In the dynamic landscape of urbanization, Smart Cities emerge as a transformative approach to city development. By leveraging technology, they aim to improve citizens’ lives and streamline urban operations. This chapter offers an exploration of AI-powered surveillance for smart cities, delving into foundational concepts, and the pivotal role of computer vision techniques in shaping urban environments. While navigating through the context of urban development, it contrasts traditional approaches with the innovative integration of cutting-edge technologies for surveillance. The chapter focuses on the evolution of surveillance methods, from basic to advanced smart systems, and how these systems can aid in public safety, urban planning, and crisis management in the context of smart cities. Various uses of smart surveillance in traffic management and law enforcement are discussed, highlighting challenges such as privacy and biases and emphasizing the need for ethical guidelines. Cutting-edge technologies like facial recognition and person re-identification systems are analyzed, along with acknowledging the challenges they present. The exploration extends to complex systems like multi-camera person tracking and drone-based surveillance, which can enhance city awareness and the efficiency of surveillance. Finally, it looks ahead to a future of data-driven decision-making and citizen-focused services in smart cities, aiming to drive innovation and sustainable urban development.