Saudi Arabia is preparing to host its first Global Smart City Forum, a significant event poised to transform urban development through smart technology. Scheduled to take place at the Riyadh Arena, the forum will span two days and operate under the banner “A Better Life”. It aims to bring together around 80 speakers from 40 different countries, focusing on the development of cities through innovative solutions. This initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to achieving sustainable urban development, aligning with the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 objective of enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
Vision for future cities
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) spearheads the forum, reflecting the kingdom’s strategic direction towards becoming a leading data and AI-driven economy. Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the forum is set to outline an ambitious future for urban environments. It seeks to draw basic principles that bolster city development plans, aiming for sustainable growth that harmonizes with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The forum’s agenda is meticulously designed to address the challenges of urban infrastructure and population growth, offering a platform for discussing innovative solutions. It targets a diverse audience, including senior officials, international experts, investors, and policy makers, facilitating a rich exchange of ideas and best practices in the realm of smart cities.
A platform for innovation and sustainability
The event will explore various facets of smart city development, including digital services that enhance citizen well-being, safety, and economic prosperity. By focusing on creating safe, sustainable environments that integrate modern life elements, the forum intends to foster investment in smart innovations. These innovations are critical for achieving a balance between human needs and economic growth, supporting job creation, education, healthcare, and transportation improvements.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from the latest technical developments and applications in the Kingdom, as well as from international experiences. The forum aims to align these insights with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030, ensuring a comprehensive approach to smart city development.
Building a Global Smart City Network
The Global Smart City Forum aspires to establish a worldwide platform for smart city and AI experts, centered in Riyadh. This platform will facilitate discussions on crucial topics related to the future of urban living, focusing on building green cities governed by data, fostering innovation, and eliminating visual pollution and road congestion. Through dialogue sessions and workshops, the event will support global government efforts to adopt smart solutions that enhance public services, safety, and environmental sustainability.
SDAIA’s initiative is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach in embracing the potential of data and AI for urban development. By putting humans at the center of development strategies, the forum underscores the kingdom’s dedication to creating cities that not only meet the demands of their inhabitants but also thrive economically and environmentally.
The Global Smart City Forum represents a pivotal step for Saudi Arabia in its journey towards becoming a leader in smart city innovation and sustainable urban development. By gathering experts from around the world, the event aims to catalyze the transformation of urban environments into more livable, efficient, and sustainable spaces, in line with global goals and national ambitions.
