The city of Riyadh is rapidly moving toward cementing its position as one of the region’s leading smart cities, based on the digital transformation strategy launched by the Riyadh Municipality with the aim of leveraging modern technologies and artificial intelligence to develop the municipal sector, improve quality of life, and enhance the efficiency of services provided to residents and visitors.
The Digital Transformation Strategy of the Municipality the cornerstone for launching a series of smart initiatives aimed at building a more efficient and sustainable city by adopting emerging technologies and promoting innovation across various service and operational sectors, to help achieve tangible results in improving operational performance, developing oversight mechanisms, and enhancing the quality of municipal services, while continuing to innovate new solutions that support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Smart Neighborhood Monitoring
As part of efforts to strengthen field monitoring, the Municipality launched the «Smart Neighborhood Monitoring» project," which relies on artificial intelligence and deep learning technologies to process images and data captured by cameras mounted on field vehicles, enabling the early detection of visual irregularities and allowing for proactive action. This system also works to create a continuously updated database that reflects the city’s actual condition and supports decision-making.
Automated Detection of Malfunctions and Violations
Smart monitoring applications have been extended to include public parks, where digital systems capable of automatically detecting malfunctions and violations have been developed, with the ability to predict problems before they occur, which helps improve operational and maintenance efficiency and reduce reliance on direct human intervention.
Wireless Water Monitoring Sensors
On the infrastructure front, the Secretariat implemented a smart monitoring project for stormwater and flood drainage networks by installing wireless sensors at critical locations to monitor water levels and send immediate alerts in the event of blockages or accumulations that could affect network efficiency, This data is displayed via a smart platform that provides real-time information to facilitate rapid response and the implementation of appropriate measures.
Integrated Waste Management
The Secretariat has also paid special attention to the sanitation sector, by launching a smart management system for sanitation operations that relies on Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to track trucks and smart containers and manage the waste cycle comprehensively, from collection through safe disposal. This system helps improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and achieve environmental sustainability goals.
Drones to Monitor Visual Disturbances
Among the most notable technological initiatives being implemented in the capital is the use of drones and artificial intelligence technologies to monitor visual disturbances and urban encroachments. This technology provides high-resolution aerial imagery with a resolution of up to five centimeters, enabling the creation of detailed maps and the comparison of actual conditions with approved plans to detect urban violations and deviations accurately and quickly.
Solar-Powered Smart Parks
As part of its efforts to develop public facilities, the Secretariat is working to implement the concept of »smart parks" by equipping them with smart trash bins fitted with sensors to measure waste levels, solar-powered benches that provide wireless charging services, as well as cameras and smart lighting systems that enhance security and reduce energy consumption.
Air Quality Monitoring Stations
On the environmental front, the Municipality launched an environmental monitoring project that relies on smart stations and vehicles to measure air quality indicators, temperature, humidity, and pollution levels, with the aim of providing accurate data to help relevant authorities take preventive measures and improve the urban environment.
Smart Parking Project
The Smart Parking Project is also one of the most prominent applications of digital transformation in Riyadh, providing advanced solutions for managing parking through electronic payments, real-time data analysis, and guiding drivers to available spots, which helps reduce congestion and improve the in-city mobility experience.
The »Madinaty« Digital Platform
These initiatives are part of a broader digital transformation ecosystem that includes the »My City," which relies on generative AI technologies for urban operations management, alongside a digital map of building codes and land use, and an open data platform that provides citizens and investors with transparent access to municipal information.
Command and Control Center
This digital ecosystem is reinforced by the Command and Control Center, which serves as the operational brain of the smart city, connecting various municipal systems and services through a unified, cloud-based central platform, which helps standardize data and improve the efficiency of public facilities and services management.
These projects reflect the scale of the transformation the Saudi capital is undergoing toward an integrated smart city model, which relies on data and modern technologies to manage resources and services, thereby enhancing quality of life, increasing spending efficiency, and making Riyadh better prepared to keep pace with rapid population and urban growth in the coming years.
The 15-Minute Initiative
involves identifying all services accessible within a 15-minute walk or drive from the user’s location, including:
3,000 bus and train stops.
33,000 daily services.
670 healthcare services.
1,300 parks and clubs.
5,500 mosques and schools.
