Government-led smart city strategies in the Gulf: a systematic literature review on policy frameworks, digital innovation, and sustainability, Prof. Joseph Ntayi, James Mubangizi, Dr Gideon Nkurunziza, Dr Nazarious Rukanyangira, Kenneth Byangwa

Professor Joseph M. Ntayi
Faculty of Economics, Energy and Management Sciences, Makerere University Business School
Makerere University
Kampala
Uganda
ORCID:
James Mubangizi
Faculty of Economics, Energy and Management Sciences, Makerere University Business School
Makerere University
Kampala
Uganda
ORCID: 0009-0000-3471-806X
Dr Gideon Nkurunziza
Department of Education, Makerere University Business School
Makerere University
Kampala, Uganda
ORCID:
Dr Nazarious Rukanyangira
Department of Marketing and Logistics Management
Muni University
Arua
Uganda
ORCID:
Kenneth Byangwa
Foundation for the Next Generation Learning Communities Kampala
Uganda
ORCID:

Purpose: This study presents a systematic literature review of government-led smart city strategies in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, focusing on policy frameworks, digital innovation, and sustainability.
Methodology: Using a hybrid PEO + SPIDER framework with PRISMA and SALSA guidelines, 41 peer-reviewed studies were systematically selected (December 2023-March 2024) from Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and GoogleScholar.
Findings: Although GCC countries prioritise the development of smart cities, notable gaps exist in policy consistency, inclusivity, and sustainability. These gaps are evident in the uneven progress, as manifested by discrepancies among policy convergence, technological innovations, and environmental demands. The study highlights the critical role of key policy frameworks, digital innovations, and sustainability integration practices, while also examining cross-national similarities and divergences that influence outcomes.
Originality: The study adds comparative and systematic contributions to support academia, policy, and the practice of government-led smart cities, highlighting gaps, challenges, and improvement strategies.
Keywords: Smart Cities; Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); Policy Dimensions; Digital Innovation; Sustainability Lens; Systematic Literature Review.