Today, we are witnessing the launch of initiatives and programs that contribute to a promising digital and technological future for the Kingdom, and we are all eager to work and collaborate toward the transition to smart cities for a better tomorrow.
“Digital Cities” and ”Eco-Cities” – “Smart Cities“
These are different terms for digital transformation in cities, all of which look toward the future on both the economic and social fronts, and their ultimate goal is to provide a digital environment that is environmentally friendly and fosters learning and creativity.
For any city to be considered "smart," it must prioritize people above all else and meet the needs of current and future generations in economic, social, environmental, and cultural terms.
Smart Cities and Technology Infrastructure
Smart cities rely primarily on information and communications technology infrastructure, and can be either new cities designed and built with smart features from the outset, or traditional cities that have been gradually developed and transformed into fully smart cities.
They are based on six elements
It is worth noting that these cities are based on six elements: the smart economy, smart people who represent human capital, smart transportation based on modern technology, a smart environment, and a lifestyle that prioritizes health and personal safety while providing access to educational facilities, housing, and strong social cohesion.
3 Key Features
Although the priorities and objectives of smart cities vary, they all share three key features: information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, carefully planned integrated real estate development, and smart users.
The Role of Real Estate Development
Here, I highlight the role of real estate development in this transformation by providing a sustainable environment that promotes well-being and health, while taking into account advancements in Internet of Things (IoT) technology and artificial intelligence, and contributing to improved quality of life—such as advancing electricity grid management, utilizing solar panels, and planning road networks to optimize traffic flow using data from modern applications.
Reserving parking spaces via smartphones
This role goes beyond economic and social services, extending to innovations that allow citizens to reserve parking spaces via smartphones, as information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure is a prerequisite for successful real estate development.
In Saudi Arabia, more than one city has been included in the plan to transform into sustainable cities that use information and communications technology to improve quality of life, the efficiency of urban operations and services, and competitiveness, relying on real estate development as the foundation upon which urban development plans are based.
