Urban Digital Twins for Inclusive Sustainable Cities

Abstract

Urban digital twins (UDTs) are dynamic virtual replicas of physical cities, continuously synchronized with real-time data from IoT sensors, AI algorithms, cloud computing, and satellite remote sensing. These systems enable predictive modeling, resource optimization, and equitable decision-making across diverse economic contexts – from affluent hubs like Singapore to developing regions such as Ghana and Iran. We explores their role in fostering inclusive urban development, with particular attention to vulnerable populations, including low-income residents and individuals with cognitive impairments. Applications span traffic management, energy efficiency, disaster response, and partici– patory planning. Key challenges – affordability, data interoperability, and digital divides – are addressed through low-cost AI tools, semantic frameworks, open satellite platforms like Copernicus, and synthetic data for scenario simulation. UDTs help bridge socioeconomic gaps and build resilient, inclusive cities. The global digital twin market is projected to grow from $24.97 billion in 2024 to $155.84 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 34.2 %