The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) unveiled a three-year partnership with FIRA Barcelona at the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) in Barcelona. This alliance lays the groundwork for the Riyadh-hosted Smart Cities Forum scheduled for early 2024.
The Riyadh Smart Cities Forum aims to gather national, regional, and global thought leaders to drive discussions on people-centric, smart, and sustainable cities in Saudi Arabia. This platform will showcase the Kingdom’s latest innovations and foster global dialogues with key stakeholders.
Saudi Arabia’s role in smart city evolution
Dr. Esam Alwagait, Director of the National Information Centre at SDAIA, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s pioneering role in the global smart city discourse. Emphasising a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Saudi Arabia is setting new benchmarks for urban development with a focus on the well-being and needs of its citizens.
During the SCEWC, SDAIA engages in meaningful discussions with representatives from prominent city and digital governance bodies. Interactions include exchanges with global leaders such as Yo Sik Kang and Shri M.B. Rajesh. Strategic meetings with organisations like the World Economic Forum, UCLG, Resilient Cities, and others underscore Saudi Arabia’s robust presence in the smart and sustainable urban development sector.
SDAIA’s presence at the SCEWC extends to showcasing innovative smart city projects like Smart C, Tawakkalna, and Sawaher, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a frontrunner in shaping the future of urban spaces.
