Big data plays a crucial role in the development of smart cities by enabling the collection, analysis, and utilization of vast amounts of data from various sources. The integration of big data with the Internet of Things (IoT) allows for the seamless connection of sensors, radio-frequency identification, and Bluetooth devices in real-world environments, facilitating the creation of smart environments. This paper explores the existing communication technologies and smart-based applications within the context of smart cities, discussing how big data can fundamentally change urban populations at different levels. A future business model for managing big data in smart cities is proposed, along with the identification of business and technological research challenges. The study serves as a benchmark for researchers and industries in the context of big data for future smart city development. The paper outlines the role of big data in smart cities, focusing on its potential to enhance urban living standards and sustainability. It discusses the key technologies involved, including IoT, cloud computing, and various wireless communication technologies such as RFID, WSN, WiFi, Ultra-Wideband, ZigBee, and Bluetooth. The paper also examines the applications of big data in smart cities, such as smart grids, smart healthcare, smart transportation, and smart governance. These applications demonstrate how big data can improve decision-making, optimize resource usage, and enhance the quality of life for urban residents. The paper also addresses the challenges associated with the adoption of big data in smart cities, including business and technological challenges. These challenges include the need for effective data storage and processing, ensuring data privacy and security, and the integration of various technologies to support smart city initiatives. The paper concludes with a discussion of future research directions, emphasizing the importance of addressing these challenges to fully realize the potential of big data in smart cities.Big data plays a crucial role in the development of smart cities by enabling the collection, analysis, and utilization of vast amounts of data from various sources. The integration of big data with the Internet of Things (IoT) allows for the seamless connection of sensors, radio-frequency identification, and Bluetooth devices in real-world environments, facilitating the creation of smart environments. This paper explores the existing communication technologies and smart-based applications within the context of smart cities, discussing how big data can fundamentally change urban populations at different levels. A future business model for managing big data in smart cities is proposed, along with the identification of business and technological research challenges. The study serves as a benchmark for researchers and industries in the context of big data for future smart city development. The paper outlines the role of big data in smart cities, focusing on its potential to enhance urban living standards and sustainability. It discusses the key technologies involved, including IoT, cloud computing, and various wireless communication technologies such as RFID, WSN, WiFi, Ultra-Wideband, ZigBee, and Bluetooth. The paper also examines the applications of big data in smart cities, such as smart grids, smart healthcare, smart transportation, and smart governance. These applications demonstrate how big data can improve decision-making, optimize resource usage, and enhance the quality of life for urban residents. The paper also addresses the challenges associated with the adoption of big data in smart cities, including business and technological challenges. These challenges include the need for effective data storage and processing, ensuring data privacy and security, and the integration of various technologies to support smart city initiatives. The paper concludes with a discussion of future research directions, emphasizing the importance of addressing these challenges to fully realize the potential of big data in smart cities.