The first phase of the Smart Cities project, which focuses on studying the components and establishing the foundations, policies, and frameworks, has reached its final stages.

This was clarified by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Sheikh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs for Urban Planning, who noted that the second phase of the project—the actual implementation in 20 cities as a first stage— will be launched so that these cities can be called “smart cities” by providing the infrastructure and components of smart cities within them.

He noted that Saudi cities are experiencing rapid growth, with approximately 80% of the population currently living in cities, which has led to challenges, problems, and pressures on facilities, services, and transportation. He noted that these challenges require initiatives and solutions that contribute to reducing and resolving these issues.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs has adopted the “Study of Smart City Components,” which aims to achieve a high degree of sustainable urbanization, implement smart and pioneering infrastructure and public utility projects, and create self-sufficient urban environments with a high quality of life.

The components of smart cities include transportation systems, traffic lights, security and safety services, parks, and pedestrian walkways equipped with smart communication devices, smart networks for rainwater drainage and flood prevention, the use of smart street and road lighting to conserve energy, and waste recycling monitoring systems.