Huawei and Vodafone Turkey have launched the TechCity 2.0 Project in Istanbul. This new project enables broader co-operation between both sides, with Vodafone Turkey, a company that leads digitalization in Turkey, and Huawei both being leaders in future technologies and vertical industries.

Huawei held a conference on its newly launched HCNA-AI in Beijing where it announced that the Huawei's AI engineering certification is the first step for the Chinese multinational to build an artificial intelligence talent certification system. With the theme "Never stop learning, create the future with AI", Huawei welcomed more than 100 educators, academic experts, Huawei training partners, university professors, students and AI technology enthusiasts. This new certification designed for tech professionals aims to promote the artificial intelligence technology and industry through talent development, and it will ultimately facilitate technological progress of enterprises looking to make an impact in the digital economy.

Chinese telecommunications colossus Huawei has announced that it has signed a MoU with German city Duisburg in a collaborative effort to develop and subsequently implement a smart city strategy within the city.

A Japanese conglomerate has announced that it will make an investment of $2.25bn in US car manufacturing colossus General Motors. Telecommunications giant SoftBank will invest the capital in GM's autonomous car program in exchange for a stake in the ambitious mobility venture.

A Japanese community has introduced driverless technology as part of an initiative specifically designed to keep its elderly citizens active and 'on the move'. The rural town of Nishikata, which is located around 115KM from the capital city of Tokyo, has decided to experiment with the autonomous technology in an effort to enable its elderly population to continue participating and being active in community life.

The Mayor of London has once again reiterated his desire to make the UK capital the 'smartest' city in the world by launching a new innovative tech entrepreneur program.

Commuters have warmly welcomed the announcement made by city authorities that it will provide 4G connectivity for passengers using the London Underground from 2019 onwards. This latest program represents the latest in a series of initiatives being spearheaded by city officials, who are aiming to make London one of the world's 'smartest cities'.

Mexico has taken its first steps towards addressing its need to embrace digital transformation by launching a new tech hub in the city of Monterrey.

New Zealand's capital city Auckland has lit-up its iconic Harbour Bridge in an attempt to showcase its progressive approach towards finding smarter ways to power the city.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in cooperation with Next Future Transportation, launched the first tests of the world's first autonomous pods on the sidelines of the World Government Summit. The step is part of RTA's efforts under Dubai Future Accelerators initiatives.

The CEO of SAP, Bill McDermott has stated that the introduction and subsequent integration of Artificial Intelligence will help accelerate and achieve the ambitious national development goals and objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. In addition to this, McDermott believes AI will serve as the perfect foundation for smart city NEOM which is located in the country's Tabuk region.

Smart Dubai has announced the introduction of a global online network that aims to connect cities by facilitating and promoting the sharing of knowledge and expertise between smart city stakeholders.

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has lamented the speed at which the country's 'Smart Nation' project is currently being implemented - and conceded it wasn't moving as fast as was expected. The Prime Minister insisted that it was imperative that solutions are sought quickly in order to resolve the issues currently being encountered by those tasked with the responsibility of launching the initiative.

Singapore is set to embark on what it describes as a 'groundbreaking project' following the announcement that it will introduce two autonomous electric buses to the transportation fleet on the island by 2019.

Smart Dubai has organized a brainstorming session at its headquarters in Dubai Design District (d3) as part of its Smart Cities Hackathon. It drew representatives from 15 government entities and private companies across various sectors.

Swedish car manufacturing colossus Volvo has embarked on an innovative project centered on helping the automotive firm accelerate its plan to develop and deploy autonomous vehicles. Volvo has announced that it is launching its 'Drive Me' campaign, which focuses on the participation of Swedish families.

The oldest city in the world is set to embrace technology that will transform its services in an effort to become a 'smart city'. The city of Varanasi, which is recognized as the holiest site for those who follow Hinduism is located on the Ganges Rivers in Northern India.

The Sustainable City, the Middle East's first fully operational sustainable community, revealed the results of one year of monitoring at the city during WETEX 2017, which ran from 23rd to 25th October at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Sustainable City, a joint venture between Diamond Developers and SEE Nexus, participated at WETEX for the second consecutive year with the biggest stand at the exhibition, which took place under the theme 'At the Forefront of Sustainability'.

Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, has called upon all businesses, entities, and cities in the United Arab Emirates and the region to formally endorse and sign the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment.

A UK city has taken a progressive approach to facilitating its movement towards electric vehicle adoption by appointing an energy firm to erect electric charging infrastructure.