Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Arabia aspires to transform 10 cities into smart ones to be ranked among the global 50 smart cities by 2030, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Majed Al Hogail stated during his speech at the Global Smart City Forum 2024.
He added the ministry developed municipal centers in several cities, in alignment with Vision 2030’s goal to establish environmental and operational systems that enhance the quality of life and foster innovation.
Al Hogail clarified that the Kingdom adopted a smart waste management solution based on emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), to transform cities into vibrant hubs for sustainable development and technology.
He added that the smart waste management solution contributed to reducing waste in Jeddah by 25%.
On the other side, Faisal Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh Region, stated that the capital has advanced 25 places in the IMD Smart City Index (SCI) since 2019.
In a panel discussion titled "Driving Innovation and Sustainable Progress: Smart City Use Cases Transforming Riyadh's Urban Landscape," Ayyaf affirmed that Riyadh is set to astonish the world with its extensive projects across various sectors.
The Global Smart City Forum 2024 takes place from 12 to 13 February, gathering policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and students to explore opportunities in business sectors, including smart governance, transportation, energy, economy, environment, healthcare, and education.