Connected Mobility: Shaping the Future Cities of the GCC

By the middle of the 21st century, it is projected that nearly 80% of the world’s population, or just over 6 billion people, will have migrated to urban centers globally. This rapid urbanization brings inevitable challenges such as pollution, increased strain on existing resources, and overburdened city infrastructures. The GCC states acknowledge that they are not immune to the consequences of over-urbanization and have recognized that long-term sustainability lies in developing smart cities—urban areas with digitalization at their core.

Consequently, cities in the region are transforming into global innovation hubs, with substantial investments directed toward 'smartifying' existing urban centers and developing new ones. Both the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are expected to invest in smart city-related projects by 2025. These projects include the implementation of advanced technologies like ‘internet-of-things’, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics to enhance urban living, reduce environmental impact, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.

Connected vehicles: inherent benefits for cities and consumers

Connected mobility, a reference to a digital ecosystem comprising vehicles, infrastructure, and other smart devices that communicate with one another to increase efficiencies, improve safety, and lower environmental impacts, plays a crucial role in this regional transition to smart cities. This integrated approach aims to create seamless, efficient, and sustainable transportation systems that are essential for the future of urban living in the GCC.

Vehicles are at the core of this advanced mobility network. Equipped with internet access and wireless capabilities, following owners’ consent, these vehicles can share data with both internal and external devices. The applications of this technology are vast, including hands-free driving, remote commands, built-in voice assistants, advanced lane assistance, connected entertainment systems, and access to emergency advisors and preventive systems.

These features are particularly beneficial for families in the region. For example, parents with infants and young children can remotely start the car to ensure a comfortable temperature in the region’s scorching summer heat before even sitting in the car.

OnStar: a pioneer in connected mobility and testament to regional adoption

General Motors’ OnStar has set itself apart as a leader in connected mobility tech offering features like Automatic Crash Response, connection to Emergency Services, navigation, and remote diagnostics, supported by always available specially trained Advisors.

Since its launch in the region, OnStar’s data reveals a significant surge in adoption across the GCC, with a marked increase in the use of remote commands, particularly during the summer months. As of this writing, more than 32,000 thousand vehicles from Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac brands in the region are connected via OnStar, with over a million remote commands issued to date. Consumers across the GCC have also purchased significant amounts of additional mobile data for OnStar, suggesting that car owners are actively using the service and ancillary benefits, such as in vehicle Wi-Fi. Furthermore, the OnStar powered vehicle mobile app's robust engagement and retention rates highlight the deep loyalty and satisfaction among users.

These insights affirm that GCC consumers are not merely accepting connected vehicle services but are wholeheartedly embracing them. While these services undeniably offer convenience, protection and entertainment for drivers and passengers, the broader impact and long-term significance lie in their potential to transform the GCC’s digital ecosystem and drive future economic growth.

Driving toward a smarter future

The increasing prevalence of connected vehicles and services like OnStar are key to the GCC's transformation to a smarter, more resilient, and sustainable future. The UAE’s Ministry of Economy is bullish on connected mobility and the role it will play in meeting the region’s aspirations and predicts that the global mobility service market will be worth over $40 billion in 2030 – a 12-fold increase from only three years ago. As the region accelerates its ambitious goals, connected vehicles will be at the forefront of reshaping the urban landscape. Beyond offering unparalleled convenience, safety, and connectivity, these vehicles are instrumental in driving the GCC towards its vision of smarter, digitally enabled, sustainable cities.

*Luis De La Cruz, Managing Director of OnStar and Digital Services and Experiences, GM Africa and Middle East