This chapter adopts a conceptual approach to examine how Dubai’s smart-city agenda uses urban technologies to address challenges of equity, sustainability, and governance. It draws on theories of social innovation and sociotechnical transitions to frame the analysis. The focus is on the Smart Dubai initiative, which aims to build the “world’s smartest and happiest city.” Rather than emphasising devices and hardware platforms, the chapter highlights shifting relationships between the public sector, the private sector and society. The analysis examines smart mobility, sustainable urban planning, and data-driven governance. It draws on policy documents, usage data, and case studies to trace how IoT sensors and digital platforms lead to outcomes such as reduced commute times, lower carbon emissions, and higher resident satisfaction. Using a Theory of Change framework and a simplified Social Return on Investment model, the chapter reveals uneven social benefits across different groups. Looking ahead, foresight scenarios identify emerging technologies such as 6G, quantum-secure blockchains, and adaptive regulation as key turning points. The findings suggest that technology delivers public value only when embedded in inclusive and reflexive institutions.