Global Scans · Cities · Weekly Summary

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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] Hamburg, one of the largest port cities in Europe, will remain an important logistics and trade center, which will ensure stable demand for real estate. Centrarium
• [New] Berlin, the capital of Germany, will retain its status as one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in Europe. Centrarium
• [New] Uber plans to deploy Stellantis autonomous vehicles in select cities worldwide, starting with 5,000 units, with initial operations beginning in the United States. Robotics & Automation News
• [New] In 2026, London is set to become the first city in Europe to allow driverless taxis on to its streets. Law Gazette
• [New] Uber chose San Francisco to launch a premium robotaxi using Lucid Motors' Gravity electric vehicles, equipped with autonomous technology from Nuro, planned for 2026 - a move that puts Uber in direct competition with Waymo in some cities. #
• [New] Uber will initially deploy 5,000 Stellantis-built autonomous vehicles, starting operations in select U.S. cities before expanding globally. MoparInsiders
• [New] Waymo last week said it plans to launch its fully driverless ride-hailing service in London in 2026, looking to expand its footprint to major international cities. Insurance Journal
• [New] Stellantis will partner with Pony AI to gradually roll out robotaxi services in certain European cities in 2026, beginning with testing in Luxembourg in the coming months. JD Supra
• [New] A Vision for 2025 Cities that embrace innovation, collaboration, and sustainability will emerge as leaders in the global urban transformation. BAE Ventures - Venture Capital
• [New] By 2050, water scientists estimate, around 240 cities worldwide will be short of water, including at least 10-20 megacities (with populations over 10m). Pearls and Irritations
• [New] At an event in New York City, GM said it plans to bring eyes-off autonomous driving to its current Super Cruise hands-free assisted-driving software, which GM said offers enhanced convenience and safety. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Going into 2026, policy frameworks - from city greening mandates to international climate agreements - will require increased reporting, traceability, and measurable improvement in biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and resilient land use. Farmonaut
• [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

Last updated: 08 November 2025