a vision of creating a well-connected city that enables people to move around efficiently with increased transport options that are accessible and inclusive, while also helping achieve net zero by 2030. Mobility Hubs 2025
• The German city of Heilbronn has been named as European Green Capital 2027. Green Traveller
• While the Full Self-Driving system offered in its customer cars has not yet achieved full autonomy, company-owned Robotaxis are operating in pilot projects in Austin and the San Francisco Bay area and will roll out more cities before the end of the year. American Cars And Racing
• Cities account for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions and over 65% of energy use, making urban action decisive for Europe's climate goals - from cutting emissions by 55% by 2030 to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Research and Innovation
• The EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, one of the five EU Missions under Horizon Europe, has exceeded its objective of supporting 100 cities in their plans to become climate neutral by 2030. Research and Innovation
• Climate change and human activities are driving the surge, which poses a serious threat of flooding for major cities around the world. Euronews

Last updated: 01 November 2025