This research explores integrated waste management in smart cities, focusing on Msheireb Downtown Doha as a case study. The study applies circular economy principles alongside advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It aims to enhance waste management efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve resource recovery. By combining quantitative data from surveys with qualitative insights from interviews, the research finds that adopting circular economy practices, like recycling and resource recovery, significantly reduces waste generation and increases landfill diversion. Additionally, integrating smart technologies, such as IoT-enabled waste monitoring and AI-powered route optimization, improves collection efficiency by up to 25. The study faced challenges in understanding the role played by waste management systems in smart cities and bridging the gap within the current system in cities.These challenges persist, including high initial costs, limited public awareness, and resistance to technological adoption. The study highlights the importance of collaboration between governments, private companies, and citizens to overcome these barriers. It provides actionable recommendations for urban planners and policymakers, offering a scalable framework adaptable to other cities worldwide. By bridging theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, the research provides an innovative perspective on sustainable urban development. This research contributes to global discussions on smart waste management systems, demonstrating how technology and circular economy solutions can transform waste management in modern cities.

Smart Waste Management, Circular Economy, Internet of Things (IoT), Sustainable Urban Development, Msheireb Downtown Doha

This study emphasizes the pivotal role that circular economy principles and smart technologies play in enhancing waste management systems in smart cities. Key findings confirm the positive impact of practices such as recycling, resource recovery, and waste reduction in improving waste management efficiency. The integration of smart technologies—such as AI, IoT, and GIS—demonstrates clear benefits in optimizing waste collection routes, enhancing recycling rates, and reducing operational costs. However, despite these advantages, significant challenges remain, including high initial investment costs, local resistance to new technologies, and limited public awareness, which continue to pose substantial barriers to large-scale adoption. This research contributes valuable insights into how circular economy practices and smart technologies can be effectively incorporated into urban waste management systems. It highlights the essential role of collaboration between governments, private sectors, and citizens in overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful implementation. Additionally, it underscores the need for flexible solutions tailored to different urban contexts, emphasizing that the success of these technologies depends not only on technological infrastructure but also on local socio-economic conditions. Furthermore, the study stresses the importance of robust policies, public education, and financial incentives in facilitating the adoption of these technologies and practices across cities worldwide. To address these challenges, governments should introduce targeted interventions that include financial mechanisms such as subsidies, grants, or tax incentives, designed to support municipalities and businesses in adopting advanced waste management solutions. Public education campaigns are critical to addressing misconceptions and overcoming resistance to change, fostering greater acceptance of technological innovations. By offering clear communication and awareness programs, cities can bridge the gap between technological potential and public trust, ensuring broader engagement and support for smart waste solutions. Moreover, future research should explore the long-term impacts of these systems, particularly their social and economic implications. Further studies could investigate how the implementation of circular economy practices and smart technologies could create new jobs, reduce inequalities, or improve public services in waste management. Future research should also focus on adapting these systems to cities with less advanced technological infrastructure or in developing regions, providing insights into the scalability of these solutions across different contexts. Investigating the cultural and economic factors that influence the acceptance of these technologies in diverse urban environments will be crucial to adapting solutions that are effective in both developed and developing regions. In conclusion, the integration of circular economy principles and smart technologies holds immense potential to transform waste management systems in smart cities. By addressing challenges such as high initial costs, public resistance, and the need for education, these systems can significantly contribute to building more sustainable urban environments. The successful implementation of these practices promises not only environmental benefits but also economic advantages, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable urban future. Ultimately, the transition to smarter, more sustainable waste management solutions could serve as a model for cities worldwide, driving systemic change toward a circular economy.

Hassan Gbran and K. Waleed Alzamil (2025). Integrated Waste Management in Smart Cities: A Case Study of Circular Economy Solutions in Msheireb Downtown Doha. International Journal on Emerging Technologies, 16(1): 14–29.