The Global Smart City Forum, hosted by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), concluded after two days of discussions on smart city futures and infrastructure challenges.
Participants emphasized Saudi Arabia’s readiness for smart industrial zones, foreseeing substantial opportunities in manufacturing and mining. They highlighted the Kingdom’s strides in advanced air mobility, including plans for new airports.
Dr. Esam bin Abdullah Al-Wagait, Director of the National Information Center at SDAIA, stressed the forum’s significance as a beacon for sustainable and smart urban development.
He underlined the mission to create urban spaces where technology serves humanity, enhances life quality, and preserves the environment.
Al-Wagait added that SDAIA leads in smart city initiatives and assumes responsibility for activating and developing AI and data technologies within smart cities.
As part of its commitment to progress, SDAIA announced the launch of a congestion solutions center utilizing data and AI.
Moreover, discussions at the forum revolved around establishing green cities, utilizing data for efficient management, improving transportation, integrating new technologies, and ensuring top-notch city services.
The importance of smart energy solutions, innovation-driven economies, transparent governance, intelligent transportation, and prioritizing human well-being through smart healthcare and education were highlighted.
Al-Wagait emphasized leveraging daily-generated data to make informed decisions for more efficient and responsive cities, emphasizing digital empowerment and data’s role in decision-making.
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, highlighted smart cities as hubs for industrial growth and sustainable technology dissemination.
He stressed the need for smart industrial cities to enhance technology adoption in factories and mining sites.
On his part, Prince Dr. Bandar bin Abdullah bin Mishari, Assistant Minister of Interior for Technical Affairs, explained that intelligent humans are the foundation of progress, and noted Saudi Arabia’s early adoption of computing in the 1950s.
