[SCEWC2024] How AI and smart technologies are reshaping Saudi’s urban future

Saudi Arabia’s efforts to build next-generation smart cities were spotlighted at the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) on Nov. 6. Dr. Esam Alwagait, Director of the National Information Centre under the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), discussed the country’s ongoing digital transformation and its alignment with Vision 2030, a strategic initiative launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016 to modernize the Kingdom through technology and data.

Central to this transformation are platforms like “Tawakkalna,” which began as a COVID-19 management app and has evolved into a digital portal serving over 30 million users and more than 315 government services. The “Smart C” platform, the DEEM government cloud, and the Estishraf analytics tool are also key components of the Kingdom’s push to improve urban services for both residents and visitors.

“Emerging technologies are reshaping our cities. It’s not just about infrastructure, but about creating cities that are adaptive, proactive, and efficient in addressing challenges,” Dr. Alwagait said. “Technology is integral to urban development, and Saudi Arabia is leveraging it to modernize its urban environments as part of Vision 2030.”

A demo of Smart C at the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) booth at the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) at Fira de Barcelona's Gran Via venue./Park Su-hyeon

The Smart C platform, for example, has helped reduce traffic-related fatalities by 50% through advanced traffic management systems. The DEEM cloud platform has enabled digital transformation for over 250 government entities, resulting in energy savings of 64 megawatts and a reduction of 608 kilotons of carbon emissions. Additionally, the National Data Bank (NDB) facilitates data sharing between the public and private sectors through 370 integrated systems and 420 APIs. The Estishraf platform, which uses artificial intelligence to address urban challenges, has saved the Kingdom approximately $13.6 million in operational efficiencies.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, is ranked among the world’s top 25 smart cities on the IMD Smart Cities Index. The city’s Smart Riyadh Operations Center (Smart ROC), an AI-powered facility, has reduced congestion by 36% during large events. Additionally, the NEOM project, which aims to build a sustainable, carbon-neutral city, is using digital twins and AI technology to prepare for future needs.

Dr. Esam Alwagait, director of the National Information Centre under the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), delivers a keynote speech at the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) on Nov. 6, 2024, at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue./Park Su-hyeon

Saudi Arabia’s smart city ambitions are further supported by global partnerships. South Korea’s Hyundai Motor and LG CNS are contributing autonomous driving technology and digital twins to enhance mobility and urban management. U.S.-based Google and Microsoft provide cloud infrastructure and data management systems to support real-time city operations.

Chinese companies Huawei and Alibaba are involved in IoT-based urban management and smart healthcare solutions. French firms Schneider Electric and TotalEnergies are helping implement sustainable energy solutions and smart building technologies.

In transport, Germany’s Siemens is providing autonomous trains, electrification systems, and signaling for the Riyadh Metro project, aiding the Kingdom’s efforts to modernize its transport infrastructure and reduce carbon emissions. Toyota, from Japan, is contributing hydrogen-powered electric and autonomous vehicles to the NEOM project.

Spain’s Acciona is supporting Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure through the construction of solar power plants and sustainable building projects, helping the Kingdom achieve its goals for sustainable urban development.

Dr. Alwagait concluded, “Our vision for Saudi cities goes beyond technological advancements. We are aligning our efforts with international sustainability goals, focusing on resilience and quality of life. We invite global collaboration to help build cities that are prepared for the future.”